Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is the ultimate comfort food makeover. It’s creamy, flavorful, and guilt-free. If you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your meals, this dish is a delicious win all around. This dish delivers all the creamy, buttery, and cheesy goodness you crave.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Cauliflower Mash
- Low-carb friendly: Perfect for anyone watching their carbs or sugar intake.
- Rich and creamy: Thanks to cheese and butter, it tastes indulgent.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples and one head of cauliflower.
- Quick to make: Ready in about 35 minutes!
Tips for Perfect Mashed Cauliflower
- Drain well: Excess water will make your mash runny. Let cauliflower sit in a colander for a few minutes before blending or mashing.
- Use a blender for creaminess: A food processor or immersion blender gives the smoothest texture.
- Experiment with flavors: Try mixing in roasted garlic, Parmesan, or fresh herbs.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare this dish a day in advance—just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Ideas
Frozen cauliflower works well. Just steam it until soft and drain thoroughly before blending.
Use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and dairy-free cheese.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
If your mash turns out runny, stir in more cheese or a bit of cream cheese while reheating, or let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
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Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter divided
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- salt/pepper – to taste
- 1 cup cheddar shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F | 200 C.
- Heat a skillet on medium heat, add 2 tablespoons butter with the sliced onion. When butter is melted, stir and reduce to low heat. Cook for 2 minutes then add garlic cloves and thyme sprigs. Cook for 8 minutes by stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside when softened.
- While the onions are cooking, bring a large pot to boil with salted water. Add cauliflower and cook until tender. It will take about 15 minutes depending on the size of the florets. Remove and drain. Mash or blend cauliflower.
- In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons butter, cayenne pepper and parmesan cheese. Season to taste salt and pepper. Transfer mashed cauliflower in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar on top. Bake in the oven until the cheese melts and is nicely browned. About 10 minutes.
- Remove and add caramelized onion with garlic and thyme on top.
Nutrition
Welcome!
Nicole Harris is the recipe creator behind WonkyWonderful, sharing fast, budget-friendly meals for busy families. Since 2012 she’s been developing 30-minute dinners, kid-approved favorites, and holiday dishes with flair - all with real ingredients and no fuss. She grew up stretching simple pantry staples into something delicious, and that shows up in every recipe: easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Read more...
