Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower Recipe - a tasty twist on an everyday side dish! This tasty alternative to traditional whipped potatoes updates the flavor. The cheese makes them extra savory and the sour cream adds a great tang.
Perfect alongside turkey or beef, this is an easy side to make in advance.
And of course you'll need gravy! Learn how to make gravy from scratch here!
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Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes and turkey dinner go hand-in-hand! Can you imagine serving a big holiday meal without?
Nope, me either! It's just a necessity. I also can't imagine a holiday meal without candied sweet potatoes or green bean casserole, but I do live for food! 😋
Now I make it because I love the flavor. I prefer it over straight potatoes. The sour cream; gives it tang and the cheese, salty goodness. If you've never tried this before, now's the time to start!
Ingredients
- cauliflower
- russet potatoes
- sour cream
- cream
- Parmesan cheese
- butter
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Remove the core from the cauliflower and cut it into large florets.
- Peel and dice the potatoes. They are more dense than cauliflower, cutting them into a dice smaller in size than the cauliflower will ensure both cook evenly and be done at the same time.
- Combine cauliflower & potatoes in a large pot & cover with cold water - add a heaping tablespoon of salt.
- Bring water to a boil, reduce to simmer until the potatoes & cauliflower are fork tender, 12-15 minutes. Drain really well in a colander and return the potatoes and cauliflower to the hot pot that you cooked them in set on the stove (burner off). Setting them back on the stove, onto the hot burner will steam the remaining water off the vegetables.
- In a small pan, warm the sour cream and butter. Add it to the potatoes along with the shredded cheese. With a potato masher, potato ricer or a hand mixer, mash/mix until they are well combined. If the potatoes need some extra moisture, add the milk.
- Taste & adjust seasonings. Because the cheese is salty, you may not need any additional salt, but I always add a pinch of pepper.
Equipment
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- Using a potato ricer will ensure your potatoes are light and fluffy!
- The handheld potato masher will keep texture in the vegetable.
FAQ's
It offers a lower carb version for this delicious side dish.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes can also be made ahead, up to three days in advance! This means less stress all around!
Cauliflower has a low Glycemic Index of 15. This means it has very little effect on blood sugar levels. So, basically this is a healthier version of the classic favorite!
Slightly warm the butter, sour cream and milk and whisk it together - THEN add to the vegetables! If you put these ingredients in when they are "refrigerator cold" the mash will become pasty and sticky - not light and fluffy!
Either too much butter and cream or often times, when mixing potatoes and cauliflower to make a mash, the mixture separates because there is too much moisture. Be sure to drain them well.
Let's say the potatoes end up a little runny - can you fix that? Absolutely! Try adding a tablespoon of powdered milk or instant potato flakes will help absorb the excess liquid. Stir to combine and cook for a couple of minutes to incorporate the taste.
What if you don't have those ingredients handy? Simple, just cook the potatoes over medium heat, stirring often. Cooking out the excess liquid will make the mash less runny.
What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?
- Mashed parsnips, sweet buttered rutabagas or turnips
- Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe
- Ham and Potato Casserole - perfect if you have some leftover ham.
- Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole - creamy, sweet with a crunchy topping, these are unbelievable!
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes - these are just the best!
- Colcannon Potatoes Recipe
- Old Fashioned Squash Casserole
All delicious alternatives!
Main dish suggestions
All things delicious, right? Here are some ideas, a great steak of course - more of my favorites are:
- Instant Pot Barbecue Pork Ribs - tasty, tangy, tender ribs every time or if you'd prefer to make ribs on the grill, use this recipe!!
- 500 Degree Turkey Recipe, of course!
- Prime Rib Dinner Recipe - this melt in your mouth, bone in prime rib dinner is one fine meal!
Things to know
- Do you want to know the secret to making light and fluffy Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower? If you enjoy silky, creamy potatoes use a potato ricer or a handheld mixer. This will ensure no lumps!
- If you prefer texture in your taters, mash them with a handheld potato masher. (affiliate links below)
- Using Russet potatoes will add extra starch. This will help thicken the mash and help keep it together. If the potatoes are too stiff or not creamy enough, just add another tablespoon of milk or cream.
- Jazz up your potatoes by adding some different flavors to this like roasted garlic or infuse the cauliflower with rosemary when it's cooking.
More of my favorite side dishes!
This cheesy hashbrown casserole is the best combination of flavors. It definitely deserves rotation in your menu planning!
- Steamed Brussel Sprouts - this easy recipe is a must make for the holidays!
- Pressure Cooker Baked Potatoes - fluffy and delicious every time.
- Braised Swiss Chard - super savory and so good, this simple recipe is a great side dish.
- Instant Pot Steamed Carrots - how easy is this recipe? Top these with a drizzle of honey to make them extra special!
- Roasted Broccoli with Lemon with a super bright flavor and fresh taste.
Mashed Potatoes with Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 6 cups Russet Potatoes peeled & cubed about 3 large potatoes
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons cream or milk optional
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt & pepper to taste
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Instructions
- Remove the core from the cauliflower and cut it into large florets.
- Peel and dice the potatoes. They are more dense than cauliflower, cutting them into a dice smaller in size than the cauliflower will ensure both cook evenly and be done at the same time.
- Combine cauliflower & potatoes in a large pot & cover with cold water - add a heaping tablespoon of salt.
- Bring water to a boil, reduce to simmer until the potatoes & cauliflower are fork tender, 12-15 minutes. Drain really well in a colander and return the potatoes and cauliflower to the hot pot that you cooked them in set on the stove (burner off). Setting them back on the stove, onto the hot burner will steam the remaining water off the vegetables.
- In a small pan, warm the sour cream and butter. Add it to the potatoes along with the shredded cheese. With a potato masher, potato ricer or a hand mixer, mash/mix until they are well combined. If the potatoes need some extra moisture, add the milk.
- Taste & adjust seasonings. Because the cheese is salty, you may not need any additional salt, but I always add a pinch of pepper.
Nutrition
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Don't worry, we'll never share your email.Recipe backstory
When my Dad was diagnosed with diabetes I wanted him to be able to enjoy some of his favorites with less guilt and that's where the Mashed Potatoes with Cauliflower recipe came from!
Jo in MI
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Bowl Me Over
Yes! It can be made up to two days ahead of time. Store in an airtight container so they don't dry out. Reheat them in the oven.Top with a couple teaspoons of cream and butter, place covered baking dish in oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. These are delicious - enjoy Jo!
Liza
Mmmm! I LOVE mashed potatoes! But what can be even better than the mashed potatoes? The lightened up mashed potatoes with cauliflower mixed in! What a genius idea! What a great recipe! 🙂
Bowl Me Over
These are Dan's fave and the only way I make them now - so delicious! Thank you Liza - enjoy!!!
Sandi
I love this lower carb alternative for the holidays! My husband will love this idea. Thank you!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Sandi these taters are so delicious, I hope you love them as much as we do, enjoy!!!
christine
These look perfectly creamy and delicious!
Bowl Me Over
So yummy Christine, I hope you give them a try!
Healing Tomato
I love that you used cauliflower in this recipe. It gives it more flavor, nutrition and texture to the potatoes.
Bowl Me Over
So true, nailed it!!
Julia
Such a great idea to do cauliflower mashed potatoes. I think we might just have to give these a try this year!
Bowl Me Over
Awesome Julia - please let me know what you think!
Elena
Yum! It's amazing what some butter and seasoning can do to the good old cauliflower!
Bowl Me Over
So agree cauliflower is kind of an unsung hero of veggies!
justine @ Full Belly SIsters
I love mashed potatoes and I love mashed cauliflower—never mixed them together! Looks wonderful.
Bowl Me Over
Great Justine - hope you give it a try. If you do, swing back & let me know what you think!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
Woohoo! I actually have a head of cauliflower I have to use up! Might not be today, but hopefully tomorrow I can get around to this!
Bowl Me Over
Score!!! 😀
Christie
I haven't made cauliflower mashed potatoes in a long time. Love your addition of sour cream. They will be so creamy and delish.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Christie - enjoy!
Lauren @ Wicked Spatula
I love that you combined the cauliflower and the potatoes. I usually just do one or the other!
Bowl Me Over
I prefer doing them that way as the mash doesn't separate. It tastes great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I Love making cauli mashes! Nothing cauliflower can't do (or make better)!
Bowl Me Over
Totally agree Rebecca!
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife
LOVE cauliflower mash, and never thought to do a mix of each! This looks like an incredibly tasty version.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Marylynn!
Joanne/WineLady Cooks
We love this, although I gradually started leaving out the potatoes. The sour cream and cheese gives it pizazz!!
Bowl Me Over
Yes it does - love that "twang" you get from sour cream.
linda spiker
Yum! These are a staple at our house!
Bowl Me Over
Awesome!!
The Food Hunter
I've got to try this!!
Bowl Me Over
Awesome, let me know what you think Theresa!
Patty Haxton Anderson
You've taken the cauliflower and potato mash to a whole new level! Love this.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Patty!
NANCY hUNTER
Sounds so good! Have always thought of making these, so thanks, Debra, for the recipe.
Bowl Me Over
You'll love them Nancy - and thank you so much for taking a moment to comment on the blog!! Good to hear from you!!