Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Cauliflower mashed potatoes are a tasty twist on an everyday side dish. Perfect alongside turkey or beef – an easy make ahead dish too!
This is our favorite way to enjoy mashed potatoes! The addition of cauliflower updates the flavor. The cheese makes them extra savory and the sour cream add a great tang.
Cauliflower mashed potatoes are a tasty twist on an everyday side dish AND with a little less carbs, a dish everyone can enjoy!
Mashed potatoes are always a favorite on the table during the holidays and a delicious side dish all year round. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes can also be made ahead -up to three days in advance. This meals less stress all around!
Easy to make Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are a great make-ahead side dish.
Do you know what the secret is to making light and fluffy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes?
Be sure to slightly warm the butter, sour cream and milk – if you put these ingredients in when they are “refrigerator cold” the mash will become pasty and sticky – not light and fluffy!
What is the secret to make light and fluffy mashed potatoes?
If you enjoy perfect smooth and creamy mashed potatoes use a potato ricer (affiliate link) – this will ensure no lumps! If you like mashed potatoes with lumps and texture, mash them with a handheld potato masher.
How do you like your potatoes silky smooth or with texture?
Often times, when mixing potatoes & cauliflower to make a mash, the mixture separates because there is too much moisture. Make sure you drain them really well. Also, as soon as they are done draining, put them back into the hot pot they cooked in. The heat and steam from the hot pot will assist in removing excess moisture.
Using Russet potatoes will add extra starch and will help also. They 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.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 6 cups Russet Potatoes peeled & cubed (2-3 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
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
Additional Side Dishes you’ll enjoy!
Garlicky Braised Chard
Garlicky Braised Chard – The combination of greens and garlic is tantalizing. Braising the greens and garlic together and it becomes garlicky sweet goodness!
Simple step-by-step directions to store, clean and steam Brussels sprouts.
Steamed Brussels Sprouts – easy and flavorful another great side dish, on your table in ten minutes!
Do you roast vegetables? I love roasted broccoli! Topping it with fresh lemon gives it a super bright flavor and fresh taste!
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon – Do you roast vegetables? Roasting the broccoli and topping it with fresh lemon gives it a super bright flavor and fresh taste!
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes – our favorite way to enjoy mashed potatoes! Cauliflower gives them an updated flavor with cheese & sour cream.
NANCY hUNTER says
October 18, 2015 at 10:38 amSounds so good! Have always thought of making these, so thanks, Debra, for the recipe.
Bowl Me Over says
October 19, 2015 at 6:08 pmYou’ll love them Nancy – and thank you so much for taking a moment to comment on the blog!! Good to hear from you!!
Patty Haxton Anderson says
October 20, 2015 at 11:50 amYou’ve taken the cauliflower and potato mash to a whole new level! Love this.
Bowl Me Over says
October 21, 2015 at 2:52 pmThanks Patty!
The Food Hunter says
October 20, 2015 at 12:08 pmI’ve got to try this!!
Bowl Me Over says
October 21, 2015 at 2:52 pmAwesome, let me know what you think Theresa!
linda spiker says
October 20, 2015 at 1:05 pmYum! These are a staple at our house!
Bowl Me Over says
October 21, 2015 at 2:51 pmAwesome!!
Joanne/WineLady Cooks says
October 20, 2015 at 1:32 pmWe love this, although I gradually started leaving out the potatoes. The sour cream and cheese gives it pizazz!!
Bowl Me Over says
October 21, 2015 at 2:51 pmYes it does – love that “twang” you get from sour cream.
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says
October 21, 2015 at 1:01 amLOVE cauliflower mash, and never thought to do a mix of each! This looks like an incredibly tasty version.
Bowl Me Over says
October 21, 2015 at 2:49 pmThanks Marylynn!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
October 21, 2015 at 4:41 amI Love making cauli mashes! Nothing cauliflower can’t do (or make better)!
Bowl Me Over says
October 21, 2015 at 2:54 pmTotally agree Rebecca!
Lauren @ Wicked Spatula says
October 21, 2015 at 4:48 amI love that you combined the cauliflower and the potatoes. I usually just do one or the other!
Bowl Me Over says
October 21, 2015 at 2:49 pmI prefer doing them that way as the mash doesn’t separate. It tastes great!
Christie says
October 21, 2015 at 5:08 amI 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 says
October 21, 2015 at 2:49 pmThanks Christie – enjoy!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
October 21, 2015 at 5:11 amWoohoo! 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 says
October 21, 2015 at 2:48 pmScore!!! 😀
justine @ Full Belly SIsters says
October 21, 2015 at 9:45 amI love mashed potatoes and I love mashed cauliflower—never mixed them together! Looks wonderful.
Bowl Me Over says
October 21, 2015 at 2:48 pmGreat Justine – hope you give it a try. If you do, swing back & let me know what you think!
Elena says
October 21, 2015 at 5:23 pmYum! It’s amazing what some butter and seasoning can do to the good old cauliflower!
Bowl Me Over says
October 22, 2015 at 10:29 amSo agree cauliflower is kind of an unsung hero of veggies!
Julia says
October 21, 2015 at 5:43 pmSuch a great idea to do cauliflower mashed potatoes. I think we might just have to give these a try this year!
Bowl Me Over says
October 22, 2015 at 10:29 amAwesome Julia – please let me know what you think!
Healing Tomato says
October 25, 2015 at 6:23 pmI love that you used cauliflower in this recipe. It gives it more flavor, nutrition and texture to the potatoes.
Bowl Me Over says
October 26, 2015 at 7:48 pmSo true, nailed it!!
christine says
October 26, 2015 at 5:25 amThese look perfectly creamy and delicious!
Bowl Me Over says
October 26, 2015 at 7:41 pmSo yummy Christine, I hope you give them a try!
Sandi says
November 12, 2017 at 6:49 pmI love this lower carb alternative for the holidays! My husband will love this idea. Thank you!
Bowl Me Over says
November 16, 2017 at 6:05 pmThank you Sandi these taters are so delicious, I hope you love them as much as we do, enjoy!!!
Liza says
November 12, 2017 at 10:14 pmMmmm! 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 says
November 16, 2017 at 5:52 pmThese are Dan’s fave and the only way I make them now – so delicious! Thank you Liza – enjoy!!!