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Easy Mashed Cauliflower
5 from 66 votes

Easy Mashed Cauliflower

Easy Mashed Cauliflower uses blanched cauliflower florets seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper, finished with half and half for creaminess. It can be processed smooth or mashed by hand depending on texture preference and served with a sprinkle of parsley and paprika for color.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 47 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cauliflower head
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt plus extra to taste
  • ½ cup half and half
  • ⅛ tsp white pepper (black pepper will work too!)
  • parsley dried or fresh, for topping
  • paprika dried or fresh, for topping

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cut + separate into large florets.  Blanch for 15 minutes in shallow, boiling water. (just enough to cover the tops)  I'm in the habit of seasoning the water with some freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of kosher salt -- feel free to follow suit!  To maintain texture and avoid watery cauliflower, toss strained cauliflower into an ice bath immediately after blanching.  Allow to cool and strain, placing cauliflower in either a pot or directly into your food processor.  [see note below]
  2. Side Note: If you're making this for yourself and/or other adults, you can easily skip the food processor and simply mash the cauliflower with a masher or fork just like you would with potatoes.  Break out the processor if you're making this for texturally-challened or picky children to give the cauliflower a smooth, whipped consistency.  Since making it with the processor the first time, I now just fork-mash the cauli and call it a day.
  3. Choose your mashing method [above] and heat on medium-low on the stove top in a small pot or pan.  Add 1/2 cup of half and half, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.  Next add your white pepper.  Stir to incorporate and taste.  Adjust seasonings as needed.  I always add extra garlic powder and a little extra salt + pepper.
  4. Garnish with chopped chives or dried parsley + paprika and serve steaming hot aside your favorite meal or atop a bed of roasted spaghetti squash.

Notes

  • Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
  • Substitute garlic powder with fresh sautéed or roasted garlic for a richer taste.
  • Choose mashing or processing based on desired texture and audience preferences.

Nutrition Information

Calories 47kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 11mg (4%) Sodium 311mg (13%) Potassium 119mg (3%) Vitamin A 105IU (2%) Vitamin C 13.2mg (15%) Calcium 38mg (4%) Iron 0.1mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 47

% Daily Value*

Calories 47kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 311mg 13%
Potassium 119mg 3%
Vitamin A 105IU 2%
Vitamin C 13.2mg 15%
Calcium 38mg 4%
Iron 0.1mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.