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Loaded Mashed Cauliflower
5 from 12 votes

Loaded Mashed Cauliflower

This Loaded Mashed Cauliflower recipe combines cooked cauliflower with butter, garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon to create a creamy and flavorful side dish. The cauliflower is steamed until soft, then pureed with seasonings for a smooth texture, topped with melted cheese and bacon for savory richness.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 237 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, Diamond Crystal brand
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 lices Bacon
  • 1 cauliflower 1 pound when trimmed, medium head
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese sharp, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

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  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the butter, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in your food processor bowl.
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain it on paper towels, then crumble. Set aside.
  3. Trim the cauliflower and cut it into chunks. Place the chunks in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup of water. Cover and microwave on high until very tender, about 10 minutes. The bowl will be hot - be careful when removing it from the microwave. Drain and transfer the cooked cauliflower to the food processor.
  4. Process the cauliflower on high speed until very smooth, 1-2 minutes, stopping once to scrape the sides with a spatula.
  5. Transfer the cauliflower puree to a small 1-quart casserole dish. Top with the shredded cheddar and the crumbled bacon.
  6. Bake just until the cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes. Top with the parsley and serve.

Notes

  • You may prepare bacon in the microwave as an alternative to stovetop for convenience.
  • To thicken the mash, add ¼ cup dry grated Parmesan cheese when pureeing cauliflower.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat covered at medium power.
  • The texture is creamy but less starchy than mashed potatoes due to the cauliflower base.

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.25recipe Calories 237kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 7g (2%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 19g (29%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Sodium 574mg (24%) Fiber 3g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 237

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.25recipe
Calories 237kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 7g 2%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 19g 29%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Sodium 574mg 24%
Fiber 3g 12%

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