Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic and Chives

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Mashed cauliflower

Over the last couple of years, I’ve discovered a new love for all things cauliflower.

Prior to the this new discovery, cauliflower was a plain ole boring veggie that I always walked by at the grocery store without giving a second glance. How rude, right?

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Now that I’ve gotten to know cauliflower better, I value all that it offers. Its versatile, delicious, healthy, and the list goes on and on! One of the most popular ways to enjoy cauliflower as of late, is when it’s used as a pizza crust! I haven’t tried that recipe yet, but what I have tried are these delicious Cheesy Cauliflower “Bread” Sticks that have gotten rave reviews!

And then, of course, there’s this recipe for Roasted Cauliflower {Like Girl and the Goat} or this recipe for Roasted Cauliflower “Popcorn.” Both of these recipes can make a cauliflower lover out of the skeptics!

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Today’s recipe for Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic and Chives is one that I use as an alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It’s a little bit more healthy and lighter on carbs so that those of you watching your carb intake can enjoy a fluffy mashed potato like side dish for dinner!

Now, the one question that I get asked most often when it comes to cauliflower recipes like this where the cauliflower sits in for the potatoes is… does it taste like potatoes?

I’d be lying if I said “yes.” Guys, while this make look like mashed potatoes and it might even smell like mashed potatoes, the fact is…. it’s still cauliflower. If you can remember that, I think you’ll be able to enjoy this recipe. While it still tastes like cauliflower, it’s not a bad thing. It’s got fresh snipped chives, garlic, and parmesan cheese which add the perfect burst of flavor.

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AND… the consistency is actually much like mashed potatoes! I was blown away when I first tried this recipe at how similar it actually was to mashed potatoes in terms of consistency, and that’s a good thing. Another awesome factor is that Mashed Cauliflower actually comes together faster than mashed potatoes.

Make sure to use an immersion blender or a food processor to puree the cauliflower so that you end up with a fluffy end result. It’ll make a big difference!

While I still enjoy real mashed potatoes, it is nice to be able to make this recipe for mock mashed potatoes and know that it’s a little healthier. We enjoyed this recipe and I’m sure you will too, as long as you don’t forget that it really is cauliflower and will taste a bit like… cauliflower! :)

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Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, core removed, cut into small pieces
  • 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh chives or 1/4 teaspoon dried chives

DIRECTIONS

  1. Fill a large stock pot with water and bring to a boil over high eat.
  2. Add in small cauliflower pieces and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork tender.
  3. Drain the cauliflower and pat the pieces dry with paper towels. You want the cauliflower to be as dry as possible.
  4. With your food processor or an immersion blender, combine cooked cauliflower with cream cheese, parmesan cheese, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse or blend until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  5. Garnish with chopped chives.
  6. Serve immediately- serves about 4.

Recipe slightly adapted from
George Stella

Hi, I’m Ashley & I’m so happy you’re here!

Ashley is the founder of CenterCutCook and a former teacher that now spends her days in the kitchen so that she can share her favorite recipes with you!