Creamy Mashed Cauliflower with Goat Cheese

Mashed cauliflower is a delicious, lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes with a thick, creamy texture that’s just as satisfying. The slight tang of the goat cheese paired with fresh chives results in a simple, yet elegant side dish that’s suitable for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

While I typically avoid dairy products, cauliflower mash with goat cheese is too good to pass up. Goat cheese contains different proteins than cow’s milk, so many people with dairy sensitives find it easier to digest. It adds incredible flavor and creaminess to the cauliflower, making it a delectable treat.

This mashed cauliflower recipe is gluten-free. There’s a vegetarian option as well.

“I made this for my kids at Christmas, and it was the favorite dish of the night. The texture was so creamy. I did not have to add any extra seasoning–it was delicious. I’ll definitely be making it again. It might have to be a Christmas tradition now.” – Paige D.

Low-Carb Side Dish

As a non-starchy vegetable, cauliflower contains significantly fewer carbohydrates than potatoes, which is beneficial for maintaining balanced blood sugar.

For example, 100 grams of cauliflower nets about 3 grams of carbs, while the same serving of boiled potatoes has about 20 grams (this varies depending on the variety and cooking method).

Starchy carbs, like those in potatoes, can cause a fast rise in blood sugar, leading to energy crashes and unpleasant symptoms. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is another low-carb side dish that tastes great any time of the year.

I serve this mashed cauliflower recipe during the holidays to lower the overall carb load of the meal, because let’s be honest, no one is skipping the Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Tart. It goes especially well with Steamed Kale and Rosemary Garlic Chicken or Ground Bison – yum!

A Note On FODMAPs

While there are many health benefits of cauliflower, it is considered a high-FODMAP vegetable. FODMAPS are a group of fermentable carbohydrates. If you are sensitive to FODMAPs or following a low-FODMAP protocol at the recommendation of your doctor, this recipe may not be suitable.

Ingredients

• CAULIFLOWER – One large head of fresh cauliflower about 6-7 inches in diameter, will yield about 2-3 cups once mashed. A family-sized bag of frozen cauliflower is a convenient alternative.
• GOAT CHEESE – Traditional chèvre works best here, but feel free to experiment with varieties that have additional herbs mixed in. I recommend organic goat cheese if available. Sometimes it’s in a different section, so ask your grocery store.
• LOW-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH – Gives the cauliflower mash a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust the amount to suit your preferred texture. Beef broth is another option, while vegetarians can substitute veggie broth, but it may slightly alter the flavor and color.
• FRESH CHIVES – Adds a subtle oniony flavor and a pop of color. Mix most of them in with the cauliflower and reserve a pinch to garnish before serving.

See the recipe card below for full quantities and instructions.

How to Make Mashed Cauliflower

Follow these four simple steps to prepare this yummy side dish in under 30 minutes.

1. First, wash and trim the cauliflower and cut it into florets. Steam in a large stove-top steamer until the florets are easily pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
2. While the cauliflower steams, put the unopened goat cheese in a small bowl of warm water to soften. Measure the broth and chop the chives.
3. Once cooked, transfer the steamed cauliflower to a large food processor. Add the goat cheese and salt and process on medium-low. Gradually add the broth, 1 tablespoon at a time until creamy. Pause as needed to scrape the side of the bowl and fold in most of the minced chives at the end.
4. Transfer the cauliflower mash to a serving bowl, and sprinkle with the remaining chives. Finish with fresh cracked pepper and serve warm. 

Flavor Variations

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

For an extra layer of flavor, add garlic powder. Start with ¼ teaspoon, which is approximately equal to 2 cloves of garlic, and adjust to taste.

Mashed Cauliflower with Bacon

For added protein and a savory twist, stir in some crispy, Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon bits. Simply crumble the bacon into pieces and stir them in at the end.

A Healthy Side Dish

The first time I served this mashed cauliflower recipe at Thanksgiving, my father-in-law declared it “the best mashed potatoes he’d ever tasted,” without realizing it wasn’t potatoes!

This lower-carb alternative to the beloved classic is not only healthier, but it’s easy to customize with different flavors. Whether you stick to goat cheese and chives or try a variation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite anytime you’re craving comfort food.

FAQs

📌If you loved this cauliflower mash, don’t forget to pin the recipe on Pinterest!

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