Mashed Cauliflower

4.82 from 11 votes

This delicious and creamy Mashed Cauliflower is a comforting, buttery, and garlicky dish that's easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Resting Time5

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish, Sides

Cuisine: American, American/Southern

Keyword: cauliflower mash, mashed cauliflower recipe

Servings:

8 cups cauliflower florets about 1 head cauliflower
1 tablespoon butter divided
4 cloves garlic roughly chopped
⅓ cup buttermilk
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or any other dried herbs or seasonings that you prefer
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
chopped fresh parsley for garnish

If Roasting The Cauliflower Florets: Preheat the oven to 450˚F. Toss the cauliflower florets with a tablespoon of olive oil; spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 18 to 20 minutes or until tender.
If Boiling The Cauliflower Florets: Fill a large frying pan with 1/4 inch water; add 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Add cauliflower florets; cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10 minutes or until tender. DRAIN WELL and set aside for 3 to 4 minutes to steam-dry.
Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Stir steamed (or roasted) cauliflower florets into the pan with the garlic. Add remaining butter and buttermilk. Grab the immersion blender and blend to a desired consistency.
Stir in parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly. Add more butter or buttermilk to make it creamier.
Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Drain: After boiling or steaming, drain the cauliflower thoroughly to avoid a mushy, watery cauliflower mash.
Let the steamed cauliflower florets cool down for a few minutes after you’ve drained them. This way, the cauliflower will steam-dry as it cools, and it will absorb some of that water.
Roasting: Though it takes longer to make the cauliflower mash, I prefer to roast the cauliflower florets because we like the added depth of flavor.
Cheese it Up: Adding your favorite shredded cheese will add a richer taste.
Texture Preference: For a more rustic mash, don't blend it too smooth. Leave some chunks to give it a hearty feel.
Out of buttermilk? Grab my recipe for Homemade Buttermilk.
If using a traditional blender, you will want to blend the cauliflower in batches because hot liquids can expand and explode when you blend them.