Published 11/19/2020 • Updated 10/31/2023 Featuring perfectly roasted cauliflower and plenty of dairy, this cauliflower mash is just as delicious (if not better!) than our traditional crockpot mashed potatoes. Simply roast the cauliflower with garlic, onion, and spices in the oven, then blend it up with broth, sour cream, Greek yogurt, and butter for perfectly creamy cauliflower mash every time. We tested this recipe with both boiled cauliflower and roasted cauliflower and much preferred the roasted version!
What You Need for Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Cauliflower roasted with onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and pepper Broth (we like to use vegetable broth, but any kind works) Sour cream and plain Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess Butter because anything mashed is better with butter!
Substitutions for Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
It’s easy to put your own spin on these thick and creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes. Try these substitutions and variations: Cauliflower: We like to roast the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, pepper, onions, and garlic because it gives the mashed cauliflower amazing flavor. Roasting also draws the moisture out of the cauliflower so you don’t end up with watery cauliflower mashed potatoes! If you opt to boil the cauliflower on the stove, make sure to dry off the cauliflower a bit before adding to the blender (this prevents watery mashed cauliflower). Vegan/Dairy Free: If you can’t have dairy or want to make dairy free cauliflower mashed potatoes, replace the sour cream, yogurt, and butter with dairy free alternatives. Dairy: One thing that makes this cauliflower mashed potato recipe thick and creamy is the combination of sour cream, Greek yogurt, and butter. A little bit of each makes this the perfect tangy and creamy side dish!
For less rich, lighter tasting cauliflower mashed potatoes, replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. For richer, tangier mashed cauliflower, use all sour cream.
Storage
These cauliflower mashed potatoes are a great make-ahead holiday side dish (leftovers are great, too). Let the cauliflower mash cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
Looking for more healthy Thanksgiving recipes to fill your holiday table with? Check out all of our best turkey day recipes in one spot! When ready to enjoy, heat in a medium saucepan on low/medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little more broth to thin it out a little. We do not suggest freezing these cauliflower mashed potatoes. The texture after freezing is not pleasant!
Serving Suggestions
Cauliflower mashed potatoes are a welcome addition to any meal! This versatile side dish pairs with just about anything – anytime you’d serve classic mashed potatoes (like these crockpot mashed potatoes), make this instead for a wholesome alternative.
Holiday Side Dishes
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole Mashed Sweet Potatoes Healthy Green Bean Casserole Garlic Glazed Carrots Cornbread Dressing Roasted Root Vegetables
Weeknight Main Dishes: baked lemon chicken, slow cooker pork loin, crispy baked chicken thighs, spinach stuffed chicken breast, and ground turkey meatloaf. Holiday Recipes: Smoked turkey breast or smoked ham, roasted turkey tenderloin, mushroom gravy, roasted sweet potatoes, and sausage stuffing.
