Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Finding a side dish for a meal is one of my most dreaded tasks. This Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is an easy solution to a dreaded task! I am the type that would much rather create an ‘all-in-one’ meal. Throw some chicken and veggies into a pot and hope that it is enough to feed my hungry family.   But sometimes you need a side dish. This cheesy mashed cauliflower is possibly the creamiest and healthiest out there.

---

This page may contain affiliate links. To view my full affiliate link disclosure, click here.

The One Dish Conundrum

We all know that those 'all-in-one' types of meals are not usually as effective and certainly don’t feed a hungry family. There has to be more than just one pot. Especially for growing children. They need protein, vegetables, fats, carbs, maybe some fruit, and almost certainly will ask for a dessert.  In steps one of my favorite side dishes ever.

Mashed potatoes!
Hmmmmm…

But what if just for one meal you don’t want all the carbs that come with mashed potatoes? Now, potatoes should not be vilified. God created them for our enjoyment and health. Potatoes are rich with vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B, and iron. They are not something to completely throw out. However, consuming them on a nightly or even weekly basis probably would add a bit to a waistline. They are simply a tool, like any food, to be used and not abused.

The Creamy Mashed Cauliflower Solution

Back to my question, what if you don’t want all the carbs from potatoes, but still want the delectable smooth texture and taste of potatoes?
In steps my next favorite food, cauliflower.

I may have just lost some of you.

Come on back through, give me a chance. Mashed cauliflower is such an excellent alternative when you want a lighter option. It even can be packed to the brim with yummy fats and cheeses that make it scrumptious and comparable to the traditional mashed potatoes you may be used to.

Cauliflower is not nearly as packed with high carbohydrates and contains considerable amounts of fiber. It is loaded to the brim with vitamin C and contains considerable amounts of vitamin B and magnesium. The white color and texture make it a beautiful alternative to potatoes.

Does it taste exactly like mashed potatoes? Of course not, it's NOT mashed potatoes. It’s simply a comparable option when you are looking for a healthy side dish for your family. Enjoy this unique recipe or add it to your meal planning. It even contains a few green vegetables just to round it all out.  You won’t even notice it’s there, and neither will your picky kids.

Why is my Cauliflower Mash Watery?

There are a couple of reasons why your cheesy mashed cauliflower may get a little watery. The first is by using frozen cauliflower. Now I use frozen cauliflower in this recipe, and it usually turns out fantastic. However, there are times when the ice crystals add too much water. One way to combat this is to rinse your cauliflower in how warm water and then spin it in a lettuce spinner, and finally press out all the extra water with a paper towel. A little extra work, but if you really hate that extra water, it might be worth it for you.

Another reason your cauliflower could be getting a little watery is that you are using too much liquid. If this is happening, try reducing the almond milk to ¼ cup instead of the full ½ cup.

How Long do you Steam Cauliflower to make Mashed Cauliflower?

Many recipes call for a steamer, which makes the cauliflower truly tenderized and delectable. In this recipe, I just boil the cauliflower and okra together. A steamer can be helpful when the cauliflower is fresh instead of frozen.

In this recipe, I recommend only bringing the cauliflower and okra to a brief boil and removing it immediately. If you are using fresh cauliflower and choose to steam it, you will want to bring the water to a boil, add the cauliflower, cover, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add the okra in the last 5 minutes.

Can you Overcook Cauliflower?

Cauliflower can certainly become overcooked. Once it is tender and soft, it doesn't get much softer. But eventually, it will get mushy and maybe even crumbly. The longer you cook it the stronger the taste will become as well.

Is Mashed Cauliflower Good for you?

This cheesy mashed cauliflower recipe is certainly good for you and it packs a punch with the added/hidden okra. Plain cauliflower has only about 25 calories a cup, so it can be an excellent weight-loss vegetable, and by adding some delicious cheese, okra, and seasonings, it upgrades to deliciousness as well!

Speaking of healthy, would you like to grab some more delicious Trim Healthy Mama and Keto-friendly recipes? My FREE Healing Home Harvest Cookbook might just be for you. Grab it today!

---