Cheesy Smashed Cauliflower Delight
This Cheesy Smashed Cauliflower Delight is a fantastic, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Inspired by Rachael Ray's delicious recipe, I transformed her original dish using convenient frozen cauliflower, making it an easy and budget-friendly option for families. Packed with creamy cheddar and nutty Parmesan, this side dish is not only flavorful but also satisfying, featuring a rich texture that will please both adults and kids alike. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, you’ll find this comforting dish quickly becoming a family favorite!
6-8
Servings
68
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Cauliflower
2 (16 ounce bags)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 (cup)
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1/4 (cup)
Chicken Broth
2 (cups)
Butter or Margarine
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, carefully add the frozen cauliflower to the pot.
3
Boil the cauliflower for about 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
4
After boiling, drain any excess liquid to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
5
Return the drained cauliflower to the pot, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and butter (or margarine).
6
If the mixture seems too thick, add additional chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
7
Use a potato masher to smash the cauliflower until it resembles the texture of mashed potatoes. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
8
Serve warm and enjoy this delightful low-carb side dish!
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
4.375g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Smashed Cauliflower Delight?
Cheesy Smashed Cauliflower Delight is a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes made with frozen cauliflower, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Is this cauliflower dish low-carb?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a low-carb side dish with 3.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are frozen cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and butter or margarine.
Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies two 16-ounce bags of frozen cauliflower for convenience, you can use fresh cauliflower as long as it is boiled until tender.
How much cheddar cheese do I need?
You will need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 68 calories in each serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 3.75g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 4.375g of protein per serving.
How long should I boil the cauliflower?
The cauliflower should be boiled in chicken broth for about 8 to 10 minutes or until it is tender.
Should I drain the cauliflower after boiling?
Yes, you should drain any excess liquid after boiling to prevent the smashed cauliflower from becoming watery.
What should I do if the cauliflower mixture is too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, you can gradually add additional chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
What tool is best for smashing the cauliflower?
A potato masher is recommended to smash the cauliflower until it reaches a texture similar to mashed potatoes.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a dish from Rachael Ray.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, using frozen cauliflower makes this an easy and budget-friendly option for families.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
Is this dish suitable for holiday gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 3.5g of carbohydrates.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a side dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy flavor and creamy texture are designed to please both adults and kids alike.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
How much chicken broth is used for boiling?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chicken broth to boil the cauliflower.
What size bags of cauliflower should I buy?
You should use two 16-ounce bags of frozen cauliflower.
Is this a quick meal option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, taking only about 10 minutes of boiling time.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish has a rich, creamy, and satisfying texture similar to mashed potatoes.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While the specific fiber count is not provided in the data, cauliflower is naturally a source of fiber.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
Can I adjust the amount of cheese?
Yes, you can stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan according to the recipe or adjust slightly to your preference.
How should this dish be served?
It should be served warm as a comforting and healthy side dish.