Creamy Cauliflower Mash with Parmesan & Herbs
This creamy cauliflower mash is a delightful low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Enhanced with rich butter, savory Parmesan cheese, and a touch of horseradish for a bit of zing, this dish is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. It’s not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to complement any main course. This recipe was created with love, aiming to capture the flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you're on a low-carb diet or simply looking for a tasty side dish, this creamy concoction is a winner!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 head (cut into florets)
Butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
Parmesan Cheese
4 ounces (grated)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (preferably full-fat)
Horseradish
1 teaspoon (prepared)
Rosemary
1 teaspoon (dried)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Chicken Bouillon
1 teaspoon (granular)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the cauliflower florets and butter in a covered microwave-safe dish.
2
Microwave on high for 5-10 minutes until the cauliflower is very soft, ensuring that no water is added during cooking and that you do not drain the cauliflower afterwards.
3
While the cauliflower is cooking, grate the Parmesan cheese.
4
Once the cauliflower is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave and add the chicken bouillon, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and horseradish to the dish.
5
Using a stick blender, blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, achieving a mashed consistency.
6
If you need to prepare other dishes, you can set the cauliflower mash aside at this point.
7
Just before serving, reheat the mash in the microwave, then give it another quick blend with the stick blender to ensure it's perfectly creamy.
8
Finally, stir in the mayonnaise to taste, adjusting for creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cauliflower Mash?
It is a flavorful, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes made with steamed cauliflower, butter, Parmesan, and spices.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, with high fat content from butter and mayonnaise and low net carbs from cauliflower, it is very keto-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Do I need to add water when microwaving the cauliflower?
No, you should not add any water; the cauliflower florets and butter should be cooked in a covered dish using their own moisture.
Can I use a food processor instead of a stick blender?
Yes, a food processor can be used to achieve a smooth consistency if a stick blender is not available.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, though you should always verify your chicken bouillon is certified gluten-free.
How long should I microwave the cauliflower?
Microwave on high for 5 to 10 minutes until the florets are very soft.
Why shouldn't I drain the cauliflower?
You should not drain it because the released moisture and melted butter help create the creamy consistency when blended.
What can I use if I don't have horseradish?
You can omit it entirely or use a small amount of Dijon mustard for a different kind of tang.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written it uses chicken bouillon, but you can make it vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable bouillon.
Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?
Yes, use about one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary for every teaspoon of dried.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.
When should I add the mayonnaise?
The mayonnaise should be stirred in at the very end, just before serving, to adjust for creaminess.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mash and set it aside, then reheat and give it a quick blend right before serving.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave and use a stick blender or whisk to restore the creamy texture.
What are the main seasonings used?
The primary seasonings are chicken bouillon, garlic powder, dried rosemary, horseradish, and salt.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, though you may need to adjust the microwave time and ensure it is sufficiently soft before blending.
Is full-fat mayonnaise required?
While full-fat is preferred for flavor and texture, you can use light mayonnaise if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Parmesan is recommended for its savory profile, but Pecorino Romano or sharp white cheddar are good alternatives.
What should I serve this with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pan-seared steak, or grilled fish.
Is this recipe suitable for the Atkins diet?
Yes, it is tagged as Atkins-friendly due to its low carbohydrate count.
Does the cauliflower taste strong?
The addition of butter, Parmesan, and horseradish helps mask the vegetable taste, making it taste more like traditional mash.
Can I add fresh garlic?
Yes, you can add minced fresh garlic to the dish before microwaving for a more intense garlic flavor.
What if I don't have a stick blender?
You can use a potato masher, though the texture will be more rustic and less creamy than a blended version.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture can become grainy or watery once thawed.
Is the horseradish spicy?
At one teaspoon, it provides a subtle zing rather than intense heat.
How do I cut the cauliflower?
Cut the head of the cauliflower into small, uniform florets to ensure even cooking.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, though the texture may be slightly different.
What is granular bouillon?
It is a concentrated stock base in powder form that dissolves easily into the mash for seasoning.
How do I ensure a perfectly smooth texture?
Ensure the cauliflower is extremely soft before blending and use a high-speed stick blender until no lumps remain.