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    Home » Side Dish Recipes

    Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

    Published: Jul 18, 2018 · Modified: Sep 3, 2023 by Jennifer Brown · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    This Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower recipe is rich, creamy, and is a healthier substitute for starchy mashed potatoes! This side dish takes less than 30 minutes to make and is SCD, gluten free, grain free, soy free, sugar free, and low lactose.

    A white bowl filled with creamy cauliflower mash, topped with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

    One of the foods I miss most while on this SCD journey is mashed potatoes. To me it is such a comfort food.

    This cheesy mashed cauliflower recipe is such a good substitute!

    It's rich, creamy, comes together quickly, and is a perfect side for so many meals!

    In case the name of the recipe didn't tip you off, this recipe has quite a lot of cheese in it.

    If you prefer dairy-free, then check out my Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower!

    What is dry curd cottage cheese and why is it in this recipe?

    Dry curd cottage cheese is also called farmers cheese and it's similar to cottage cheese.

    The big difference is that during processing, the curd is pressed until the liquid is gone. This leaves a cheese that is mild in flavor, dry in texture, and contains only .5% lactose per serving!

    The dry curd cottage cheese in this recipe adds a bit of creaminess and richness to the cauliflower.

    If you can't find it in your grocery store (my local Publix carries it next to the butter), you can use strained SCD yogurt or if not following the SCD diet, soft goat cheese.

    How do you make mashed cauliflower? 

    Cut the florets off of a head of cauliflower and place them in a steamer basket (if like me you don't have one, use a colander!). 

    Chopped cauliflower florets on a brown cutting board.

    In a pot or pan that fits the steamer or colander, bring about 2 inches of water to a boil over high heat.

    Place the steamer basket, or colander in the pot and cover with a lid.

    Decrease the heat to medium and allow to steam until it's tender enough to easily be pierced with a fork.

    A colander filled with steamed cauliflower.

    Transfer the cauliflower to a blender or food processor along with the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth!

    That's it! So simple, right?!

    How do I steam cauliflower if I don't have a colander or steamer basket? 

    Easy, microwave them!

    Place the cauliflower in a large microwave safe bowl and add just a few tablespoons of water.

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave for five minutes.

    Check for softness and cook for another five minutes. Check again.

    If it needs more time, give the cauliflower a little stir and continue to microwave using two minute increments until the cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork.

    Close up of a white bowl filled with easy mashed cauliflower.

    What do I eat cheesy mashed cauliflower with? 

    This side dish is amazing with lots of different meals!

    • Cuban Picadillo
    • Oregano Lime Chicken
    • Seared Mahi Mahi with Strawberry Mint Salsa
    • Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja
    • Easy Whole Roast Chicken
    • Coconut Lime Chicken
    • Berry Pork Tenderloin
    A white bowl filled with creamy cauliflower mash, topped with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

    How to store this side dish

    Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

    It can also be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed in the refrigerator overnight.

    More simple side dishes you'll love!

    • Hawaiian Cauliflower Rice
    • Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
    • Healthy Carrot Souffle
    • Heirloom Tomato Salad

    If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below! This is the best way you can help support me and my blog!

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    NOTE: If following the SCD diet, I suggest contacting the company to verify ingredients before using any prepackaged products.

    Recipe

    A bowl of mashed cauliflower.

    Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

    by: Jennifer Brown
    This Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower recipe is rich, creamy, and is a healthier substitute for starchy mashed potatoes! This side dish takes less than 30 minutes to make and is SCD, gluten free, grain free, soy free, sugar free, and low lactose.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 75 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 head of cauliflower florets cut off stems
    • 1 ounce dry curd cottage cheese also called Farmer Cheese
    • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1 Tablespoon freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the cauliflower florets off the stems. Rinse and place in a steamer basket or colander. 
    • Over high heat, bring about 2 inches of water to boil in a pot or pan that can hold your steamer basket. Fit the steamer basket into the pot and cover with a lid. Drop the heat to medium. Steam cauliflower until it can be easily pierced with a fork. About 15 minutes.
    • Place cauliflower, dry curd cottage cheese, butter, Romano cheese, and sea salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. 
    • Serve warm. 

    Notes

    • If you can't find dry curd cottage cheese, use strained SCD yogurt. If not following the SCD diet, then soft goat cheese can be used. 
    • While steaming the cauliflower, make sure that all the water doesn't evaporate. Add more water to the pot if necessary. 
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
    The nutritional information calculated in this recipe are just an estimate. The photos and content above are copyright protected. Please do not use my photos. Please do not copy this recipe and share it on your own website or social media channels. If you wish to tell people about this recipe, you can provide a link back to my blog rather than copying the recipe. Thank you! XO, Jen

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0g | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 668mg | Potassium: 432mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
    Keyword cauliflower puree, cheesy mashed cauliflower, cheesy mashed cauliflower recipe
    Did you make this recipe?Let me know how it was by leaving a comment and star rating below!

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    1. Britt

      June 12, 2017 at 8:46 pm

      This sounds yummy and simple and I love simple

      Reply
      • Jennifer

        June 13, 2017 at 8:43 pm

        Thank you, me too!

        Reply

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