↑

Savoring Today

Clean eating recipes and meal prep for busy families.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
      • Party Foods
    • Baking
      • Bread
      • Cookies
      • Sprouted Grain
    • Breakfast
    • Beverages
    • Cuisines
      • Asian / Chinese / Thai
      • French
      • Italian
      • Mexican
    • Dessert
      • Chocolate
    • Fruit & Vegetables
    • Grilling
    • Health Related Articles
    • Main Courses
      • Pasta
    • Meat
      • Beef
      • Chicken & Poultry
      • Fish & Seafood
      • Pork & Lamb
    • Salads
      • Sauces & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups / Stews
    • Specialty Diets
      • Gluten Free
      • Grain Free
      • Keto Diet Foods
      • Lower Carb Favorites
      • Paleo Diet Foods
    • Seasonal
      • Celebrations
      • Christmas
      • Easter
  • Meal Prep
  • FREE TOOLS
    • Collections & Meal Plans
    • Free Printables
  • About
    • Food Philosophy
    • Contact
    • Copyright

Home » Side Dishes » Skillet-Roasted Cauliflower Mash

Skillet-Roasted Cauliflower Mash

Published June 7, 2021. Last updated June 7, 2021 by Judy Purcell 3 Comments

Savor and Share!

  • Share
  • Inspire
  • Send
See Recipe Print Recipe
mashed cauliflower side dish

Do you love a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes? Us too! We also love eating as many vegetables as possible and this delicious recipe for Skillet-Roasted Cauliflower Mash is a go-to side dish.

Your family will love this tasty alternative to mashed potatoes and it’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Mashed cauliflower with melted butter and parsley in a blue bowl.

Cauliflower can stand in for many types of recipes and ingredients, ranging from pizza crust to hummus to rice pilaf, so why not mashed potatoes? Eliminate the starch spike and increase your vegetable intake all in one fell swoop with this tasty side dish.

The real beauty of cauliflower is how it creates a blank canvas because its mild flavor easily melds with whatever flavor profile you mix in.

In my opinion, one of the best methods for cooking with cauliflower starts with roasting. It browns up nicely as it softens and takes on a nutty flavor, bringing a depth of flavor to the mash too.

cut up cauliflower ready for cooking

Mind you, mashed cauliflower is not exactly the same as potatoes, but this recipe comes close to the comfort food that we long for, especially for holiday meals.

We like to use goat cheese in this recipe because it creates the creamy texture you crave in mashed potatoes while lending a bit of acid and tang to the mix. Grated parmesan is added for a nice savory finish.

cauliflower roasting in a skillet, browning

Mashed Cauliflower is a Healthy Alternative to Mashed Potatoes

Of course, it’s the health-conscience part of us that reaches for this lovely cruciferous veggie. Using cauliflower to create a mashed potato substitute means you’re eating fewer carbohydrates and calories than mashed potatoes.

A member of the brassica family, cauliflower is high in fiber, calcium and an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is a versatile vegetable that pairs well with chili, garlic, or spices like cumin, nutmeg, or saffron and it’s always good topped off with parmesan, brie, or cheddar cheese.

One of our favorite meals to serve this mashed cauliflower side dish with is Osso Buco Style Beef Short Ribs.

roasted cauliflower in a food processor

Top Tips for Preparing Skillet-Roasted Cauliflower Mash

  • When mashed, cauliflower has a lovely texture, but to make it as smooth as possible, you’ll need a food processor to really do the job.
  • By skillet roasting the cauliflower first and allowing the edges to brown a little, you really transform the flavor of the finished dish. It’s those slightly browned edges that elevate this mash.
  • Keep the cauliflower pieces fairly small for quicker cooking and lots of edges to brown up.
  • The creamy goat cheese helps to get the texture of the mash just right!
  • A great make-ahead dish. Once cooked and cooled the cauliflower mash can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. Simply warm up in a pot or in the microwave and top with some butter before serving.
  • Alternatively, cool the mash, pop it into the freezer, and store it for up to 3 months.
step by step instructions for cauliflower mash

How to make Roasted Cauliflower Mash STEP BY STEP

  1. Saute the cauliflower in a hot skillet with oil until the edges start to brown, approx 5-7 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the garlic and 1/4 cup water before covering with a lid and cooking for a further 5 minutes, or until cauliflower is completely tender.
  3. Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor, season, and blend to smooth. Scrape down the sides, add the Parmesan and goat cheese and blend again till smooth.
  4. Top with butter and serve.

TIP: Make this dish up to an hour before serving. Cover and place in a warm oven until ready to serve. Finish with a little butter on top, just before serving.

a spoon with a heaping scoop of hot cauliflower mash from a bowl

Recipe Variations

  • Substitute the avocado oil with either coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil.
  • Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romana cheese, which are similar in taste and texture.
  • Substitute the goat cheese with cream cheese or mascarpone cheese, both of which have a similar creamy texture.
  • Garnish the top with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or green onions.
cauliflower mash in a blue bowl

More Delicious Recipes Using Fresh Cauliflower

  • Creamy Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Leek Soup
  • Broccoli & Cauliflower Gratin with Brie and Cheddar Cheese Sauce
  • Broccoli & Cauliflower Gratin Soup
  • Italian Sausage & Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Peppers
  • Southwest Cauliflower Rice Pilaf with Toasted Pepitas
  • Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce
cauliflower mash in a blue bowl
Print Recipe PIN Recipe SaveSaved!

Skillet Roasted Cauliflower Mash

Skillet roasted cauliflower mashed with parmesan and goat cheese for a delicious and nutritious alternative to mashed potatoes.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds or 4 cups), chopped into small 1/4-inch slices
  • 1 clove garlic sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces goat cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter , for garnish
  • Chopped parsley , for garnish (optional)
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot, add cauliflower, and cook, stirring occasionally until browned at the edges, 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and ¼ cup water, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to med-low and continue to cook for 5 more minutes, or until cauliflower is completely tender. The timing will depend on the size of the cauliflower pieces.
  • Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor, add salt and pepper, and blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides and add the Parmesan and goat cheese; blend until smooth. Taste and add salt or pepper, as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with a pat of butter and serve.

Notes

Recipe Tips:
  • When mashed, cauliflower has a lovely texture, but to make it as smooth as possible, you’ll need a food processor to really do the job.
  • By skillet roasting the cauliflower first and allowing the edges to brown a little, you really transform the flavor of the finished dish. It’s those slightly browned edges that elevate this mash.
  • Keep the cauliflower pieces fairly small for quicker cooking and lots of edges to brown up.
  • The creamy goat cheese helps to get the texture of the mash just right!
  • A great make-ahead dish. Once cooked and cooled the cauliflower mash can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days. Simply warm up in a pot or in the microwave and top with some butter before serving.
  • Alternatively, cool the mash, pop it into the freezer, and store it for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations:
  • Substitute the avocado oil with either coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil.
  • Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romana cheese, which are similar in taste and texture.
  • Substitute the goat cheese with cream cheese or mascarpone cheese, both of which have a similar creamy texture.
  • Garnish the top with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or green onions.
 

Equipment

food processor

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 370mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 298IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 1mg
Learn how to make this and all recipes even easier!Check out our Monthly Meal Prep System!

Savor and Share!

  • Share
  • Inspire
  • Send

Filed Under: Recipes, Side Dishes Tagged With: cauliflower, Vegetable side dishes

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rating




  1. Jill says

    May 7, 2022 at 6:52 am

    5 stars
    I think I’ll use cheddar cheese next time, but this was really good.

    Reply
  2. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    June 13, 2021 at 6:38 am

    I’ll definitely have to try your trick of adding creamy goat cheese to my mashed cauliflower the next time I make it…thanks!

    Reply
  3. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    June 9, 2021 at 7:46 am

    Roast cauliflower is terrific! Even people who don’t “like” cauliflower like this dish. I’ve mashed cauliflower before, but never the roasted. And never added goat cheese! Gotta try that — neat idea. Thanks!

    Reply
Judy from Savoring Today

Hi, I'm Judy

I'm delighted you're here to savor healthy, clean eating recipes and cooking tips.

If you avoid processed foods and love serving your family nourishing meals, we are passionate about the same things. Read More

Subscribe for recipe updates

AND Get our clean eating quick start guide!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

The Latest

avocado crema in a light grey bowl with a spoon on a towel

Avocado Crema with Yogurt

salsa with mango and pineapple in a bowl by chips

Mango Pineapple Salsa

pork tacos lined up with mango salsa on the side

Grilled Al Pastor Style Pulled Pork

roasted sweet potates on whipped ricotta with tomatoes and olives on a tan plate beside casserole dishes

Chili Crunch Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Savory ricotta feta dip in a white bowl with bread on a counter ready to serve

Savory Whipped Ricotta and Feta Dip

A bowl of yogurt with a spoonful held above it.

Greek Yogurt: Thick, velvety 2 ingredient recipe!

Fan Favorites

Tri-Tip roast sliced and fanned out on a white platter with grilled baby leeks.

Grilled Tri-Tip Roast Recipe for a Charcoal or Gas Grill

An easy, 30-Min date night meal that brings the WOW without all the fuss of crowded restaurants.

Scampi-Style Steak & Scallops with Roasted Asparagus

crab legs on a white platter with drawn butter

Best Way to Cook Crab Legs

Cheeses and charcuterie on a table

7 Tips for Hosting a Wine & Cheese Party

Ghirardelli Brownie Cookies: Soft Centers and Chewy Edges

Categories

DisclosurePrivacyCopyright

Fan Favorites

  • Grilled Tri-Tip Roast Recipe for a Charcoal or Gas Grill
  • Ghirardelli Brownie Cookies: Soft Centers and Chewy Edges
  • Best Way to Cook Crab Legs
  • Scampi-Style Steak & Scallops with Roasted Asparagus
Clean eating recipes and cooking courses for busy families. Savoring Today LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
©2025, Savoring Today. All Rights Reserved. Site by Pixel Me Designs
  • Home
  • Contact
  • SHOP
  • Recipes