cauliflower appetizer

Purple Cauliflower Mash With Roasted Spiced Cauliflower

A vibrant low carb side dish, Purple Cauliflower Mash With Roasted Spiced Cauliflower is a lighter option than your everyday mashed potatoes. Its colorful hue with roasted cauliflower and cilantro on top will be a popular choice at dinner parties or for the family.

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Large white bowl with mashed purple cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, and cilantro on top

Add a pop of color to your dinner with this Purple Cauliflower Mash With Roasted Spiced Cauliflower! Topped with extra roasted spiced cauliflower, melted butter, and fresh cilantro, it takes your everyday cauliflower mash to new levels.

This rich and creamy recipe is keto, low-carb, and gluten-free. Its vibrant purple hue will make it a popular choice at the dinner table next to stuffed chicken thighs or pork chops. As if it couldn’t get any better, this cauliflower mash recipe takes less time to prepare than mashed potatoes and doesn’t skip on the flavor.

Large white bowl with mashed purple cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, and cilantro on top. Extra serving of roasted cauliflower on the side.

Topped with tender and spiced roasted cauliflower, this side dish is unique, healthy, and perfect for spring or summer. It’s delicious on its own or served next to more colorful keto side dishes like Butter Lettuce Salad and Beet Terrine.

What is purple cauliflower?

Cauliflower can turn purple when it’s exposed to a lot of heat or sunlight. This heat activates something called “anthocyanin” which also gives blackberries, red cabbage, and blueberries their signature colors.

Purple cauliflower is safe to eat and completely natural. Plus, the flavor isn’t affected and tastes the same as white cauliflower.

Head of purple cauliflower next to white cauliflower florets on a wood board. Small dishes with cheese and butter on the side.

Ingredients you need to make purple mashed cauliflower

Purple cauliflower – Cauliflower is in season here in the US around April and May through July. You should be able to buy purple cauliflower at grocery stores, health food stores, or at your local farmer’s market when it’s in season.
Butter – Because you can’t have creamy mashed cauliflower without the butter!
Cream cheese – This helps with the mash’s texture while lending a touch of tangy flavors.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan is best.
Seasonings – Smoked paprika and garlic powder will season the roasted cauliflower, adding smoky and savory flavors to the mash’s garnish.
Garnishes – Top your mash with more melted butter and fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

How to make creamy cauliflower mash

Roast the cauliflower: Begin by roasting some of the cauliflower florets. They’ll be added on top of the finished purple cauliflower mash.
Steam the rest of the cauliflower: Place a steaming basket over a large pot filled with water. Boil the water and add the cauliflower florets into the basket. Cover with a lid and cook until fork tender.
Make the cauliflower mash: Add the steamed cauliflower, cream cheese, salt, and butter to a food processor and puree. Finish by pureeing the mash with the parmesan and a pinch of salt.
Season and serve: Add the mash to a large serving bowl, top with the roasted cauliflower and your garnishes, then serve.

Close up of purple cauliflower mash with a pool of melted butter, roasted cauliflower, and cilantro on top

Recipe tips and variations

Steam the cauliflower for the creamiest results. Boiling it in water will make the florets wet and mushy. Cauliflower that’s been steamed will absorb moisture as it cools.
Let the cauliflower sit in a colander or strainer after it’s done steaming. This will help the florets retain their heat and moisture, and prevent the mash from being watery.
Can’t find purple cauliflower? You can make this recipe with white cauliflower instead.
If you don’t have a food processor, make the mash using an immersion blender or a regular blender. If you like a bit more texture, use a potato masher instead.
Add more savory toppings or mix-ins, like fresh chives, bacon, caramelized onions, herbed mushrooms, or roasted garlic.

Making cauliflower mash ahead of time

You can easily prepare the cauliflower mash ahead of time. Prepare the cauliflower by separating the florets away from the head days ahead of time. When you finish the mash, just keep it in your fridge for up to 3 days before serving.

Storing, freezing, and reheating

I recommend freezing the mash before you’ve added the cream cheese, otherwise the texture won’t be the same once it thaws. Make a separate batch without the cream cheese and freeze in a ziploc bag. After it thaws, you can mix in the cream cheese by pureeing it all in a food processor.

Any leftover mash and roasted cauliflower can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll both stay fresh for up to 3 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheat the roasted cauliflower in a 350ºF oven for about 15 to 20 minutes to retain its texture. The mash can be reheated for a few minutes in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop.

What goes well with purple cauliflower mash?

Just like mashed potatoes, this cauliflower mash goes with almost anything! Serve it as a colorful side dish next to these delicious dinner options:

Did you try this Purple Cauliflower Mash With Roasted Spiced Cauliflower? Let me know what you think and leave a comment below! Don’t forget to also take a picture of your recreation and tag me on Instagram. I love to see all of your photos!

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5 from 1 vote

Purple Cauliflower Mash With Roasted Spiced Cauliflower

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Total Time15 mins

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 30 minute meal, appetizer, cauliflower, cauliflower mash, gluten free, keto, low carb, side dish, sides

Servings: servings

Calories: 635kcal

Author: Lena Gladstone

Ingredients

Roasted Spiced Cauliflower

2 cups cauliflower cut florets into bite-size pieces
3 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp kosher salt

Purple Cauliflower Mash

1 head purple cauliflower cut into florets
3 tbsp unsalted butter cut into smaller chunks
3 oz cream cheese cut into smaller chunks
3 cup parmesan cheese freshly shredded
¾ tsp sea salt to taste

Garnishes

2 tbsp cilantro or your favorite soft-leaf herb
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

Roasted Cauliflower

Preheat the oven to 450ºF.
Cut cauliflower florets into small bite-size pieces. Toss with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ¼ tsp Kosher salt. Add to a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, making sure to flip the florets halfway.

Steamed Purple Cauliflower Mash

Using a paring knife, take the cauliflower apart into florets.
In a large pot or pan, add water up to the steamer basket fitted over it. Bring water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets into the steamer basket.
Cover the steamer basket with a lid. Lower the temperature and bring water to a simmer and cook, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until cauliflower is fork-tender. TIP: make sure the water isn't touching the cauliflower, it will make the cauliflower watery, which you don't want.
In a food processor, add the cauliflower, 3 tablespoons of butter, salt, and cream cheese.
Puree for a few minutes on high, until smooth. Scrape the sides as needed and finish blending until fully pureed. Add the parmesan cheese and blend to combine. Adjust salt to taste.
Plate the cauliflower mash in a bowl, arrange roasted cauliflower on top, and sprinkle with cilantro. Add extra butter pieces, serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Make ahead: Separate the florets away from the cauliflower head days before making this recipe. Then you can make the mash and keep it in your fridge for a few days or even freeze it.

Freezing: Freeze the mash before adding the cream cheese. The texture just won’t be the same once it thaws because dairy just isn’t great at freezing. Instead, make the mash without the cream cheese and freeze in a ziploc bag.

Nutrition

The Best 5-Ingredient Keto Creamy Cauliflower Mash

by lena

The Best 5-Ingredient Keto Creamy Cauliflower Mash takes less time to prepare than traditional mashed potatoes and is way healthier! Made with steamed cauliflower, butter, cheese, and salt, this low-carb side dish is perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

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Black bowl filled with mashed cauliflower with fresh dill and butter on top.

Push the potatoes aside because we’re making The Best 5-Ingredient Keto Creamy Cauliflower Mash instead. This low-carb side dish is rich, creamy, soft, and out of this world buttery. Ready in less time than it takes to make mashed potatoes, this new staple recipe can easily become a permanent part of your weekly meal prep.

A low-carb cauliflower mash doesn’t need much to help it taste amazing. Just like your favorite mashed potatoes, this easy recipe is made with butter, cheese, and a handful of seasonings for full flavors.

Keto and low-carb lovers aren’t the only ones who will get a kick out of mashed cauliflower. It’s a healthy option you can serve to fit with your New Year’s goals, for the holidays, or when you need a quick side dish during busy weekdays. Serve it next to a ribeye steak, salmon patties, or green vegetables for a nutritious and delicious dinner.

Does cooked cauliflower taste like mashed potatoes?

Whether you’re sticking to a keto/low-carb diet or not, mashed cauliflower is delicious, light, and just as creamy as traditional mashed potatoes. The biggest difference is that the nutritious and light cauliflower won’t weigh you down as much as the starchy potatoes.

Mashed cauliflower is mixed with butter, cream cheese, and salt to add fat and flavor. Just like with mashed potatoes, you need this fat the create a creamy texture, cut down on the starch, and to help the side dish taste its best. It’s even better when you add the extras, like roasted garlic, dill, butter, sour cream, or chives!

Chopping cauliflower on a wood cutting board. Small bowls with butter, cheese, and cream cheese on the side

What you need to make keto cauliflower mash

Cauliflower – The best hack to making a quick cauliflower mash is buying pre-cut cauliflower! If you’re looking to save time, just cut the florets away from the cauliflower and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to make this recipe.
Butter – Just like the best-mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash needs butter! It adds delicious fat and flavor to each bite and helps achieve that silky smooth texture.
Cream cheese – This helps give the mash its creamy texture while holding everything together. It also adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
Parmesan cheese – For added creaminess and flavor. Always use freshly grade for best results.
Sea salt – Just a pinch or two will do!

How to make keto mashed cauliflower on the stove

Steam the cauliflower: Place a steaming basket over a large pot filled with water. Boil the water and add the cauliflower florets into the basket. Cover with a lid and cook until fork tender.
Mash and season the cauliflower: Add the soft cauliflower, butter, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese to a food processor and puree until smooth. Taste it as you blend and add in salt or any other seasonings as needed.

Tips and tricks

Creamy cauliflower mash starts with the steam. Boiling cauliflower in water will make it wet and mushy instead of soft and creamy. Cauliflower that’s been steamed will dry as it cools down and absorbs moisture.
Let the cauliflower sit in a colander or strainer after it’s done steaming. Letting the steamed cauliflower sit for a few minutes will help it retain heat and moisture, and prevent the mash from being watery.
If the mash does turn out watery or thin, you can thicken it by stirring in more cream cheese until you reach the desired consistency.
If you don’t have a food processor, make the mash using an immersion blender or a regular blender. If you like a bit more texture, use a potato masher instead.

Close up of mashed cauliflower with dill and melted butter on top

Recipe variations

You can roast the cauliflower instead of steaming to add layers of flavor. Toss it in a little olive oil and roast the florets on a baking sheet at 450ºF for about 30 minutes.
Season the mash with any herbs you like, such as dill, chives, parsley, or crispy herbs like sage.
Add more flavor or texture to the mash by stirring in roasted garlic, bacon, fresh parsley, or more cheese.
Looking for dairy-free mashed cauliflower? Replace the cheese and butter with olive oil or plant-based butter and cream cheese.

Can you make creamy mashed cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes, you can make a cauliflower mash ahead of time! Save time by separating the florets away from the cauliflower head days before making this recipe. Then you can make the mash and keep it in your fridge for a few days or even freeze it (see directions below)!

Can you freeze cauliflower mash?

I would recommend freezing your mash before adding the cream cheese. The texture just won’t be the same once it thaws because dairy just isn’t great at freezing. Instead, make the mash without the cream cheese and freeze in a ziploc bag.

What goes well with keto cauliflower mash?

Serve this creamy keto side dish with these delicious recipes and more:

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5 from 6 votes