Easy creamy mashed potatoes and cauliflower recipe

There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, right? But if you’re looking to make your mashed potatoes a little lighter, a little tastier and maybe even sneak in some extra veggies, then you’re going to love this mashed potatoes and cauliflower recipe. It’s the perfect way to satisfy that craving for comfort food, whether it’s as a holiday meal or healthy side dish for every day. This recipe combines the soft, buttery goodness of mashed potatoes with the mild, fluffy texture of cauliflower, and the result is one of those great recipes that’s both indulgent and nutritious.

Let’s be honest, we’re all about those cozy, feel-good meals that are full of nutrients, especially when we’re feeding little ones or trying to maintain a healthy balance ourselves. The beauty of this mashed potatoes and cauliflower recipe is that it offers the same creamy, satisfying mouthfeel as traditional mashed potatoes but with fewer calories and more fiber. Best of all, it’s so simple to make, it’ll quickly become your go-to dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

But wait, are mashed potatoes and cauliflower really a thing? You bet! You can easily mash cauliflower and potatoes together, and when done right, it’s a match made in heaven. The cauliflower adds a lovely lightness to the dish, while the potatoes bring that familiar comfort you crave. And guess what? You can use cauliflower to make mashed potatoes less heavy, so it’s not just a lighter option but also a way to get those picky eaters (whether they’re kids or adults) to have some extra veggies. 

What does this mashed potatoes and cauliflower recipe actually taste like? 

It’s creamy, it’s smooth, and it’s got just the right balance of savory flavors. The cauliflower has such a subtle taste, it blends perfectly with the potatoes, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also versatile enough to pair with anything from roasted chicken to grilled veggies (mushrooms and mushroom gravy are my personal favourite). The added garlic adds extra depth and turns this light side dish into a mouthwatering addition at mealtime. So, how do you make it yourself? I’ve got you covered with a simple recipe that’s easy to follow and super tasty!

Ingredients

Potatoes. As with any mash potato recipe, choose a variety that softens easily. I often use red potatoes as a great all rounder.

Large head of cauliflower. We’ll be using a whole head of cauliflower in this cauliflower mash recipe. I personally love the cauliflower taste and usually select the biggest head I can find. If your family isn’t as fond of it, opt for one a little more on the small side. 

Garlic. We’ll be frying or roasting garlic cloves in butter to get the best possible aroma. Try and use fresh garlic, as garlic powder just doesn’t do the dish any justice. 

Butter

Milk

Rosemary

Salt and Black Pepper

How to Make Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower

Peel and boil the potatoes. Start by peeling your potatoes. While I usually love the skin, mashed potatoes are far nicer with peeled potatoes. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender. If you are short on time, cut the potatoes into halves or quarters to reduce cooking time. 

Steam the cauliflower. Wash your cauliflower and cut it into smaller florets. Add a steamer basket or large colander on top of your pot of potatoes and place the cauliflower florets into it. Add a lit on top and allow the single pot of water to both boil and steam your produce. 

Brown the garlic. Peel and slice your garlic. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the garlic slices. Slowly pan fry the garlic on low heat to allow the flavours to intermingle. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to stir the garlic every now and again to prevent it from sticking and burning. 

Drain and mash. Once your potatoes and cauliflower have softened, drain the water and place both into a large bowl. Add the garlic and butter and roughly mash the cauliflower mixture with a potato masher or another hand masher.

Season. Add salt, rosemary, milk and butter and mash some more until it reaches a silky texture.

Serve and enjoy. Now to the best part. Garnish with more rosemary, green onions or chives. Serve your mashed potatoes and cauliflower warm as a hearty side dish, and watch your family devour it!

Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower Recipe

This mashed potatoes and cauliflower recipe is the best of both worlds. You get all the creamy goodness of regular mashed potatoes, but with the added health benefits of cauliflower—hello, fiber and vitamins! It’s a great option if you’re looking for a low carb alternative without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can easily make it your own by adding your favorite seasonings or even mixing in some cheese for extra flavor. And, let’s not forget, it’s a fantastic way to get kids to eat some veggies without them even noticing!

Tips and Tricks

Make it extra creamy. If you want an ultra-creamy texture, try adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream along with the butter and milk.

Use your gadgets. Mash becomes extra creamy by using an electronic mixer or food processor. Even an immersion blender will work wonderfully. 

Add more garlic. For an extra kick, add more roasted garlic and mash it in with the potatoes and cauliflower. It’ll add so much flavor!

Don’t over-mash. Be careful not to over-mash your potatoes and cauliflower puree. Over-mashing can make them too runny. If that happens, you can always add a bit more potato or a little corn flour to thicken it up.

Leftovers. This mashed potatoes and cauliflower recipe makes great leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a little bit of milk or water to bring it back to life.

Easy Substitutes

Butter. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, swap out the butter for extra virgin olive oil or vegan butter.

Milk. Any milk alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk will work just fine in this recipe.

Cheese. If you want to make it even richer, add some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the mix.

This mashed potatoes and cauliflower recipe is perfect for anyone looking to whip up something quick, easy, and healthy on busy weeknights. It’s a dish that checks all the boxes: comforting, nutritious, and super simple to make. Whether you’re feeding toddlers, picky eaters, or just looking for a lighter version of your favorite side dish, this mashed potatoes and cauliflower recipe has got you covered. Enjoy!