Mashed Cauliflower with Chives and Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Velvety cauliflower mash enriched with sharp Parmesan and fresh chives, a low-carb side that rivals mashed potatoes. This American-inspired vegetarian recipe (low carb), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs cauliflower, unsalted butter, Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 lbs cauliflower florets and cook for 15-18 minutes until very tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Step 2: Drain cauliflower thoroughly in a colander, then return to the pot.
  3. Step 3: Mash with a potato masher until smooth, adding 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Step 4: Stir until butter melts and cheese incorporates completely.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped chives, then season with salt and pepper to taste until flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mashed Cauliflower with Chives and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mashed Cauliflower with Chives and Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cauliflower from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mashed Cauliflower with Chives and Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mashed Cauliflower with Chives and Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mashed Cauliflower with Chives and Parmesan low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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