Whipped Cauliflower With Mascarpone

This creamy Whipped Cauliflower with Mascarpone has become my go-to replacement for mashed potatoes. It is quick and easy to make, so rich and satisfying, and highly customizable. Prefer a mash to a whip? No problem. Want a garlic mash? Easy. Want to layer in other flavors? This dish is up for it. But perhaps more impressive than its taste, is the fact that it is so low in carbs and so high in health benefits, making it an excellent keto-friendly side dish.

The Inspiration

Mashed potatoes. I have spent some time looking for the perfect replacement for mashed or whipped potatoes. Trying various recipes, I have sautéed, boiled, mashed, and whipped. My first concern is always taste… well that and that a dish is low carb and healthy-ish. But if it doesn’t taste amazing, why make it when there are so many delicious foods out there?

The Ingredients

The main ingredient for this dish is cauliflower. What an incredibly versatile vegetable. Who knew all the things that cauliflower could be? (Note: If cauliflower can be pizza, you can be anything. I love that.)

But did you know that cauliflower is also an incredibly healthy vegetable that is a significant source of nutrients? In fact, it contains just about every vitamin and mineral that your body needs. Most notable are Vitamin C, Vitamin K, B6, and Folic Acid. Cauliflower is linked with a lower risk of several illnesses, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Cauliflower is low in carbs and high in fiber, which is why it is such a good, keto-friendly replacement in so many recipes. Fiber is an essential component for a healthy diet. It feeds the good bacteria in your gut. As we are growing increasingly aware, your gut health is one of the most important factors in your overall health and well being. A healthy gut not only feeds your cells, but contributes to your immunity, warding off viruses and bacteria. It also communicates with your brain through your nerves and hormones, playing a large part in your general health, mood, and sense of well being.

I am currently reading “Clean” and “Clean Gut” by Alejandro Junger. He is a New York Times bestselling author and cardiologist who believes that all of today’s most troubling ailments (cancer, diabetes, depression, asthma, allergies, and heart disease) can be tied back to issues and irritations in your gut. He says “food is medicine, and the gut is the key to a long, vibrant life.” I couldn’t agree more.

The Steps

I have made this whipped cauliflower using both pre-bagged riced cauliflower and whole heads of cauliflower that I prep myself. I recommend using the riced cauliflower as it is already such a fine grain and chopping the head to be the same consistency takes a little work. However, starting with the whole head works too.

First, sauté the cauliflower briefly in a 4 quart pot on medium heat in 1 tablespoon of butter until it has lightened color slightly. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Sautéing first, increases the creaminess and flavor of the cauliflower.

Next, add in 2 cups of water to just cover the cauliflower (you may need more or less). Bring to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender. Drain the cauliflower, reserving some of the cooking liquid. You may need to add this back in at the end to increase moisture (it’s not likely though).

Add the cauliflower to a food processor and purée. You may need to scrape down the sides to properly incorporate everything. Once smooth, add the remaining butter and mascarpone. Puree again. Add in the Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and puree one last time. Add in the reserved cooking liquid if a wetter texture is desired.

At this point I usually add it back to the original pot to keep warm until the rest of the meal is finished. To serve, either put in a serving dish and top with minced chives, or serve directly to plates, again topping with chives.

Tips & Tricks

• You can mash this by hand, instead of whipping, if you prefer a chunkier texture.
• If your cauliflower is too moist you can add back to a dry pan and cook, stirring frequently, to cook off some of the moisture.
• Cauliflower is very resilient to heat and cooking times, it will not get overdone like potatoes do.
• This recipe is highly customizable, add in things like: minced garlic for a garlic mashed potato flavor, or caramelized onions and blue cheese, bacon and cheddar… the list goes on.

The Results

Quick and easy to make, this Whipped Cauliflower With Mascarpone is a creamy, rich satisfying alternative to mashed potatoes that will not leave you missing them. As healthy as it is delicious, there is no reason to not have seconds. It is a perfect, low-carb, keto-friendly side for Thanksgiving, or any of your fall and winter meals.

Click here for more low carb, keto-friendly Thanksgiving recipe suggestions!

If you make this Whipped Cauliflower With Mascarpone be sure to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. And if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see!

How To Make: Whipped Cauliflower With Mascarpone