Loaded Mashed Cauliflower

Published on September 30, 2021 by Sarah Troester

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This cauliflower dish loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese and green onions makes an excellent side dish. It’s a low-carb option packed with flavor and ready to go in no time at all!

Who remembers ordering loaded potato skins at Friday’s or always chooses a loaded baked potato with your steak? This recipe is all of that and more! I think I may prefer this version with cauliflower over any kind of potato option going forward. There are so many ways to make this dish (hello…gruyere and sweet onion, or bleu cheese and fig?) This is the recipe that just keeps on giving

How do I get a fluffy cauliflower mash?

Steam instead of boil; we will be using the microwave for this dish.
Let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to release some moisture.
Drain well before mashing or putting in a food processor.
Add the ingredients that make it taste great! Cauliflower is truly the hero of the low carb world; it is flexible and compatible with just about any combination of flavors.

Loaded cauliflower mash ingredients

This recipe is made with simple ingredients all which can be found at your local grocery store or even here online!

How to make loaded mashed cauliflower

1. Cut the cauliflower into florets and add them to a microwave safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water and cover with cling film. Microwave for 6 1/2 minutes, until completely cooked and tender.
2. Drain the excess water and let sit uncovered for a minute or two.
3. Combine the butter, sour cream and seasonings with the cauliflower into a food blender or use a hand mixer to process until fluffy; mix until it resembles the consistency of mashed potatoes.
4. Remove the mashed cauliflower to a glass baking dish and top with the cheddar cheese, bacon and jalapeño slices.
5. Place under the broiler to melt the cheese for a few minutes.
6. Immediately top with green onions and serve with additional sour cream, bacon, cheese or green onion – however desired.

That’s it. Easy, cheesy and delicious! My entire family couldn’t get enough. This healthy loaded mashed cauliflower is another win-win in my book!

Loaded Mashed Cauliflower

This cauliflower dish loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese and green onions makes an excellent side dish. It's a low-carb option packed with flavor and ready to go in no time at all!

Servings: people

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 12

Total Time: 22

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup bacon crumbles, plus extra for topping
¼ cup green onions, chopped
¼ cup deli jalapeños , optional

Instructions

Cut the cauliflower into florets and add them to a microwave safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water and cover with cling film. Microwave for 6 1/2 minutes, until completely cooked and tender.
Drain the excess water and let sit uncovered for a minute or two.
Add the butter, sour cream and seasonings and add the cauliflower to a food blender or use a hand mixer to process until fluffy; mix until it resembles the consistency of mashed potatoes.
Remove the mashed cauliflower to a glass baking dish and top with the cheddar cheese, bacon and jalapeño slices.
Place under the broiler to melt the cheese for a few minutes.
Immediately serve; top with additional green onions, sour cream, bacon, or cheese – however desired.

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this low carb loaded mashed cauliflower recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!