Rosemary Cauliflower Puree is a savory and silky side dish that is full of flavor. It is a perfect stand in for any starchy side dish. It comes together in 20 minutes and is made with 5 simple ingredients: cauliflower, garlic, butter, cream, and rosemary.
Cauliflower Mash
Cauliflower “mashed potatoes” are one of my favorite side dishes. However, I don’t like calling them mashed potatoes. Obviously because they are not potatoes! But they also don’t stand up like a starchy mashed potato. Cauliflower Mash is more of a buttery, silky puree, hence, the name Rosemary Cauliflower Puree.
And in my humble “culinary” opinion I think the flavor FAR exceeds any traditional mashed potato I have ever had!
How to Make Cauliflower Puree
This recipe for Cauliflower Puree is a quick one! Definitely faster than making mashed potatoes which makes it a great option for holidays or when you are making a lot of complicated dishes.
Bring a large pot of water to boil over medium high heat.
While your water is coming to a boil cut your head of cauliflower into smaller florets and peel your garlic cloves.
Place the florets and garlic into the boiling water and boil for 10 minutes, or until the stems of the cauliflower are fork tender. Drain.
In a blender or food processor combine the cauliflower, garlic, half and half, butter, salt and rosemary. Pulse or blend until it is a smooth consistency and there are no remaining pieces or chunks. If you need to add an additional tablespoon or two of half and half to get it to blend properly, that is ok.
NOTE: when you are blending the hot cauliflower make sure that you vent the blender or food processor so you do not have a cauliflower explosion in your kitchen!
Rosemary Cauliflower Puree for Dinner
This Cauliflower Puree is excellent served as a side dish in place of potatoes or rice. It goes amazingly with Instant Pot Pork Ribs, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Steaks or Pork, and my Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Cauliflower Puree Recipe
Rosemary Cauliflower Puree
Ingredients
- 1 Head of Cauliflower cored and chopped into florets
- 3 Garlic Cloves peeled
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- ⅓ cup Half & Half can use extra if you need more to blend properly
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt less if you have a small cauliflower
- Pepper to taste
- Optional* Extra Virgin Olive Oil for serving
Instructions
- Cut your cauliflower into smaller florets.
- Boil the cauliflower and garlic cloves in salted water for 10 minutes, until the stems are fork tender. Drain.
- Put the cooked cauliflower, garlic, salt, butter, half & half, and rosemary in a blender or food processor.
- NOTE: make sure you vent your blender or food processor so the hot cauliflower doesn't pop the lid off and make a mess!!
- Process until completely smooth. You may need to add a little extra half and half to get the cauliflower to puree smoothly.
- Serve Immediately.Optional* drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a beautiful presentation.
Originally Posted March 2017 – Copy & Photos Updated October 2019
John says
Never need mashed potatoes again! Healthy and tastes great!
Susie says
Totally! We love them as a potato replacement