Creamy Mashed Broccoli and Cauliflower! Made with fresh broccoli and cauliflower, butter, heavy cream, and a blend of herbs like chives, dill, and parsley, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for any meal. It's easy to make and a great low carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
This cauliflower broccoli mash makes a perfect side dish for any occasion. Some of my other favorite low carb sides are Keto Risotto with Lemon and Parmesan, Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan, Braised Fennel and Leeks, Herb Roasted Carrots and Radishes, Burnt Broccoli and this Roasted Cauliflower with a Tahini Dressing recipe. This dish also goes well as a side with this Low Carb Coconut Lime Chicken recipe.
Jump To:
- 5 reasons why you'll love this recipe
- Main ingredients used to make this creamy mashed broccoli and cauliflower
- Steps by step instructions
- How to make broccoli cauliflower mash
- Top Tip
- More Recipe tips
- Recipe variations
- Make it vegan and dairy free
- How to store and reheat this recipe?
- Frequently asked questions
- Other low carb side dish recipes
- Recipe Card
5 reasons why you'll love this recipe
- Low Carb: This cauli broccoli mash recipe is a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, making it ideal for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
- Vegetarian: With no meat or animal by-products (other than dairy), this dish is perfect for vegetarians looking for a tasty and nutritious side dish.
- Diabetic Friendly: The combination of broccoli and cauliflower provides a lower glycemic index compared to regular mashed potatoes, making it a better choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
- Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fresh vegetables and herbs, this broccoli cauli mash recipe is a gluten free, healthy addition to any meal.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The addition of butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese gives this mash a rich and creamy texture that's incredibly satisfying, while the fresh herbs add a burst of flavor.
Main ingredients used to make this creamy mashed broccoli and cauliflower
- Broccoli: Adds a vibrant green color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Cauliflower: Provides a creamy texture when mashed and a neutral taste that blends well with other ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the mash, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Contributes to the creamy consistency of the mash and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Infuses the mash with a savory, umami flavor and helps to thicken and enrich the texture.
- Fresh Chives: Impart a mild onion flavor, adding freshness and a subtle sharpness.
- Fresh Dill: Offers a bright, slightly tangy flavor that lifts and balances the richness of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a burst of green color, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of the cauli mash.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
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Steps by step instructions
How to make broccoli cauliflower mash
STEP 1: Cook Vegetables: Wash and chop broccoli and cauliflower into florets. Boil (about 15 minutes) in salted water until tender, then drain.
STEP 2: Mash and Mix: Mash the cooked broccoli and cauliflower until smooth. Stir in the remaining ingredients and mash once again until the butter is melted and the texture is smooth.
STEP 3: Serve and Garnish: Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with more chopped chives, grated Parmesan, and a sprig of dill. Serve hot.
Top Tip
If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply mash the cooked broccoli and cauliflower with a potato masher until you reach the consistency you desire.
Mash it to your liking, leaving some larger pieces intact for added texture and bite. You have full control over how chunky or smooth you want your mashed broccoli and cauliflower to be simply by adjusting the amount of mashing.
More Recipe tips
- If your mashed broccoli and cauliflower mixture ends up too liquidy, simply tilt the bowl slightly and pour out the excess liquid from the side. This quick step will help you achieve the desired consistency for your dish.
- If you'd like to enhance the cheesy flavor of your broccoli mash, feel free to add more grated Parmesan to taste. Start by adding a little at a time, tasting as you go, until you reach your desired level of cheesiness.
Recipe variations
Here are some simple low-carb recipe variations or ingredient swaps for mashed broccoli and cauliflower:
- Cheesy Garlic Mash: Add minced garlic to the mashed broccoli and cauliflower for a flavorful twist. Increase the amount of grated Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
- Spicy Jalapeño Mash: For a kick of heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mash. Pair it with a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish.
- Bacon and Cheddar Mash: Crumble crispy bacon and stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a savory and indulgent twist on traditional mashed broccoli and cauliflower.
- Nutty Crunch Mash: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top of the mashed broccoli and cauliflower for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Pesto Infused Mash: Mix in a dollop of homemade or store-bought pesto sauce for a vibrant and flavorful twist. The basil and garlic in the pesto complement the broccoli and cauliflower beautifully.
Feel free to get creative and customize these variations according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy exploring the delicious possibilities of mashed broccoli and cauliflower!
Meal Prep Recipes!
Discover simple and delicious meal prep ideas tailored for a diabetic-friendly, low-carb lifestyle.
Make it vegan and dairy free
To make mashed broccoli and cauliflower vegan and dairy-free, you can use the following substitutions:
- Butter: Replace the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative, which is typically made from plant-based oils like coconut, soy, or avocado oil.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Substitute the heavy whipping cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or almond milk. These alternatives provide richness and creaminess without the dairy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Omit the grated Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative such as nutritional yeast flakes or a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute.
By making these simple substitutions, you can create a delicious vegan and dairy-free version of mashed broccoli and cauliflower that is just as creamy and flavorful as the traditional recipe. Enjoy!
How to store and reheat this recipe?
To store mashed broccoli and cauliflower:
- Refrigeration: Allow the mashed broccoli and cauliflower to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the mashed broccoli and cauliflower, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Press out any excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat mashed broccoli and cauliflower:
- Refrigerated: Transfer the desired portion of mashed broccoli and cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed to your liking.
- Frozen: If reheating from frozen, thaw the mashed broccoli and cauliflower overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated leftovers.
Ensure that the mashed broccoli and cauliflower are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Stirring occasionally during reheating helps distribute the heat evenly and prevent any cold spots. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and cauliflower if fresh isn't available. Thaw them before cooking, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed broccoli and cauliflower in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat before serving.
Yes! You can use just broccoli or just cauliflower for this recipe based on your preference or what you have on hand. Adjust the quantities accordingly if using only one of the vegetables. Both options will still result in a delicious and nutritious cauli mash or broccoli mash. Enjoy experimenting with different variations!
Other low carb side dish recipes
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Recipe Card
Creamy Mashed Broccoli and Cauliflower
Instructional Recipe Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 teaspoon salt to salt the boiling water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup Heavy Whipping Cream 35%
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives more for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill more for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated parmesan more for garnish
Instructions
- Start by boiling the broccoli and cauliflower florets in salted water until they are tender. Then, strain the cooked vegetables and set them aside.2 cups broccoli florets, ½ head cauliflower, 1 teaspoon salt
- Using a potato masher or fork, mash the boiled broccoli and cauliflower until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Once mashed, add the remaining ingredients such as unsalted butter, heavy whipping cream, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.¼ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup Heavy Whipping Cream 35%, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, ¼ cup chopped fresh dill, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, ½ cup grated parmesan
- Transfer the mashed broccoli and cauliflower to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped chives, grated Parmesan, and a sprig of dill before serving.
Notes
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Oscar Chimenti says