Finally! Mashed cauliflower that actually sticks to your fork! These mashed cauli-potatoes are thick and creamy but only 166 calories per serving! 
So while most people are looking forward to pigging out on turkey day, there are a handful of people who are dreading the temptations, the set backs, and the derailing of their daily hard work. For those people, I am always trying to share recipes that are still full of flavor but low on calories so that you can still feel like you're indulging without overindulging. The goal is to never feel like you're sacrificing your favorites during the holidays, while also staying within your calorie budget!
You may have tried mashed cauliflower before and been wildly disappointed by its watery, flavorless, pathetic attempt at trying to mimic potatoes. So I figured what's the best way to make it taste more like mashed potatoes? Add in mashed potatoes. It only makes sense!
Now I'm not claiming these mashed cauli-potatoes are going to taste exactly like mashed potatoes, otherwise they'd be mashed potatoes. There are still 2 heads of cauliflower in here so they're still going to taste like cauliflower. HOWEVER! Because of the 2 mashed potatoes that are added in they actually do taste more like mashed potatoes than straight up mashed cauliflower, and the cream cheese makes them thick and creamy. (But we're using ⅓ less fat so they're still lower in calories!) Add in some margarine and salt and pepper and you've got yourself a contender for the real thing!
MASHED CAULI-POTATOES
166 calories per serving
Before we dig in, let’s learn more about cauliflower and potatoes!
HOW DO I CHOOSE FRESH CAULIFLOWER AND potatoes?
How to choose Cauliflower:
- Choose cauliflower heads that are clean, firm, compact and white or off white in color. Avoid cauliflower that is browned, soft, or has any dark spots.
- Choose a cauliflower head that feels heavy for its size.
- The leaves of the cauliflower should be green and crisp with no signs of yellowing or wilting. Leaves growing within the cauliflower head is fine, just remove them before cooking.
- There should be no smell. If it has a strong odor, it is likely past its prime and will have an unpleasant taste.
- Check the stem to ensure it looks freshly cut and is in good shape.
how to choose Potatoes:
- Choose potatoes that are firm, clean, smooth and unblemished. Avoid potatoes with any cuts, cracks, dents or gouges where bacteria can get in or mold can grow.
- Avoid potatoes that are growing sprouts unless you plan to eat them within 1-2 days. (And be sure to dig out those eyes before you cook them! #savage)
- Avoid potatoes that have any dark or green spots, or any other signs of bruising.
GOT IT, SO HOW DO I STORE cauliflower and potatoes UNTIL I’M READY TO COOK them?
How to store Cauliflower:
- Unwrap your cauliflower from the store packaged plastic wrap, wrap in a paper towel, then transfer to a loosely sealed bag. Store in your refrigerator crisper drawer, stem side up, for 4-7 days.
- Pre-cut florets should be used within 4 days.
- Do not wash the cauliflower until you are ready to use it.
How to store Potatoes:
- Store in an open paper bag or a paper bag with holes in it.
- Do not store in a plastic bag as this will trap moisture and promote rotting.
- Store in a cool dark place such as your pantry, in a closet or in your basement. Do not refrigerate, as the cold will cause the starch to convert to sugar which will change the taste of the potato.
- Potatoes stored at room temperature will last about 1-2 weeks, potatoes stored at 45-50 degrees F will last for 2-3 months.
Tip: You can find more tips on seasonal produce selection and storage, plus tons of recipes from fellow food bloggers in my Monthly Seasonal Produce Guides!
GREAT! NOW HOW TO DO I COOK THIS RECIPE?
You want to start by chopping up 2 heads of cauliflower into florets and 2 russet potatoes into ½ inch chunks. In a large pot over medium-high heat, boil the cauliflower and potatoes until tender.
Drain the water then add the cauliflower and potatoes back into the pot and mash until the desired consistency.
Add in 8 oz of cream cheese (I used ⅓ less fat), ¼ C of milk (I used skim) and 4 tablespoon of margarine. Mix until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately. Top with a little parsley to dress them up, if you want to be fancy! You can also throw in some extra flavors if you wish, such as cheese (which will add in extra calories of course), garlic powder, or tabasco, which are always go-tos in our kitchen!
Enjoy! 🙂 Andrew actually said he would eat these over real mashed potatoes so I must be doing something right over here! Hopefully you can fool some loved ones you are trying to get to eat healthier too! 😉 
Looking for more fake potatoes? Try out these recipes below! (Saving calories isn't so hard, is it? 😉 )
Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower
Smoked Gouda and Bacon Cauliflower Mash
Cheesy Ranch Cauliflower Casserole
Cauliflower faux-tatoes with bacon, caramelized onions and gorgonzola
PrintRecipe Card
Mashed Cauli-Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Finally! Mashed cauliflower that actually sticks to your fork! These mashed cauli-potatoes are thick and creamy but only 166 calories per serving!
Ingredients
- 2 heads of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 russet potatoes, cut into ½ inch chunks
- 8 oz of cream cheese (I used ⅓ less fat)
- ¼ C of milk (I used skim)
- 4 Tbsp of butter or margarine (I used margarine)
- Chopped parsley for serving, if desired
Instructions
- Cut 2 heads of cauliflower into florets and 2 russet potatoes into ½ inch chunks.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, boil cauliflower and potatoes until tender.
- Drain the water then add the cauliflower and potatoes back into the pot and mash until the desired consistency.
- Add in 8 oz of cream cheese, ¼ C milk and 4 tablespoon margarine. Mix until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately. Top with a little parsley to dress them up, if you want to be fancy!
- Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to add in some cheese (extra calories of course!) or other seasonings if you want to add in some extra flavor. Garlic powder and tabasco sauce are always go-tos in our kitchen!
What do you think? Did this recipe make the cut for you or did it crumble? What would you do differently? Leave a comment below! 🙂
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