This smoked gouda and bacon cauliflower mash is a perfect, rich, creamy, thick side dish with pops of bacony goodness. Who needs potatoes! Only 219 calories!
Between the rich, creamy flavor of the gouda cheese, the pops of bacony goodness and the mashed potato-esque stick-to-your-ribs level thickness, this cauliflower mash is a perfect alternative for a starchy side dish. I still actually felt über guilty about eating this because it tastes so much like mashed potatoes.
If you've got picky eaters at home, this dish is a perfect segue into healthier options. The rich flavors disguise the cauliflower taste, and who doesn't love a cheesy bacony side dish?!
SMOKED GOUDA AND BACON CAULIFLOWER MASH
219 calories per serving
I used a small head of cauliflower which made 4 servings of mash so each portion of ¾ C had 219 calories. The cauliflower shrinks up pretty quickly in the food processor, so if you're cooking for a crowd be sure to make more than what you think you'd need!
Before we begin the recipe, let's touch base on how to select the best cauliflower while grocery shopping!
how do i choose good 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.
got it, so how do i store the cauliflower until i'm ready to cook it?
- 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.
great! now how to do i cook this recipe?
Start by cutting a head of cauliflower into florets and add to a large microwaveable bowl. Into the same bowl, add in 3 tablespoon of heavy cream, 2 tablespoon butter, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
Microwave for 20 minutes. Yep. Microwave. How easy is this recipe?!
Once tender, add the cauliflower mixture into a food processor. Add in 4 slices of cooked bacon cut into small pieces, and ⅓ C shredded gouda cheese. Blend until desired consistency.
Enjoy! You can serve immediately or store in a sealed refrigerated container until needed then microwave until warm. It reheats perfectly so you can always make it in advance!
If you want to experiment with more cauliflower mash recipes try out my Cauliflower faux-tatoes with bacon, caramelized onions and gorgonzola, Mashed Cauli-Potatoes, Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower or this Cheesy Ranch Cauliflower Casserole!
PrintRecipe Card
Smoked Gouda and Bacon Cauliflower Mash
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Microwaved, Processed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This rich, creamy, thick side dish has pops of bacony goodness and is so flavorful you'll forget they aren't mashed potatoes! Only 219 calories per serving!
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower (I used a small one, but any size would work fine)
- 3 Tbsp heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices cooked bacon, cut into small pieces
- ⅓ C shredded gouda cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut 1 head of cauliflower into small florets and place into a large microwaveable bowl.
- Add in 3 tablespoon heavy cream, 2 tablespoon butter, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Microwave for 20 minutes.
- Once tender, pour cauliflower mixture into a food processor.
- Add in 4 slices of cooked, chopped bacon and ⅓ C shredded gouda cheese. Blend until desired consistency.
- Serve and enjoy!!
Notes
See post notes for tips on how to choose and store cauilflower!
Keywords: low calorie side dish, cauliflower mash, make-ahead side, healthy holiday side, easy weeknight dinner
**Recipe from I Breathe I'm Hungry (my sentiments, exactly!)
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! 🙂
PS: Since I want my blog to be about learning and improving, I wanted to include one of my original images, next to an updated image. Thank you to the Pinch of Yum Food Photography Ebook for these lessons!
