Two Creamy and Delicious Low-Carb Sides: Cauliflower Two Ways
Looking for a quick and delicious low-carb side? You will absolutely love this creamy, cheesy cauliflower dish two ways!
Whether you are looking to cut down on your carbohydrates or just want a quick and easy weeknight side dish, this Creamy and Delicious Cauliflower dish is for you! I love mashed potatoes just as much as the next person, but sometimes they can feel heavy for a weeknight dinner. Enter creamy, cheesy mashed cauliflower! This recipe is so quick to make, takes only a few ingredients, and is picky eater-approved.
What Ingredients Are In These Two Creamy and Delicious Low-Carb Sides?
This Creamy Cauliflower side dish is made up of all the same ingredients as your favorite mashed potato recipe, with just a few swaps to lighten it up! It is big in flavor, high in protein, and low in carbs. To make this Creamy, Cheesy Cauliflower Mash, you need the following ingredients:
- 1 Head of Cauliflower
- 1/3 cup Cottage cheese
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Chives
How Do I Make This Creamy and Delicious Low-Carb Side?
To make this delicious cauliflower recipe, start by setting out all your ingredients an hour before you begin. Next, cut a whole head of cauliflower into florets. Boil the cauliflower in a large pot of simmering water until it is soft and tender, about 25 minutes. Drain the cauliflower and put it in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the cauliflower with about a teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste. Sometimes, I also like to add a sprinkle of garlic powder to this mixture. Begin mixing this with a hand mixer. Slowly add three tbsp of melted butter, and follow this with 1/4 cup heavy cream. Add 1/3 cup cottage cheese and mix until creamy. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of sharp Cheddar cheese into this mixture. Parmesan cheese would also be delicious! For the finishing touch, I love to top with chives, green onions, or even bacon bits! If you don’t have time to let your ingredients come to room temperature for an hour before you start cooking, just heat your heavy cream and cottage cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds until it is slightly warm.
Is This A High-Protein Recipe?
Not only is this dish low in carbs and keto-friendly, but it is also high in protein! Cottage cheese is a protein superstar, and it adds a healthy serving to this dish. Not only is it creamy and delicious, but it contains a whopping 25 grams of protein per cup! There is also some protein in the cream and cheese, making this a truly balanced side!
What Kind Of Cottage Cheese Should I Use?
Any cottage cheese will work, but I am partial to Good Culture cottage cheese. I find it has the freshest, creamiest flavor, and you can’t beat the minimal, simple ingredients. You can find it at most grocery stores!
Is This Dish Picky-Eater Approved?
Because this dish tastes so similar to mashed potatoes, even the pickiest eaters will get their serving of vegetables in! This is the epitome of a “sneaky veggie”- a vegetable-heavy dish that looks appealing to children and other picky eaters.
What Are The Two Ways I Can Prepare These Creamy and Delicious Low Carb Sides?
One of my favorite parts of this recipe is that it can be made in two ways!
1. Cauliflower Mash – The first option is to serve the creamy, cheesy cauliflower mixture straight from the bowl, like mashed potatoes! This is so simple and easy- the quicker of the two ways. You will be shocked at how similar this tastes to mashed potatoes!
2. Twice Baked Cauliflower- The second option is to put your cauliflower mash into a casserole dish and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden brown and bubbling. I like to top the twice-baked cauliflower with a little extra cheese to really make it look like twice-baked potatoes!
How Can I Serve These Delicious Cauliflower Sides?
I love to serve this dish in place of mashed potatoes or another carb-heavy side like rice or grits. It is fabulous with a protein like steak, pork chops, fish, or chicken. If you don’t want to serve this right away, store it in the refrigerator and heat it before serving.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Cauliflower?
Cauliflower is a true superfood with so many amazing health benefits! It is high in fiber, which is amazing for digestion. Cauliflower is also low in calories and carbs and is high in vitamin K and vitamin C. It is a cruciferous vegetable, which means it is anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting.
Creamy and Delicious Low-Carb Sides: Cauliflower Two Ways
Ingredients
- 1 Head of Cauliflower
- 1/3 cup Cottage cheese
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Chives
Instructions
Put all ingredients out an hour before making them.
Steam cauliflower in simmering water until soft and tender (about 25 minutes).
Drain cauliflower; put in a medium bowl.
Sprinkle cauliflower with salt and pepper.
Begin mixing cauliflower, adding melted butter first.
Add cream and cottage cheese; mix until creamy.
Stir in cheese at the end.
Eat immediately or refrigerate and reheat before serving. Enjoy!
* For twice baked cauliflower, scoop this mixture into a baking dish and top with extra cheese. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
If you like this recipe, check these out, too:
Stuffed “Twice Baked” Summer Squash
