The Best Mashed Cauliflower with White Beans

This Mediterranean Diet inspired recipe uses simple ingredients to create the best Mashed Cauliflower with White Beans and Horseradish.

This post was originally published in 2019, but the photos and post have been updated.

An Alternative to Mashed Potatoes

My family’s love for mashed potatoes runs deep. I think about 70 pounds of potatoes are mashed every holiday to feed the masses.

I’m the odd duck in the family though because I don’t really care for mashed potatoes. I just don’t get the appeal. Baked potatoes I can tolerate but only because I like all the toppings. Mainly the cheese and sour cream.

So every year I tend to fill up on rolls, stuffing and cranberry sauce to fill my plate’s potato void. This year though I wanted to bring an alternative to the holiday table.

Recipes Using Cauliflower

Replacing mashed potatoes with cauliflower is noting new but I have never loved plain old mashed cauliflower either. I think the texture is off and it doesn’t have much of a flavor.

After experimenting with different recipes, I have discovered the best mashed cauliflower recipe.

Cauliflower with White Beans and Horseradish

Instead of just using cauliflower on it’s own, I added a can of Cannellini Beans (aka Northern or White Kidney Beans) to mix. The beans provide a creamy and thick texture, not to mention some protein and fiber. I have also made this exact recipe using a can of garbanzo beans in place of the white beans and it came out just as delicious.

Flavored with a bit of milk, greek yogurt, horseradish and a smidge of parmesan, this recipe is anything but plain.

I prefer the texture to be a bit coarse so I used a potato masher to blend everything together. If you prefer creamier style mashed cauliflower, you could use a hand mixer or blender to whip them up. Just be don’t blend them too long or they can tend to get a little paste like.

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The Best Mashed Cauliflower with White Beans

This Mediterranean Diet inspired recipe uses simple ingredients to create the best Mashed Cauliflower with White Beans and Horseradish.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Keyword cauliflower, mediterranean diet, thanksgiving recipes

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Author Brynn McDowell at The Domestic Dietitian

Ingredients

• 1 pound Cauliflower Florets you can also use a head of caulflower and cut them into florets yourself
• 1 can Cannellini Beans (15.5 oz can), do not drain also called Northern Beans or White Kidney Beans
• 1/3 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt, plain
• 2 tbsp Horseradish, prepared
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 bunch fresh thyme, stems removed Optional Garnish

Instructions

• Place the cauliflower florets, beans with their liquid, and milk in a large pot on the stove
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until cauliflower is fork tender, about 10 minutes
• Once tender, add greek yogut and horseradish to pot. Stir to combine an simmer additional 5 minutes, uncovered
• Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese
• Use potato masher to mash until desired consistency
• Taste and season as needed with salt and pepper
• Garnish with fresh thyme leaves (if desired)

Looking for more Mediterranean Diet Inspired Side Dishes?

Some of my favorites that would go well with this dish include –

• Chopped Kale Salad
• Apple, Leek and Mushroom Stuffing
• Not Your Mama’s Homemade Cranberry Sauce