Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are the perfect holiday side dish, combining the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the health benefits of cauliflower. Made effortlessly in your crockpot, this recipe is a great way to save oven space while still serving up a comforting and delicious dish. The cauliflower blends seamlessly with the potatoes, and you won’t even taste the cauliflower!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 shallot, minced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets

• 1 cup vegetable stock

• 1 (5.2 ounce) package garlic herb cheese, crumbled

• ½ cup half and half

• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives

Directions

1. Lightly coat the inside of a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Place the cubed potatoes, shallot, garlic, and butter into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Without stirring, top with cauliflower and vegetable stock.

2. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes and cauliflower are tender.

3. Remove the potato mixture from the slow cooker and drain excess liquid before returning to the pot.

4. Stir in the garlic herb cheese and half and half.

5. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend the potatoes and cauliflower until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more half and half to reach the desired consistency.

6. Stir in chives and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve immediately, or keep warm for up to 1 hour.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal per serving

• Fat: 10-12g

  • Saturated Fat: 5-7g

• Cholesterol: 20-30mg

• Sodium: 500-600mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 25-30g

  • Sugars: 4-6g

• Protein: 3-5g

• Vitamin A: 6-8% of the daily value

• Vitamin C: 25-30% of the daily value

• Calcium: 10-12% of the daily value

• Iron: 4-6% of the daily value

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Mashed Potatoes?

Using a slow cooker for mashed potatoes is an excellent way to save time and effort, especially when preparing for a large meal. The slow cooker ensures that the potatoes and cauliflower cook evenly and become incredibly tender without needing constant attention. Unlike traditional stovetop methods, the slow cooker allows you to focus on other dishes while this side cooks to perfection. The slow cooking process also allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish, making it a hassle-free, set-it-and-forget-it option for holiday dinners or everyday meals.

The Perfect Blend of Potatoes and Cauliflower

Yukon gold potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe due to their naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor. When paired with cauliflower, they create the perfect base for a lightened-up mashed potato dish. The cauliflower blends seamlessly with the potatoes, offering a subtle earthiness without overpowering the flavor of the potatoes. The cauliflower adds a nutritional boost to the dish, making it lower in carbs and higher in fiber compared to traditional mashed potatoes, all while maintaining the rich and comforting texture you expect from mashed potatoes.

The Role of Garlic, Shallot, and Garlic Herb Cheese

Garlic and shallot are the flavor powerhouses in this recipe, providing a savory, aromatic base that complements the creamy potatoes and cauliflower. Garlic adds depth and richness, while the shallot lends a mild sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. The garlic herb cheese is another key ingredient that elevates this dish, infusing the mashed potatoes with a creamy, tangy, and herby flavor. The cheese adds richness without being too heavy, giving the mashed potatoes a luxurious, smooth texture.

Health Benefits of Cauliflower in Mashed Potatoes

Cauliflower is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production, as well as folate, which is important for cellular function and growth. Adding cauliflower to mashed potatoes not only lightens up the dish but also boosts its health benefits. The fiber in cauliflower aids digestion, and it’s low in calories, making this dish a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting side dish without the guilt.

A Creamy Yet Light Texture

What makes Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes stand out is the texture. While they’re lighter than traditional mashed potatoes, they still have a creamy, smooth consistency thanks to the Yukon gold potatoes and the addition of half and half. The garlic herb cheese also contributes to the luxurious, velvety texture that you expect from mashed potatoes. The half and half adds a slight richness without being overly heavy, helping to create a dish that is both creamy and satisfying but still light on the calories.

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancements

Seasoning plays a crucial role in achieving a perfectly balanced flavor in mashed potatoes. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and cauliflower. In this recipe, the garlic, shallot, and herbs (like thyme and chives) take the seasoning to the next level, adding depth and complexity to the dish. The garlic herb cheese also contributes to the seasoning, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. The fresh chives, added just before serving, bring a burst of freshness and color to the dish, balancing out the richness of the potatoes and adding a slight onion-like flavor.

Simplicity in Preparation

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. The preparation is minimal—just peel and cube the potatoes, chop the cauliflower into florets, and add everything into the slow cooker with the seasonings, garlic, shallot, and butter. The slow cooker does the work, and after 6-7 hours of cooking, you’re left with perfectly tender potatoes and cauliflower. The final step involves draining any excess liquid, stirring in the garlic herb cheese and half and half, and then using an electric mixer to blend the ingredients into a smooth, fluffy mash. The entire process is easy, with minimal hands-on time, making it a great option for busy home cooks or holiday meal prep.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are an ideal dish for holiday gatherings, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special family dinner. The slow cooker allows you to prepare this side dish ahead of time and keep it warm while you focus on other aspects of the meal. Plus, the lighter, healthier version of mashed potatoes ensures that your guests can enjoy the comforting classic without feeling overly stuffed. The dish pairs well with a wide variety of mains, from turkey and ham to roasted meats and vegetarian entrees, making it a versatile side dish for any occasion.

Customizing the Recipe

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there’s plenty of room for customization. If you want to make the dish even richer, you can add a little more butter or swap out the half and half for heavy cream. For those who prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add more minced garlic or roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste. If you’re not a fan of garlic herb cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. The fresh chives can also be swapped for parsley or thyme, depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are a perfect side dish for a variety of mains. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, such as turkey, chicken, or beef, as well as vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or roasted vegetable casseroles. For a complete holiday meal, serve these mashed potatoes alongside stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a fresh green salad. You can also top them with a drizzle of gravy or a sprinkle of additional herbs for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only do Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes offer great taste, but they’re also packed with nutritional benefits. The addition of cauliflower increases the fiber content of the dish, aiding in digestion and helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. The Yukon gold potatoes provide a healthy source of carbohydrates, and the garlic herb cheese adds a bit of protein. The half and half provides a small amount of calcium, while the fresh chives contribute additional vitamins. With approximately 200-250 calories per serving, this dish is a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting side without overindulging.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic mashed potatoes. This dish combines the creamy richness of mashed potatoes with the health benefits of cauliflower, creating a lighter yet equally satisfying side. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, freeing up your oven for other dishes, and the garlic herb cheese adds a flavorful, creamy finish. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and guests. So, give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy the comforting flavors with the added bonus of a nutritious, lighter twist on mashed potatoes.