This Loaded Mashed Cauliflower is full of shredded cheddar, crisp bacon, and fresh green onions for a satisfying side dish.

Creamy and LOADED Cauliflower Mash

I’m a big fan of cauliflower, ok? I love it roasted, mashed, or turned into buffalo bites. It’s so good. Cauliflower is an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be used in many different ways. Plus, it’s good for you!

If you’re not a fan of cauliflower yet then this loaded mashed cauliflower is sure to change your mind after one bite. It’s full of bacon, sharp cheddar, and plenty of fresh chives for the perfect loaded flavor.

This recipe is easy to make and a delicious and beautiful side dish that’s perfect for a holiday or weeknight dinner.

Cauliflower Mash Ingredients

Fresh cauliflower: you’ll need one large head or around eight cups of fresh cauliflower florets for this recipe.

Garlic: I highly recommend using fresh garlic for the best flavor!

Full Fat Coconut Milk: a little full fat coconut milk helps to make the cauliflower smooth and creamy. I promise it doesn’t make the dish taste like coconut!

Butter: for that delicious buttery flavor! Salted or unsalted will both work.

Bacon: you can’t have a loaded anything with bacon, am I right?! you’ll need just a few strips.

Cheese: there’s plenty of shredded sharp cheddar cheese stirred all throughout the cauliflower plus a bit more on top for good measure.

Chives: to give the mashed cauliflower that classic “loaded” flavor this recipe uses fresh chives.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter – don’t want to use butter? you can easily swap it for ghee or your favorite vegan butter substitute.
Bacon – not a fan of pork bacon? swap it for turkey bacon instead.
Chives – can’t find chives? thinly sliced green onion will work just fine!
Cheese – need to make a dairy free version? swap the cheddar with your favorite vegan shredded cheese.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Step One: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step Two: Add the cauliflower florets to a large pot and cover with water. Add in the fresh garlic cloves and bring the cauliflower to a boil. Boil the cauliflower for 15-20 minutes until fork tender.

Step Three: Thoroughly drain the cauliflower and garlic. Once all the water is drained, transfer the cauliflower to a food processor. Add in the coconut milk, salt, pepper, and ghee, and then pulse until the cauliflower is smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if you prefer if you prefer.

Step Four: Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a mixing bowl and add 2/3s of the bacon, 4 oz of cheddar cheese, and chives. Stir until well combined and then transfer to a 9 inch oven safe baking dish.

Step Five: Top with the remaining bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Place in a 350 degree oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. Remove from the oven and garnish with chives before serving.

Tips and Tricks

Drain the cauliflower well. Cauliflower has a higher water content than potatoes, so for the best results be sure to drain the cauliflower well. I like to let the cooked cauliflower drain in the colander for a few minutes before transferring to a the food processor.
If you prefer a chunkier mashed cauliflower texture instead of the smooth and creamy texture, you can use a potato masher instead of a food processor. This will give you a chunkier mash with more texture.
Shred your own cheese! I know it may be a little extra work, but I find that the cheese melts a bit creamier when I shred it myself, and we all want that creamy cheese pull.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: keep the loaded mashed cauliflower in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat: I’ve found the best way to reheat this dish is in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute until heated through.

More Cauliflower Recipes You’ll Love

air fryer buffalo cauliflower

oven roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce

buffalo cauliflower tacos

roasted chipotle cauliflower tacos

loaded cauliflower soup

broccoli cauliflower salad

ground turkey shepherd’s pie

I hope you give this Loaded Mashed Cauliflower a try! It’s the perfect holiday side dish or addition to weeknight dinner!

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