I came up with this slow cooker garlicky herbed cauliflower mash whilst meal planning for our Thanksgiving feast. This will be my second year hosting Thanksgiving, and I am super excited. I really, really love this holiday, seeing as theres no presents, less fuss than other holidays, and is really all about enjoying the time with family and friends.
I do however tend to go a bit overboard with the food, because I can never commit to making just a few dishes (we had three different potato dishes last year….) We also had so many leftovers, that we ended up filling up little containers and handing them out to the local homeless men and ladies.
With all the dishes I have going on at once, I tend to run out of room on the stove top pretty quickly. So this year I have been experimenting with the slow cooker, and have decided to forego my potato mash, and replace it with a lower-carb (but still as delicious) Slow Cooker Garlicky Herbed Cauliflower Mash. Not only does this free up some space but it makes the whole prep thing a lot easier too - pop everything into the pot and let it do it’s thing for a couple of hours, without having to give it any attention.
One of our friends has volunteered to cook the turkey. Apparently deep-fried turkey is a thing? I am learning so much living in the U.S. 🙂 he wants to deep-fry it in some contraption in the backyard….I have never heard of this, but I am intrigued, and more than happy for someone to take on turkey duty. Oh and in case you are interested, these are also on the menu for Thanksgiving: Pumpkin Spiced Waffles with Cranberry Vanilla Bean Butter (for breakfast), and Cranberry Apple Crisp (for dessert).
Do you have any time-saving/space-saving tips for Thanksgiving? I would love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment! Happy eating.
Slow Cooker Garlicky Herbed Cauliflower Mash
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 6 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 tablespoons chopped herbs ( I used oregano thyme, and parsley)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 3 tablespoons butter or ghee
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel the leaves from the cauliflower and cut into medium florets. Pop into the slow cooker with the whole garlic cloves, vegetable broth, and enough water to cover the cauliflower
- Cook on high for 3 hours, or low for 6 hours. Once finished, drain really well (you need to drain really well). If you have a handheld blender or you plan to hand mash then pop the cauliflower back into the slow cooker. If you want a super smooth and creamy mash then pop it into a high speed blender
- Add in the parmesan and butter and mash/blend to desired consistency. Season to taste and add in the fresh herbs
- Pop back into the slow cooker, and set to ‘keep warm’ until ready to serve
Nutrition
Sarah says
Great looking recipe! Quick question: when you drain the liquid, do you keep the garlic cloves in the pot and mash them all up with the cauliflower or toss them out with the broth? Sounds like you keep them in but just want to be sure!
Donna1 says
Hey Sarah, yes just leave the garlic in there, it will be soft enough to mash along with everything else!
Joy @ Joy Love Food says
I love mashed cauliflower, this sounds delicious with the fresh herbs, and great idea to utilize the slow cooker!
Donna1 says
Oh thank you Joy 🙂
Molly Kumar says
This looks so easy and oh so garlicky yum !
Donna1 says
Oh yes, it is very garlicky Molly 🙂 I am a huge garlic fan...in case anyone hasn't noticed 🙂
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
This looks so savory, creamy and good! The fact that it's made in a crock pot makes it extra awesome!
Donna1 says
Thanks Rachel 🙂
Chris @ SimpleFood365 says
The slow cooker is such a great time-saver! I love recipes that we can cook that way. 🙂
Donna1 says
Oh me too Chris!! My favourite for this busy time of year.
Tanisha @ ThrityNYmom says
I've never tried cauliflower but this recipe looks really yummy! Pinning for later, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Donna1 says
Oh my goodness, you need to try cauliflower asap 🙂 so versatile and so delicious!!
[email protected] Plaid & Paisley Kitchen says
I think this is a great alternative to mashed potatoes!
Bonnie @ Living a Fit and Full Life says
looks delicious! I've never tried it but I need to!
Erin says
Oh this looks so so yummy! I can't wait to make it for my family!
Donna1 says
Thanks Erin, I hope you love it if you give it a go 🙂
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
Wow, does that ever look great. I am a huge fan of mashed potatoes but haven't tried mashed cauliflower! I need to try this!
Donna1 says
You do Cindy 🙂 I am a huge huge potato mash fan (I grew up in Ireland and the cliche is totally true 🙂 ), but I love cauli mash just as much!
Lauren Watson {Native Texan Livin'} says
WOW, this sounds really good! I wouldn't have thought to use the slow cooker either but I'm up for anything that makes my life easier! Thanks!
Donna1 says
I know, right! I am all about the slow cooker these days!
Ali @ Home & Plate says
What a great alternative to mash potatoes and so much healthier for you. Love it.
Donna1 says
Thanks 🙂