Cauliflower… it’s not just for raw veggie trays! Try this Easy Slow Cooker Whipped Cauliflower Recipe to serve with your favorite main dishes. After discovering this amazingly simple and healthy side dish, you’ll want to pair it with every meal that you can!

mashed cauliflower in green bowl topped with fresh chopped parsley

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If you have tried cauliflower before and didn’t like the taste or texture, give it another chance with this flavorful option!

I used to not think twice about cauliflower as a side to my meal until a server at a local restaurant convinced me to try it. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised with how delicious it was! After that meal, I had to recreate it in the slow cooker as soon as possible.

Why Cauliflower?

Cauliflower is often underrated as a nutrition-packed vegetable. You may be tempted to overlook it because of the bland color and taste when raw, but it is worth a second look!

This simple veggie is a fantastic source of fiber and is very high in potassium. Surprisingly, It also contains around 2 grams of protein per 1 cup of chopped florets. Cauliflower can also be substituted with many other carb-heavy ingredients for a comparable taste and texture – especially in recipes like this one.

More and more brands and retailers are offering healthier cauliflower options to meet a variety of dietary needs such as low-carb, plant-based, or gluten-free. After trying this tasty recipe, see what else you might like to swap for a cauliflower option!

Ingredients Needed

Only a few added ingredients can turn plain cauliflower into a truly wonderful side dish you’ll want to pair with just about everything!

Cauliflower – To make this recipe even more versatile, choose frozen or fresh cauliflower florets. You can buy prepackaged chopped florets or a head of cauliflower (a medium head of cauliflower is usually around 2 pounds). If you use fresh cauliflower, plan for slightly longer cooking time.
Garlic – Peel about 3 cloves of fresh garlic and let the slow cooker release the flavor!
Water – Use just enough water to cover the cauliflower in the slow cooker.
Heavy cream – Since the cauliflower is cooking with water, heavy cream is the key to achieving smooth, rich mashed cauliflower.
Parmesan cheese – Shredded parmesan adds thickness to the mashed cauliflower and a tasty richness that you can only get with parmesan or other aged cheeses.
Salt and pepper – Add at the end of cooking to taste.
Butter (optional) – Add a tablespoon or two of butter before you mash for added flavor.
Chopped parsley (optional) – If you like, a sprinkle of parsley can be such a nice garnish!

two bags fresh organic cauliflower florets

How To Make Whipped Cauliflower In The Slow Cooker

It’s so easy to take this basic vegetable and turn it into the most creamy side dish! You’ll be tempted to include this cauliflower recipe in your regular meal rotation once you see how easy it is to make.

Start by placing the cauliflower florets and whole peeled garlic cloves in the slow cooker.
Add enough water to fully cover the cauliflower.

white slow cooker filled with fresh chopped cauliflower and water

Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
Carefully, drain the excess water from the slow cooker and place the cauliflower back in the slow cooker, if removed. Let the cauliflower dry for just a bit so that in the next steps, the mashed cauliflower is not runny.

slow cooker with cooked cauliflower pieces

Next, add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a little bit of salt and pepper.
Use a hand mixer to blend the cauliflower until smooth and creamy.

whipped cauliflower with dollop of melted butter in a purple dotted slow cooker

If desired, top with some extra butter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips for Making Cauliflower In The Slow Cooker

Use either fresh or frozen cauliflower. If you use frozen, there is no need to defrost before placing it in the slow cooker.
Be sure to remove all excess water from the cauliflower after cooking to prevent a soggy mash.
You can also mash the cauliflower with a potato masher or food processor. Feel free to remove the cauliflower from the slow cooker to place it into a large bowl to easily blend with a hand mixer or potato masher.
Easily double this recipe for more servings!
For a dairy-free option, omit the parmesan and swap out regular coconut milk for the heavy cream.

What To Serve With Whipped Cauliflower

Think about all the dishes that typically pair with mashed potatoes or other carbs and try out this whipped cauliflower recipe for a fun variation!

Whipped cauliflower is a delicious side for main proteins with savory sauces. Try Slow Cooker Herb Crusted Pork Roast, Slow Cooker Roast Beef with Rosemary and Garlic, or Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Creamy Lemon Sauce for hearty satisfying meals. Also, pair the whipped cauliflower alongside other side veggies like Sautéed Carrots with Honey or a fresh garden salad.

green bowl filled with mashed cauliflower

Storing and Reheating

Leftover whipped cauliflower can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can test out freezing the leftovers, but there may be some separation when defrosting due to the creamy base.

When you reheat leftovers, microwave on low or reduced power to prevent overcooking.