Cauliflower is one of my go-to veggies since it serves as the perfect base for casseroles, soups, and even pizzas. It’s also pretty toddler-friendly since you can easily sneak them into just about anything. Today I made two of my favorite versions complete with videos attached because I really want to illustrate how simple they are.

Mashed Cauliflower

I use this recipe in place of mashed potatoes all the time. Remember that butter and cheese can certainly be nutritious if you’re buying the right kind.

For cheese
I love a raw milk cheese, and use it in my mac & cheese since the nutrients it contains are all “in tact” so to speak. If I run out of that one, I use any good organic cheese and shred it.

For butter
Go grass-fed if you can. The most widely available where I live is Kerry Gold USA. They make cheese too! Grass fed is nutritionally superior to grain fed (which is basically every other kind) since it contains CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) a type of fatty acid that supports the immune system, and is known to help many who are trying to lose weight. Grass fed cows also make more omega 3 (anti-inflammatory) fats that are essential to get into your diet.  “Essential” meaning, your body doesn’t make them on their own, so they have to come from the diet.

In the video I topped it with veggies and chicken to make a nice one-bowl-meal for Tommy, and as you can see, he gobbled it up.

Easy Mashed Cauliflower

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower steamed or boiled until soft (about 8-10 minutes)

1 Tbsp grass fed butter

1 cup shredded raw milk cheese (or whatever kind you like)

Sea salt & pepper to taste

Boil or steam cauliflower until it softens (about 10 minutes). Drain and place into a large bowl or stock pot. Mix in remaining ingredients until well combined. If you like your consistency a bit smoother, use a potato masher, stick blender, or add a pinch of milk and use a stand up blender.

Roasted Crispy Cauliflower

And now for all you “Crunchy” folks, and everyone who’s experiencing a savory crunchy craving at the moment. Look no further. Here the parmesan cheese and the pine nuts are responsible for the amazing texture. Oh yea, and there’s cauliflower in there too!

Roasted Crispy Cauliflower

1 head cauliflower rinsed and chopped

2-3 Tbsp olive oil

½ cup parmesan cheese

⅓ cup sunflower seeds

Sea salt & freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread the cauliflower onto a 9x13 baking dish or casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil followed by remaining ingredients. Bake for 30 minutes, tossing the ingredients halfway.