What to Serve with Cauliflower Puree? (13 Easy Sides)

You can serve cauliflower puree with all sorts of things. If you want to keep it light, you can pair it with grilled fish or chicken. For a heartier option, try serving it with lamb chops or steak. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.

Cauliflower puree is a delicious and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes.

It’s low in carbs and calories but still has that creamy and comforting texture that we all crave.

And while it’s delicious on its own, there are so many ways that you can take it to the next level with the perfect side dishes.

So if you are looking for ideas for what to serve with cauliflower puree, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or holiday meal, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 13 of my favorite side dishes for cauliflower puree including roasted vegetables, grilled meats, salads, and more.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Puree?

Cauliflower puree is a versatile dish that can be served with many different proteins and vegetables. If you want to keep it simple, you can pair it with roasted chicken or grilled salmon. If you are looking for something more adventurous, you could try serving it with braised lamb shanks or short ribs.

Still looking for ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 13 side dishes that go with cauliflower puree:

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables can be cooked in tons of different ways, with any number of herbs and spices.

The key to good roasted vegetables is to start with high-quality ingredients, and to not overcrowd the pan.

If you overcrowd the pan, the vegetables will steam instead of roast.

1. To roast cauliflower, I like to toss it with olive oil, garlic, and a little bit of salt.
2. Then I roast it in a 400-degree oven for about 20 minutes, until it’s golden brown and tender.

You could also add other vegetables to the mix, like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes.

And if you want to give the dish a little bit of a flavor boost, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice right before serving.

2. Grilled Tomahawk Steak

Who doesn’t appreciate a big, juicy steak?

Tomahawk steak is a show-stopping cut of meat that is sure to impress.

The grilled version is especially delicious, and pairs perfectly with cauliflower puree.

To make the puree, simply cook cauliflower in boiling water until tender, then mash or blend with milk, butter, and salt to taste.

For an extra flavor boost, try roasting the cauliflower first before pureeing.

You can also add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled bacon on top of the puree when serving.

3. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

A pasta salad is a great way to round out a meal and it’s an easy dish to make ahead of time.

My go-to pasta salad is a bacon ranch pasta salad.

It’s simple to make and can be easily customized to your liking.

To make the salad, you’ll need:

• 1 pound of pasta (I like to use rotini or shells)
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup of chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.
3. Add the pasta and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight) before serving.

4. Steamed Vegetables

If you want to try something other than roasted veggies as a side dish for your cauliflower puree, how about steamed veggies?

You can use any combination of vegetables that you like, but I think that broccoli, carrots, and green beans would go really well with the creamy cauliflower puree.

1. To steam the vegetables, you will need a steamer basket and a pot with a lid.
2. Fill the pot with enough water to come up to the bottom of the steamer basket.
3. Bring the water to a boil and then add the veggies to the basket.
4. Cover the pot and steam the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender.
5. Once they are done, you can remove them from the basket and add them to your plate.

If you want to enhance the flavor of your steamed veggies, you can try adding some garlic, lemon juice, or herbs.

5. Sautéed Vegetables

How do you feel about sauteed vegetables?

If your answer is anything other than “I love them!” then you need to try this recipe.

I’m not kidding – it will change your mind.

The key to perfect sautéed vegetables is twofold: first, make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil; and second, don’t overcrowd the pan.

If you do those two things, you’re well on your way to success.

As for what vegetables to use, that’s entirely up to you.

I usually go with a mix of onion, garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms.

But really, any combination of veggies will work.

Once you’ve got your veggies chopped and your pan nice and hot, it’s time to add the oil.

I like to use olive oil because it has a high smoke point and a nice flavor, but any cooking oil will do.

Once the oil is in the pan, add the veggies and let them cook until they’re tender and lightly browned.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

6. Creamy Tomato Risotto with Crispy Garlic Crumbs

Anything creamy is always welcome on my plate, especially when it’s this good.

The key to a great risotto is to cook the rice slowly, so that each grain has a chance to absorb all of the flavors in the dish.

In this case, we’re using chicken broth and tomatoes, with a little bit of white wine for good measure.

And, of course, we can’t forget the parmesan cheese – it really ties everything together.

As for the garlic crumbs, they add a nice crunch and a bit of extra flavor.

To make them, simply fry up some garlic in olive oil until it’s nice and crispy.

Then, remove it from the heat and let it drain on a paper towel.

Once it’s cool, you can crumble it up and sprinkle it on top of the risotto.

7. Creamy Polenta with Parmesan Cheese

Just look at how delicious this polenta looks!

This dish is the perfect side to any meal, but goes especially well with cauliflower puree.

The polenta is creamy and comforting, while the Parmesan cheese adds a nice sharpness that cuts through the richness of the dish.

And, if you want to get really creative, here are three ways you can add even more flavor to this already delicious side dish:

• Add some chopped herbs, like parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness.
• Stir in some cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky, salty flavor.
• Top with a fried egg for a bit of protein and creaminess.

8. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

When it gets chilly outside, there’s nothing I crave more than a big bowl of soup.

And this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup hits the spot every time.

See Also: What Salad Goes Well with Tortilla Soup? 9 Best Salads

It’s packed with flavor, yet still light and healthy, and goes perfectly with a dollop of cauliflower puree on top.

1. To make the soup, simply sauté some onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil, then add in chicken breasts (I like to use rotisserie chicken to save time), canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and your favorite Mexican spices.
2. I like to add a bit of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for smokiness.
3. Then, let the soup simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it with a fork before adding it back in.

9. Beef Stew

Stew is a classic family favorite, and for good reason.

It’s hearty, filling, and can be made with a variety of different meats and vegetables.

I like to serve beef stew with cauliflower puree because the creamy texture of the puree compliments the chunks of beef and vegetables in the stew perfectly.

Plus, it’s an easy way to add some extra vegetables to your meal.

Here are three ways you can add some extra flavor to your beef stew:

• Add some diced onion and garlic to the puree when you’re blending it.
• Stir in some fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, into the stew before serving.
• Top the stew with a sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving.

10. Chili

I LOVE a big plate of creamy cauliflower puree, but it can be a little one-note on its own.

That’s why I always like to serve it with a flavorful side dish to help round things out.

My go-to is usually some kind of chili, whether it’s a simple ground beef chili or a more complicated turkey and bean chili.

But there are lots of other great options too!

Here are three of my favorites:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt, then roast in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Serve alongside the cauliflower puree.
• Garlic Parmesan Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender, then toss with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a little bit of olive oil. Serve alongside the cauliflower puree.
• Herb Roasted potatoes: Cut Yukon gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then toss with olive oil and your favorite herbs (I like rosemary and thyme). Roast in a 400 degree oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Serve alongside the cauliflower puree.

11. Chicken Enchilada Casserole

How about a warm and comforting casserole to go with your cauliflower puree?

This chicken enchilada casserole has all the flavors of your favorite Mexican dish, without all the work.

And, it can be easily customized to your liking.

For example, you could add some chopped green chilies to the enchilada sauce, or use a different kind of cheese.

I like to top mine with a little sour cream and some chopped green onions.

If you want to get really creative, you could even add some roasted cauliflower to the casserole.

Just florets, tossed in a little olive oil and salt, roasted in a 400-degree oven for about 20 minutes.

They’ll add a nice crispy element to the dish.

12. Mashed Potatoes

Sometimes, the classic side dishes are the best.

Mashed potatoes go so well with cauliflower puree, and there are endless ways to flavor them.

Here are three of my favorites:

• For a cheesy mashed potato, add in some grated cheddar cheese and a bit of cream.
• For a flavorful mashed potato, stir in some chopped fresh herbs, like chives, parsley, or thyme.
• And for a mashed potato with a bit of a kick, add in some roasted garlic cloves and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

13. Baked Potatoes

What can be easier than throwing some potatoes in the oven?

Pretty much nothing…

To make these spuds extra special, top them with cauliflower puree and your favorite toppings.

Here are three flavor combinations to try:

• Cauliflower puree, crispy bacon, and chives
• Cauliflower puree, sautéed mushrooms, and Gruyere cheese
• Cauliflower puree, roasted garlic, and Parmesan cheese

What Meat Goes with Cauliflower Puree?

Cauliflower puree is a versatile dish that can be paired with many different meats. Some popular choices include chicken, pork, beef, lamb, and fish. If you are looking for a lighter option, you could also pair cauliflower puree with tofu or tempeh.