Lightened up mashed potatoes made with a mix of Yukon potatoes, cauliflower, and a creamy almond butter “gravy”. Perfect for a plant-based holiday side!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, friends! Last night, during our virtual family game night, we eagerly plotted all the fun activities we’ll share in person next week. Our plans include the annual Thanksgiving walk, lively games, cozy movie sessions, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food.

My parents, ever so gently, nudged me away from bringing my usual sweet potato casserole to our holiday feast this year. It seems I might be one of the few passionate sweet potato lovers at the table! While my affection for sweet potatoes is no secret, and I often substitute them for regular potatoes in recipes, perhaps there’s a time and place for classic spuds in a potato dish, wouldn’t you agree? Like, for instance, in a comforting bowl of mashed potatoes. So, how about we elevate that classic with a twist: Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Almond Butter “Gravy”? No one said I couldn’t add a healthy helping of cauliflower!

These Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at your holiday table this year. This lightened-up version features a harmonious blend of creamy Yukon potatoes and tender cauliflower, all mashed to perfection and served with a lusciously smooth almond butter-based gravy. Get ready to celebrate all the delightful side dishes!

Key Ingredients for Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

To prepare these delightful Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes, you’ll need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients:

• Yukon gold potatoes
• Fresh cauliflower florets
• Garlic powder, for aromatic depth
• Tahini, to add creaminess without oil
• Unsweetened almond milk, for desired consistency
• Himalayan sea salt, to enhance flavors
• Ground black pepper, for a gentle kick
• Fresh parsley, for garnish and freshness

That’s all it takes to create a surprisingly flavorful and healthy mashed potato dish!

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

These cauliflower mashed potatoes are not just one or the other; they represent a brilliant fusion of both! They capture all the beloved flavor and comforting qualities of classic mashed potatoes, but with a lighter, healthier cauliflower twist. The clever inclusion of tahini ensures they remain entirely oil-free while still being wonderfully moist, fluffy, and exceptionally creamy. This makes them a fantastic alternative for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent side dish.

To begin, let’s prepare our vegetables. Add the diced Yukon potatoes and fresh cauliflower florets to a large pot. Cover them with approximately one inch of water, ensuring all vegetables are submerged. Bring the pot to a rolling boil and cook the potatoes and cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, or until they are unmistakably fork-tender and very soft. This thorough cooking is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy mash.

Ingredients for a Rich Almond Butter Gravy

While your potatoes and cauliflower are cooking, take the opportunity to prepare your delicious almond butter gravy. This creamy, savory topping will perfectly complement your mashed potatoes.

Here’s what you’ll need for the Almond Butter Gravy:

• Georgia Grinders Original Almond Butter, for a rich, nutty base
• Fresh lemon juice, to add brightness and acidity
• Water or unsweetened almond milk, to achieve the desired consistency
• Ground black pepper, for a subtle warmth
• Himalayan sea salt, to balance and enhance flavors

This almond butter gravy is incredibly versatile and can be drizzled over a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to grain bowls or even plant-based proteins. However, I must confess, I have a particular fondness for it generously poured over these Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes!

Preparing Your Velvety Almond Butter Gravy

To create this smooth and creamy gravy, simply combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth and has a luxurious, creamy texture. Start with the smaller amount of water or unsweetened almond milk and add more in small, one-tablespoon increments as needed, until you reach your desired pourable consistency. The goal is a gravy that is thick enough to cling to your potatoes but still flows beautifully.

If, by chance, the gravy becomes too thin, simply add a little more almond butter to thicken it up. I highly recommend Georgia Grinders Original Almond Butter for this recipe; its pure composition of roasted almonds and a hint of sea salt makes for an incredibly flavorful and robust gravy. This creates a thick, nutty, and roasted gravy that is completely vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and contains no added oils.

Finally, taste the Almond Butter Gravy and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of Himalayan sea salt and black pepper to your preference. Since the almond butter already contains a hint of sea salt, you likely won’t need much additional seasoning.

Set your luscious gravy aside while we return to our perfectly cooked vegetables. Once the potatoes and cauliflower are wonderfully fork-tender, carefully transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or even a sturdy fork, begin to mash the vegetables. They should yield easily and effortlessly. Because the potatoes and cauliflower share a similar pale hue, the mash will look cohesive and beautifully “mashed potato”-esque, tricking even the most discerning palates!

Fun fact: I’ve never actually owned a potato masher myself, so I’ve always tackled the mashing with a good old-fashioned fork – proof that you don’t need fancy tools for delicious results! Once mashed, incorporate the garlic powder, tahini, unsweetened almond milk, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue mashing until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the texture is to your liking.

Alternative Mashing Techniques and Serving Your Masterpiece

Continue mashing the potatoes and cauliflower until you achieve your desired consistency – consider it a mini therapy session! Mash more vigorously for an ultra-creamy, smooth texture, or mash less for a rustic mash with delightful small chunks, which is how I personally enjoy mine. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to your preference.

Alternatively, for an even smoother, silkier texture reminiscent of a velvety puree, you can transfer the entire mixture into a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until perfectly uniform. If the potato and cauliflower mixture appears too thick, simply add more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the ideal consistency. Once the texture is just right, taste the mixture and make any final adjustments to the salt and pepper as desired.

After that, it’s time to serve your culinary creation! Serve the mash warm, plated elegantly, and generously topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceousness. Finish with a lavish drizzle of the homemade Almond Butter Gravy. Yum! This dish is a true testament to how simple, plant-based ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Creative Ways to Serve Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

These Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Almond Butter “Gravy” are a creative and flavorful plant-based side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. They make an excellent accompaniment to a hearty plant-based main course, or they can take center stage as a standout component of your holiday spread. This recipe is particularly wonderful for anyone seeking a lighter, yet equally satisfying, variation on traditional mashed potatoes.

Beyond being delicious, this dish is entirely vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and contains no added oils, making it a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. For added convenience, these mashed potatoes can be prepared in advance. Store the Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes and the Almond Butter Gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them separately before combining. Leftovers can be stored and reheated for several days, making meal prep a breeze.

If you find yourself with extra Almond Butter “Gravy,” don’t let it go to waste! It’s incredibly versatile. Try drizzling it over other roasted root vegetables, adding a creamy touch to stir-fries, or pairing it with baked tofu or tempeh for an extra boost of flavor. Enjoy the versatility and deliciousness of this wonderful plant-based creation!

More Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Sides Recipes

• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Almond Butter Gravy

• Dijon Tahini Green Beans

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Figs & Pecans

• Harissa Roasted Cauliflower With Cranberries & Hazelnuts

• Roasted Squash & Arugula Salad

• Butternut Squash Noodle Cranberry Salad

• Tri-Colored Roasted Cauliflower Salad

• Vegan & Grain-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

• Stovetop Cauliflower Rice Stuffing

• Low-Sugar Orange Cranberry Sauce

• Delicata Chickpea Bake With Almond Butter “Gravy”

• Pumpkin Cornbread Mini Muffins

• 2-Way Low Sugar Cranberry Sauce

• Candied Yams with Cacao Nibs & Pecans