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Keto Mashed Cauliflower a simple way to make a healthier, low-carb and Keto mashed potato alternative. Creamy, smooth and delicious, perfect for a side dish or to serve on its own, topped with cheese, bacon, gravy or onions.
Learn how to make smooth and creamy mashed cauliflower. Non watery, not chunky, creamy and buttery, made with 7 basic ingredients – cauliflower, cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, salt and pepper and garlic powder.
Vegan/non-dairy options mentioned below.
Mashed Cauliflower (or Cauliflower Mash):
Keto or low-carb mashed cauliflower has been a thing for a while. Let me tell you, I’ve attempted to make it many times in the past and most of the time I was not happy with the result.
Even though I cook a lot, every single day, it took me a while to create the best, foolproof Mashed Cauliflower Recipe.
I first tried placing the boiled cauliflower in the food processor and it turned into a thick smoothie or puree, not the texture of mashed potatoes.
I’ve shared this version in this Pork Tenderloin Recipe, where I made a turnip (or parsnip) cauliflower puree.
Then on my second try, I used my food processor, but I did not like the texture either.
The reason why? I did not drain or cook the cauliflower well.
The third try was something similar to the cauliflower mash recipe I’m sharing with you today, but it was too watery and a little tough, then I realized that the water after cooking needs to be drained, squeezed out very well and I should not be using thick cauliflower stems, that are hard to cook in this recipe.
Finally I’ve learned my lesson, analyzed my mistakes and will share my experience with you.
Why you should make Keto mashed cauliflower (aka Keto mashed potatoes)?
Are you a fan of cauliflower? Is mashed cauliflower better than mashed potatoes?
Well both things taste different, but by following my instructions, you can make fluffy and creamy mashed cauliflower, to use as a low-carb potato alternative, if this is what you are looking for.
If you are a cauliflower lover, this recipe is worth trying.
What ingredients do you need to make this Keto Mashed Cauliflower?
- cauliflower
- garlic powder
- butter
- cream cheese
- heavy cream
- salt
- black pepper
- chives (optional)
- optional toppings like cheese and bacon
How to make the perfect Mashed Cauliflower?
- Use florets and no stems in this recipe. Cut into small florets with similar size.
- Make sure the cauliflower is cooked through, this way it is easy to mash it and achieve whipped texture
- Drain the water out of the cooked cauliflower very, very well! You can press it down through a sieve or cheese cloth. This Keto Mashed Cauliflower can hardly be thickened, you you start mashing it with too much undrained water in it.
I’ve chosen to boil my cauliflower in this recipe. This is the easies and fastest way to cook it. Alternative methods are microwaving, roasting and steaming it.
Cut cauliflower into very small florets and do not use any thick stems. Rinse.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add cauliflower. Boil for 10 minutes or until very soft.
Drain the cauliflower very well from the water, squeezing out the water through a cheese cloth.
In a bowl combine the cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper and garlic.
Using a potato masher, mash like you are making mashed potatoes. Add more heavy cream if needed, depending on your personal preference.
Top with chives. Serve.
Vegan or Non Dairy Cauliflower Mash?
You can definitely make non dairy and even vegan cauliflower mash, which could also be Kept friendly.
All you can do is use full fat coconut milk and omit the cream cheese, butter and cream. For the amount of cauliflower that this recipe calls for, use about 1/2 cup or a little more full fat coconut milk. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
What to eat with mashed cauliflower?
Serve this mashed cauliflower as a side for chicken, fish, beef or pork.
You can enjoy it with some gravy or mushroom sauce.
These Keto cauliflower mashed potatoes can be used anywhere you used to serve mashed potatoes.
If you’d like to you can make loaded mashed cauliflower by adding some cheese and bacon on top.
Then bake for 15 minutes at 375 F until the cheese is melted.
This is the best, easiest Keto cauliflower mash.
Can you thicken mashed cauliflower once it is made?
Yes, you can thicken cauliflower mash by cooking it on the stove top for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
Can you make this Keto mashed cauliflower in advance?
This easy Keto mashed cauliflower can be made no more than 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge in an air tight container. You can also freeze it for up to one month.
Does mashed cauliflower taste like mashed potatoes?
No!!! Unfortunately mashed cauliflower does not taste like mashed potatoes. I rarely eat potatoes now, since I follow low-carb diet (it is only on a cheat day), but potatoes are potatoes.
Cauliflower is not a substitute for them, but it is a great low-carb, healthier alternative.
Can yo freeze mashed cauliflower?
Yes, mashed cauliflower can be frozen for up to 1 month. Make sure you wrap it well. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven.
Toppings for mashed cauliflower:
- Parmesan Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese
- Fresh thyme
- Green onions
- Caramelized onions
- Sauteed Mushrooms
- Mushroom Sauce
- Chives
- Bacon
- Sour cream
More cauliflower recipes:
Can’t get enough of cauliflower? This whole roasted cauliflower from Evolving Table is a must try!
Here are even more cauliflower recipes from my blog:
Keto Mashed Cauliflower
Video
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cauliflower
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt, more if needed + 1 tbsp for boiling the cauliflower
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chives, optional
- optional toppings like cheese and bacon
Instructions
- Cut cauliflower into very small florets and do not use any thick stems. Rinse.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add cauliflower. Boil for 10 minutes or until very soft.
- Drain the cauliflower very well from the water, squeezing out the water through a cheese cloth.
- In a bowl combine the cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper and garlic.
- Using a potato masher, mash like you are making mashed potatoes. Add more heavy cream if needed, depending on your personal preference.
- Top with chives. Serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Baked with a mixture of mayo and mustard topped with loads of cheese so good