This recipe uses a simple hack to make the best Mashed Cauliflower you've ever had. It turns out so close to real mashed potatoes you may not believe it!
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I know, I know - there are about 5 billion recipes for mashed cauliflower out there. It seems like every single health conscious blogger on the internet has their own version. So, why would I share yet another??
Simple - because this really is the BEST Mashed Cauliflower recipe Ever!
I've tried several different recipes for mashed cauliflower and they all fell short in one way or another. Sometimes it's the texture that messes them up, sometimes it's the flavor. But regardless, they have all been one sorry substitute for their carb loaded counterpart - mashed potatoes.
So what makes this the BEST Mashed Cauliflower?
The extra fat added to the mash helps keep amp up the flavor, and to prevent the texture issues that are typical with other mashed cauliflower I use a technique generally saved for cauliflower pizza crusts … squeezing the extra moisture out of the cauliflower!
The result is a fluffy mashed potato substitute that that has held up to the toughest critics I know - my family!
My husband and kids who all take mashed potatoes pretty seriously, gave this recipe two thumbs up, which is all the proof I need that I have a winner.
Fresh or frozen Cauliflower?
This likely won't be a shocker, but fresh cauliflower is best and will yield a more "potato-like" texture. In a pinch frozen is fine though. Just cook according to package instructions and follow the remaining recipe as written.
*Note - It's nearly impossible to achieve the right texture with cauliflower rice. For this reason, I HIGHLY recommend that you stick with florets.
Helpful tips for making Mashed Cauliflower:
- For a lumpier mash, stick with a potato masher. If you prefer a smooth mash then use a hand mixer or even a food processor.
- It's better to squeeze out too much liquid from the cauliflower then not enough. With that said if you find the mashed cauliflower a bit too dry, you can add a little bit of chicken broth.
- Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to five days. You can freeze leftovers as well, but the texture will change slightly when reheating from frozen.
- Speaking of leftovers ... If you have any leftovers, you can make a delicious cauliflower soup by stirring in chicken broth until you reach the desired texture. I also like to toss in some garlic powder as well.
Be sure to check out these other great recipes:
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken | Keto, Gluten Free
- Hamburger Steaks and Gravy | Keto
- Southern Style Meatloaf | Keto
- Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
- Slow Cooker Cauli Mac
Also, since no mashed potato (or in this case mashed cauliflower) is complete without the perfect gravy, be sure to check out my recipe for a super easy, 2 ingredient keto gravy!
The BEST Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Start by chopping your cauliflower into chunks. Try to make them as uniform as possible.
- Place the cauliflower in a pot of salted, boiling water. Boil for about 4-5 minutes or until fork tender. Drain the water and allow the cauliflower to cool slightly.
- Dump the cauliflower out onto a clean kitchen towel or some cheesecloth and wring out the extra liquid. Don't be afraid of removing too much liquid. You can always add a little extra water or chicken broth if it seems to dry later on.
- Return the cauliflower to the pot and add in the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, salt and pepper. Using a potato masher if you prefer a lumpier texture, or a hand mixer for a smoother texture. mix everything until it's all well integrated. (If your cauliflower is too cool to melt the butter and cream cheese, place it over low heat, stirring constantly until everything has melted.) Taste your mashed cauliflower and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Notes
The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Thanks for this easy recipe. I steamed my cauliflower instead of boiling it which reduced the amount of water. Followed your recipe and added roasted garlic, to make "garlic mashed cauliflower" instead. Great taste!
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! Those are both great ideas!
how long do you steam it?
I too steamed my cauliflower and added an extra ounce of cream cheese, so delicious!
How much is one serving?
I usually get about 1/2 cup per serving, but that will vary some depending upon the size of your cauliflower and the amount of water you squeeze out. Hope that helps!
Yes it does thank you so much.
In boiling are you losing the nutrients in the cauliflower?
I'm not sure on the amount of nutrient loss of boiling vs any other method of cooking cauliflower, but if you are worried about it you can steam it instead 😊
Delicious! I will make this side dish again. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
So glad that you enjoyed it!!
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yep! Just be aware that it will increase the carbs quite a bit
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
I haven’t tried it myself, so I can’t say for sure, but I’m pretty sure it would work just fine 🙂
I'm confused... It says cook time is 20 minutes but you only boil it for 4-5 minutes....
I like to be pretty liberal with time estimates because I hate when a recipe takes much longer to make them what is stated in the instructions.
I set the cook time to 20 minutes to include the time it takes to squeeze out the extra liquid and to add mash the cauliflower.
Microwave will also reduce amount of water. Sounds yummy. Can’t wait try this.
This recipe is FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Can you make this and put in a casserole dish to cook later?
If you mean to prepare the entire dish, then reheat in the oven, I think that would work fine 🙂
Can I freeze the cauliflower after it's been drained and then thaw to prepare later?
It’s a fine recipe but it’s so much easier to do all this in a food processor. And add garlic!
Thanks Nicole! I agree that it is easier to make in a food processor, but I find that this method yields a fluffier mash. Just a matter of personal preference 🙂
the best mashed cauliflower recipe I have tried!
Thanks Kathy!
Wow, thank you for taking the time to come up with the best cauliflower mashed ever. I hve tried so many and this is a keeper. .
Best mashed cauliflower I've tried. It's easy to make and is delicious!
Honestly, I was skeptical... I’m 8 days into my keto diet journey, and have been craving mashed potatoes. I’ve made mashed cauliflower once a few years back at the height of the craze, but it ended up with a weird texture and not much flavor. I thought since I’m being strict keto now, that I’d be willing to give it another go. I scoured Pinterest for the best looking recipe, and enter your recipe. I have to say, not only were these simply delicious, but I’m completely converted! I wanted a dry run on a potato replacement before Thanksgiving, and I can just envision these being amazing with keto gravy, and holding up to the highest non-keto scrutiny. Thank you so very much for sharing this and putting together a stellar and easy to follow recipe that was successful!!
This recipe is hands down the best cauliflower mash I have had! Will double or triple the recipe next time as it didnt make enough for seconds or leftovers for 3 adults. I added mushrooms and a splash of cooking wine. I used my food processor and the texture was creamy. My daughter likes it better than mashed potatos.
Haha! I did not add mushrooms or cooking wine. That was I added to the sauce for the Tuscan Chicken I made to go with the cauliflower mash.
You might be on to something though 🤔😂 Thanks for the great review, Veronica!
I was skeptical but you made a believer out of me! This is a keeper for sure. Thanks for a fabulous “mashed potato” imposter recipe!
Tried this for the first time tonight. SO good!! The consistency is so much like mashed potatoes! My husband loved it! Thank you! 🙂
I steamed the cauliflower in the microwave. Should have steamed a little longer, but this has a wonderful flavor. My husband doesn’t care for cauliflower but he had seconds!
Thanks for the great review Katie!
Taste is great but mine did not mash or whip into a creamy texture. After boiling I tried to whip it was very, very lumpy so I microwaved for an additional three minutes and it was still lumpy. I threw it in the microwave for another three minutes but still lumpy. I think that it may have been because I left too much of the stem on. Has anyone else run into this?
Wow...If I hadn’t made it I wouldn’t have known it was cauliflower. Great substitution for mashed potatoes for those on keto...and so simple.