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!
This Mom's Menu is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links but all opinions are my own. I may earn money from purchases made through the links shared here (at no additional cost to you)
This mashed cauliflower is the perfect low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. Super rich and comforting mashed cauliflower is the perfect side dish for elaborate holiday meals or just a regular weeknight supper.
No mashed potato swap is complete without a delicious gravy so be sure to check out my easy keto gravy. Serve this mashed cauliflower with turkey breast, baked ham, or with some delicious keto-fried chicken.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Mashed cauliflower uses many of the same ingredients as mashed potatoes. Here is what you'll need:
- Fresh Cauliflower - 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.
- Butter, cream cheese, heavy whipping cream
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
Start out by steaming or boiling your cauliflower florets until they are fork-tender. Then, drain the excess water and allow the cauliflower to cool slightly. Tip: if you are in a hurry, you can run cold water over the cauliflower to speed up the cooling process.
Place the cooked cauliflower 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 the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it's all well integrated. Tip: 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.
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 than 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.
Variations
Here are some of my favorite ways to change up this recipe:
- Loaded mashed cauliflower - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, and top with chives. Check out my sheet pan loaded cauliflower or loaded cauliflower casserole!
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower - Stir in some roasted garlic or garlic powder to change up the flavor.
- Boursin Mashed Cauliflower - Swap the cream cheese for Boursin cheese. Any flavor that you like will work wonderfully!
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!
FAQs
Yes, steaming cauliflower is another option. Place the florets in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam until tender, usually for about 10-12 minutes.
Yes, you can use a food processor to mash the cauliflower. It will give you a smoother texture, but be careful not to over-process, as it may become too smooth or pasty.
Yes, you can prepare mashed cauliflower ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Yes, you can freeze mashed cauliflower. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months.
📖 Recipe
The BEST Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower cut into florets
- 4 tablespoon Butter
- 1 oz Cream Cheese
- 2 tablespoon Heavy Whipping Cream
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- 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
Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.
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. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.
TF Cotton says
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!
Sabra says
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! Those are both great ideas!
Ajay says
how long do you steam it?
Carol says
I too steamed my cauliflower and added an extra ounce of cream cheese, so delicious!
Christina says
How much is one serving?
Sabra says
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!
Christina Mora says
Yes it does thank you so much.
Carrie says
In boiling are you losing the nutrients in the cauliflower?
Sabra says
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 😊
Stefanie says
Delicious! I will make this side dish again. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Sabra says
So glad that you enjoyed it!!
Val says
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Sabra says
Yep! Just be aware that it will increase the carbs quite a bit
Cathy says
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Sabra says
I haven’t tried it myself, so I can’t say for sure, but I’m pretty sure it would work just fine 🙂
Ajay says
I'm confused... It says cook time is 20 minutes but you only boil it for 4-5 minutes....
Sabra says
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.
Peggy says
Microwave will also reduce amount of water. Sounds yummy. Can’t wait try this.
Kristin says
This recipe is FANTASTIC! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Diane says
Can you make this and put in a casserole dish to cook later?
Sabra says
If you mean to prepare the entire dish, then reheat in the oven, I think that would work fine 🙂
Nancy Quatier says
Can I freeze the cauliflower after it's been drained and then thaw to prepare later?
Nicole says
It’s a fine recipe but it’s so much easier to do all this in a food processor. And add garlic!
Sabra says
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 🙂
Kathy Derrick says
the best mashed cauliflower recipe I have tried!
Sabra says
Thanks Kathy!
John says
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. .
Helen M Bouhl says
Best mashed cauliflower I've tried. It's easy to make and is delicious!
Annie G says
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!!
Veronica says
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.
Veronica says
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.
Sabra says
You might be on to something though 🤔😂 Thanks for the great review, Veronica!
Lisa Graves says
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!
Crystal Bates says
Tried this for the first time tonight. SO good!! The consistency is so much like mashed potatoes! My husband loved it! Thank you! 🙂
Katie A says
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!
Sabra says
Thanks for the great review Katie!
Deketo says
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?
Joanne says
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.