This creamy mashed cauliflower is a simple, low-carb, and keto-friendly side dish that rivals traditional mashed potatoes in both taste and texture. With just 4 ingredients and 15 minutes, you can whip up a healthy, tasty side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
This recipe is part of my keto cauliflower recipe list and goes well as a side in place of mashed potato with our other keto meals Chicken, Cheddar and Chive Meatballs, Low Carb Beef Schnitzels, Corned Beef, and Low Carb Chicken Feta Meatballs.
Why You’ll Love This Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
- Smooth and Creamy Texture: We’ve perfected the recipe to achieve the smoothest, creamiest consistency, similar to mashed potatoes.
- 4 Simple Ingredients: This recipe calls for just a handful of everyday ingredients, making it easy to prepare on busy weeknights.
- Quick and Easy: In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and healthy side dish ready to serve.
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: With only 3g net carbs per serving, this recipe fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
- Healthier Alternative to Potatoes: This mashed cauliflower is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Cauliflower Mash Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, approximately 1.5lb
- 3 ounces of butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of ground pepper
How to Make Cauliflower Mash
- Boil the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets and gently add them to the boiling water. Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain and return to pot: Drain the cauliflower thoroughly and return it to the warm pot.
- Add flavor: Add butter, salt, and pepper to the cauliflower.
- Blend until smooth: Use a stick blender to blend the cauliflower until there are no lumps.
- Rest and blend again: Let the mash sit for 3 minutes, then mix again for an extra smooth and creamy texture.
- Serve and enjoy! Your delicious keto cauliflower mash is ready to be served as a side dish or main course.
Alternative Cooking Methods For Cauliflower
Before mashing, the cauliflower florets need to be cooked. Choose your preferred method:
- Boil: Bring water to a boil in a pot, add cauliflower, cover, and simmer until very soft. Drain well.
- Steam: This method results in firmer mashed cauliflower. Use a steamer basket over boiling water, add cauliflower, cover, and cook until very soft.
- Microwave: For a quick option, place florets in a microwave-safe bowl with water, cover, and microwave until tender.
Variations
- Cheesy Cauliflower Mash: Add shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy flavor. Check out my cheesy cauliflower mash recipe here.
- Spicy Cauliflower Mash: For a kick of heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herbed Cauliflower Mash: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill for added fragrance and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before cooking.
Leftover mashed cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Mashed cauliflower is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. It’s also a delicious addition to a holiday meal or potluck.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as cauliflower is a gluten-free vegetable.
Cauliflower Mash – Keto Friendly
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Ingredients
- 1 medium Cauliflower approx. 1.4lb
- 3 ounces Butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil.
- Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets.1 medium Cauliflower
- Gently add the cauliflower to the boiling water and cook for 5-8 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender.
- Drain the cauliflower really well and return it to the warm pot.
- Add the butter, salt and pepper.3 ounces Butter, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- Blend the cauliflower with a stick blender until there are no lumps.
- Allow the mash to sit and rest for 3 minutes and then blend a second time. This rest and blend step makes the cauliflower extra smooth and creamy.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Check out some of our other cauliflower keto recipes:
- Lime and Cilantro Cauliflower Rice
- Low-Carb Shepherds Pie with Cheesy Cauliflower
- One Pan Low Carb Cauliflower Carbonara
Adjust the servings above to make a larger batch of this Creamy Keto Cauliflower Mash recipe.
Hi, would this work with frozen cauliflower? I would defrost and blend?
Hi Christina, yes it absolutely works with frozen cauliflower. I do that all of the time. Enjoy!
Does this freeze well?
It sure does!
Absolutely delicious! I’ve been craving it ever since the first time i made it. The only changes I made were: I used 1 cup or so water with 1 teaspoon better than bullion vegetable base to steam the cauliflower with 1 clove coarsely chopped garlic. The 3 minute rest and re-mash made it wonderfully creamy. Even my husband, who dislikes vegetables, took second helpings.
I saved the bullion when draining and drank it as soup.
Most mashed cauliflower recipes call for cream cheese. I don’t like the flavor cream cheese gives it. So I was very happy to find this simple and delicious recipe
That sounds delicious Clara! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
When Printing, Metric wont work 🙁
Hi Krydolph,
It could be a setting in your internet browser. Try clearing your cache and refreshing the page.
Gerri