Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are the best quick and healthy recipe using heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, parmesan, and garlic. It's so smooth and creamy!
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Sometimes I think I am the only person on earth who is head over heels for super starchy carbs. Most of my friends and family LOVE sugary desserts and carbs. I am super picky about dessert. I would much rather have a huge side of mashed potatoes and 3 biscuit rolls slathered in butter.
Thankfully, NOW I can still indulge my cravings for mashed potatoes. I make them with cauliflower instead!
Table of Contents
How to Make Cauliflower Mash
It's actually really easy. You will need a head of cauliflower, garlic, butter, cream cheese, parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Cut the cauliflower into smaller pieces.
- Boil the cauliflower until it becomes tender.
- Add the cauliflower to a blender (I use this one from Amazon) or food processor with the remaining ingredients and serve!
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Does Cauliflower Taste Like Mashed Potatoes?
The short answer is maybe. I don't feel like potatoes taste like much. Potatoes are a lot more about texture in my opinion. They are thick and comforting. When prepared as mashed potatoes they are creamy, fluffy, and loaded with flavor. This cauliflower mash is, too!
The main difference is cauliflower mash is a lot less than thick potatoes. I see this as a bonus, because they will still feel you up, but you won't need a nap afterward!
The garlic, cream cheese, and parmesan reggiano are KEY in this recipe. These ingredients really bring out the immense flavor.
How Many Carbs?
One head of cauliflower has 18 net carbs. This recipe has 6 net carbs per serving. Pair this dish with a juicy buttery, steak or grilled chicken to save on the remaining net carbs!
How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Loaded mashed potatoes usually include crunchy bacon, sour cream, and green onions. Load those up because they are keto-friendly!
More Side Dishes
Keto Low-Carb Creamed Spinach
Keto Low-Carb Broccoli Salad
Keto Chicken Salad
Okra and Tomatoes
Fried Cabbage
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Chicken and Avocado Salsa
Cauliflower Mash
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- salt to taste
- 2-3 roasted garlic cloves (not fresh) or 2 teaspoons minced garlic in a jar
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese I prefer to use parmesan reggiano
- pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon chives fresh or dried
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into smaller pieces. Do not cut the stems.
- Add the cauliflower to a large pot of water. Use enough water to cover the top of the cauliflower. I used about 2 cups and a medium-sized pot. Boil the water. Add salt to taste.
- Then cover the pot and simmer for 6-8 minutes or until the cauliflower is soft. I used a fork to poke and test when done.
- Remove the cauliflower from the pot, drain the water. Dry the cauliflower completely. I used paper towels.
- Add the cauliflower to a food processor or high-powered blender.
- Next add the garlic, cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, butter, cheese, and pepper to taste.
- Blend until the mixture becomes creamy. You may have to remove the lid and stir the mixture and blend again a couple of times, to get it fully mixed and creamy. You can also use an immersion blender.
- Serve the cauliflower mashed potatoes with chives.
Video
Notes
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
Wilhelmina Wessel says
This looks creamy and delicious!
Beth Lee says
So much good and helpful info in this. I am just starting to branch out with cauliflower. My favorite thing is still to roast it but I did rice one day and it was a hit. This looks so easy and so good.
Suz says
Brandy, Thank you so much for the recipe. I had sour cream but wasn't sure it was still good. And I was making pork chops with gravy with no hint of Italian flavor to it. Soooo I wanted a more regular butter flavor mashed potato to go under the gravy. I used a little larger bag of riced cauliflower. Microwaved for 6 min. Dumped it into a paper towel lined drainer. Blotted as much water out as I could and dumped into Ninja with cream cheese, cream, butter (Add an extra 1 T),salt, pepper and I subbed mozzarella for the parm cheese. Came out really creamy and made about 4 servings, but my husband and I ate them all! Just like reg. mashed potatoes. You are a genius! I can't wait to try the Italian version.
staysnatched says
I love these tips!
Jim Call says
Thanks so much for this recipe! Since we started on the keto diet, it seems like my every other thought is how much I miss mashed potatoes. Can't wait to try!
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy it!
Michelle says
Gorgeous recipe! I actually really don’t care for cooked cauliflower, and stopped eating it because I got so sick of the flavour. I decided to give your recipe a shot tonight though, and I’m amazed by the flavour! It doesn’t have that overwhelming cauliflower flavour that I came to dislike. It’s really creamy, and delicious! Thank you for sharing!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! The texture is the best part.
Jaymey says
Delish! This recipe came out perfect! Had it on the side of an air fryer pork chop. I added in Trader Joe's Onion Salt seasoning for extra chivey goodness! Thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Mona says
This was so creamy and delicious. It paired perfectly with a low carb meatloaf. I will be making this again and again! Thank you!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed the mash.
Karri says
Don't dis the cauliflower - this is LEGIT. So so creamy and flavorful. We LOVED it! And its filling!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Jessica Shaver says
I just got done making this mashed cauliflower and had to come straight here to review it! This is SO GOOD!! I cannot wait to serve it to my family on Thanksgiving! Personal opinion I would choose this over mashed potatoes any day!
staysnatched says
Yay! That's a great opinion!
Marsha L says
Obsessed! So easy to make and sooo good.
staysnatched says
Yes! Easy is the truth for sure!
Joselyn says
THIS is a staple, year round side dish I make. It is easy, flavorful, and healthier than opening up a box of instant mash. I love the texture, and forget that it’s cauliflower because it tastes like mashed potatoes. I wish I would have discovered this recipe earlier. But as always, I’m thankful for StaySnatched!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Monica Cole says
THE BEST!! The texture and flavor are amazing!! Thank you SO much for this recipe. It is the non-starch side I had been missing since I started eating low-carb.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Ashlynn says
This was so easy! Best recipe for mash cauliflower that I’ve used and my kid loved it. It’s a family favorite we will definitely be making again!
staysnatched says
Yay! I love when I can impress the kids!
Amanda G. says
I made this tonight for dinner with some salmon. I didn’t get the texture as beautiful and creamy as you did, but that doesn’t really matter because it was still delicious with great flavor! Not bland at all. A nice change from potatoes, although I love them too! Haha
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Lidia Rodriguez says
this dish did not disappoint! I fed this to my family of 8 and they all couldn't believe the mash was keto. Also I love that she specified to not use raw garlic and to use roasted or cook it in oil beforehand. I've tried a few cauliflower mash that don't specify this and I ended up with spicy cauliflower mash lol. i was so thankful this dish didn't come out spicy in front of my whole family. thank u thank u
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad I could impress the family.
Shannon says
I prefer whipped mashed potatoes so this consistency and taste made it nearly impossible for me not to realize this wasn’t actually made from potatoes
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Kelley York says
Super easy to make and the added cheese makes a difference. Another to add in the rotation.
staysnatched says
It definitely makes a difference!
Malika J says
So I’m back to keto and when I see cauliflower I roll my eyes because I always think it’s bland, BUT one of the easiest things to use as a substitute for potatoes on keto. This recipe changed my mind! Delicious and tastes just like regular mashed potatoes. I forgot to add the cream cheese and still great. Can’t wait to make it again.. also easier if you have a good blender. It was a slight struggle with mine
staysnatched says
I high-powered blender is a must!
SG says
Delicious! Our first time having mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes. My husband said potatoes got nothing compared to this! Winner - thank you
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.