Keto Cauliflower Mash (Creamy Mashed Potato Swap)

I will not lie to you, mashed cauliflower does not taste like mashed potatoes. Keto cauliflower mash is still creamy and delicious, and it pairs beautifully with a roast or a hearty stew.

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Every keto dieter genuinely needs a solid version of this in their back pocket, since real mashed potatoes are off the table.

Use fresh cauliflower only. Frozen cauliflower holds too much water, and you will end up with soup instead of mash.

Chef Jenn’s Take on Keto Cauliflower Mash

Toss the garlic cloves right into the water while steaming the cauliflower, an inch of water in the bottom of a bowl, covered tightly with plastic wrap, then microwaved until very soft. This softens both at once and saves a step.

Draining the cauliflower very well is the single most important step here. Skip it, and you will end up with a soupy mash no matter how carefully you follow the rest of the recipe. Once it is drained, blend it together with the butter, sour cream, and Parmesan in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.

If it still turns out soupy despite draining well, transfer it to a nonstick pot or skillet and cook it over medium heat, stirring, to evaporate some of the excess liquid. This works whether the mash is fresh or thawed from the freezer.

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of kick if you want it, and a dollop of butter on top never hurts. Omit the garlic entirely if you want to shave off a few more carbs.

What You’ll Love About Keto Cauliflower Mash

• Freezes reasonably well, though it needs a bit of stovetop attention on reheat.
• A genuinely solid mashed potato swap, creamy and delicious in its own right.
• Comes together with a handful of ingredients you likely already have.

Ingredients

• Fresh cauliflower – Frozen cauliflower has a lot of water in it and you’ll end up with soup.
• Fresh garlic – Fresh cloves, steamed right alongside the cauliflower.
• Butter – Salted.
• Sour cream – Full fat.
• Parmesan cheese Good quality, grated.

How To Make Keto Cauliflower Mash

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Trim the cauliflower and cut it into large florets.

Add the cauliflower and garlic to a large bowl with 1 inch of water in the bottom. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 6 to 8 minutes, or until very tender.

Drain the cauliflower very well. Add the drained cauliflower and all remaining ingredients to a food processor or blender, and pulse until very smooth.

Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Make It A Meal

This is the perfect creamy side for Sausage Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, smothered in Turkey Gravy at your next holiday feast, or served alongside Sheet Pan Salmon & Asparagus.

Storage

This freezes, though frozen vegetables burst and release liquid, so it will look soupy at first. Cool completely, wrap tightly in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from thawed in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring to evaporate the extra liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want even more keto goodness? Check out this family favorite sausage dish or any of my casseroles. Soups & chowders are another tasty pick, and for breakfast, nothing quite beats this corned beef classic.