This is the best mashed potato sub I have tried. No one will complain when my Keto Mashed Cauliflower with Cream Cheese and Asiago takes that starchy side’s place. Mashed Cauliflower is excellent to serve for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, and any other occasion that comes up.
I was very excited when Better Homes & Gardens asked me to share a recipe with you. I’ve only been blogging for a little more than a year, and this is my first guest post ever. I still can’t believe it’s on Delish Dish! How cool is that?
I was able to choose any recipe on the BHG site to adapt. With Thanksgiving a week away, I decided to take a classic side dish and make it low carb and Trim Healthy Mama friendly. I chose Cream Cheese Mashers with Kale Pesto knowing cauliflower would work to replace the potatoes.
We are traveling for Thanksgiving, but I’m hoping my sister-in-law lets me help with Thanksgiving dinner. Besides the turkey, I’m hoping for a few substantial low-carb diet options for the first time.
This keto diet mashed cauliflower is definite. This is the perfect side dish in place of a traditional mashed potatoes recipe. Also in the options are a keto green bean casserole, roasted broccoli, butternut squash, and my keto garlic breadsticks. I might whip up some mini pumpkin cheesecakes to finish off the meal.
I love cooking so much that I end up there no matter where we are for holidays. I elbow my relatives out of the way and plant myself before the stove — half kidding. But at the very least I come armed with appetizers, sides, and pies from my kitchen.
Ingredients
Cauliflower - I cheat a bit on this step and use steamable bags of frozen cauliflower florets. Just toss them in the microwave and they are ready in minutes. Just drain any excess water. If you want to use fresh cauliflower florets simply steam in a steamer basket until they are fork-tender.
Garlic - Roasted fresh garlic cloves have an amazing sweet mild flavor that shines when used in low-carb cauliflower mash.
Butter - You can use salted butter or unsalted butter since you will be seasoning this to taste anyway.
Cream Cheese - Cream cheese helps keep the cauli-mash thick and creamy.
Asiago Cheese - Asiago has a nice salty flavor but feel free to sub in another firm cheese such as shredded parmesan.
Heavy Cream - This is optional. Use some for a thinner mash or omit it for the thickest mash.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper - You can season to taste with both the salt and pepper.
How to Make Keto Mashed Cauliflower
Step One: Steam the cauliflower and roast the garlic.
Step Two: Puree the cauliflower with the seasonings in a food processor. This is a large batch recipe so this needs to be done in two batches.
Expert Tip: If all you have is an immersion blender or potato masher you can use those but it will be chunky. This keto cauliflower mash recipe works best in a food processor.
Step Three: Layer the cauliflower puree with the cheese.
Step Four: Pop the creamy mashed cauliflower recipe into the oven and bake until hot, bubbly, and golden.
Variations
I used super simple ingredients for my mashed cauliflower. But, because of the versatility, you can add in other ingredients that will add even more flavor and depth to this creamy and magical keto side dish. The best mashed cauliflower recipe is the one you love.
Green Onions - Finely slice and mix in before layering.
Diced Bacon or Pancetta - Add along with the shredded cheese.
Fresh Herbs - Mix chopped chives, rosemary, thyme, or even basil right into the puree.
Rosemary or Parsley - Finely chop and mix into the pureed cauliflower.
Parmesan Cheese - Add along with the shredded cheese.
Cheddar Cheese - Swap cheddar in for the asiago.
Sour Cream - Stir in a spoonful or two of sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) for a pleasant tang.
Common Questions
Can I Make Mashed Cauliflower Ahead Of Time
Absolutely! I had made this the day ahead of when I wanted it, and then just reheated in the microwave, or cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven! Just heat until it is warmed all the way through, and then serve.
It keeps the flavor from day one, so you don't feel it lacks in flavor at all. Keto Mashed Cauliflower reheats very well.
How To Make A Thick and Creamy Cauliflower Mash
I have been making this cauliflower mash for a while now, and I have learned that if you use more florets instead of stems, you will get a creamier texture. I also only use cream cheese and butter and do not add any type of milk or cream.
Can I Roast My Cauliflower Instead of Steaming It
Yes, you are welcome to use roasted cauliflower if you prefer the flavors to roasted. Steaming or microwaving will give you the softest texture, which leads to a creamier texture. But roasting your cauliflower will give your mashed cauliflower more depth in flavor.
How Do You Roast Garlic In Oven
To roast your garlic, you will place your garlic slice head down so that the cloves are exposed. Then drizzle over olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Wrap your garlic in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees. You want to have the garlic soft enough that if you squeeze the bulbs come out easily.
You can make your garlic ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then warm in the microwave when ready to use it.
How Do You Cook Cauliflower To Taste Like Mashed Potatoes
My keto cauliflower mash is going to curb those starchy potato cravings. Take your steamed cauliflower and place it in a food processor. Then add in all other ingredients and blend until nice and creamy. All of the contents might not fit in your processor, so work in batches. Top with your Asiago cheese, and then bake in the oven at 400 degrees, for around 30 minutes. Once it is bubbly and hot, remove and serve.
This recipe right here adds heavy cream, cheese, roasted garlic, and more to add flavor and mimic mashed potatoes and cover up the cauliflower taste. I can't rave enough over this easy and savory dish.
Can You Make This In A Blender
Absolutely. If you don't have a food processor, you are welcome to reach for your blender. Just blend your cauliflower mash to a creamy consistency in small batches, scraping the sides as needed.
What To Serve With Mashed Cauliflower
This recipe is super versatile, and you can pair it as a side dish to so many recipes. Let me share a handful of my favorite pairings for this garlic mashed cauliflower recipe.
- Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin
- Keto Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
- Ground Turkey Meatloaf
- Smoked Turkey
- Keto Mississippi Pot Roast
- Parmesan Chicken Legs
How do I Store Leftovers?
I place any leftovers we have in an airtight container and toss them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just heat in the microwave or oven when you are ready to eat more of it.
Can You Freeze Mashed Cauliflower
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers you might have. Place them in a freezer-friendly container and then store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge the night before you want to serve it.
Then warm in the microwave or heat in the oven. If you heat it up in the oven, wrap it in aluminum foil, and heat it until it is cooked through.
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Keto Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 40 oz of frozen cauliflower microwaved or steamed until warm
- 1 head of roasted garlic ***
- 2 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup heavy cream OPTIONAL
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded asiago cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400. Grease a 2 qt baking dish or extra deep pie plate.
- Put half of each of the first six ingredients in a food processor (the entire amount will not fit in a standard food processor). Process until smooth.
- Spoon into the baking dish. Top with half the asiago cheese. Repeat.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden, bubbly, and hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Keto Side Dishes
In our home, this recipe for mashed cauliflower has quickly become a family favorite. If you are ready for something unique and different, give this recipe a go. This low carb dish won't disappoint.
Some of my other favorite side dishes to serve for the holidays are:
Garlic & Lemon Keto Broccoli
Baked Keto Cauliflower Au Gratin
Dairy-Free Keto Cauliflower Mash
Originally published November 22, 2016. Revised and republished November 9, 2023.
Nicole Krause says
How much fresh cauliflower? One head?
Taryn says
40 oz of cauliflower would probably be 2 unless they are huge. Or just use 1 and half the other ingredients.
Jamie says
Hello, this looks delish! Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?
Taryn says
Yes, just cook it until it is very soft.
DonnaT says
Okay, I hate comments like "looks so good," "can't wait to try this." :\ but here goes. I have to try your version with the asagio. Oh, yum! I just tried a similar recipe from another site that used fresh rosemary. That version didn't call for the cream, but was so smooth, creamy, and flavorful, I personally will probably forego the added calories of that. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
Sarah P. says
Did you try this without the cream and butter? If so, how did it turn out?? I try to make low-carb stuff for my husband but I’m trying to cut calories as well. TYIA
Coletta I Kilton says
This recipe sounds delicious, I can’t wait to make it.
Thanks for sharing!
Erin says
I have a quick question. If you take out the cream cheese does that reduce the sugar intake?
Taryn says
Not really. None of the ingredients have added sugar. The cauliflower, garlic, and cream cheese have small amounts of natural sugars.
Kristin says
I was reading the nutritional label, which I appreciate you posting, but I did not see the serving size. Can you please let me know how big the serving size is? Thank you. Can’t wait to try this for Easter.
Taryn says
The serving size is 1/16th of the recipe which comes out to about 1/2 a cup.
Cerys says
My kids hate potatoes so I was on the search to find something to use as a side dish instead. I knew they liked cauliflower so decided to give this a go. THEY LOVED IT, even my fussy eldest tried it and asked for a second helping.
Kelli Miller says
Ok, I admit I was skeptical... but, my husband and I are trying to eat healthier and lose some weight. SO, I have taken to scouring Pinterest for delicious recipes that we can add to our arsenal. I ran this by my husband and we both decided that we could try it. That the only way to know if we hated it was to try. OH MY WORD!
I was pleasantly surprised. This was so delicious that I want it every night. LOL!
Susanne says
I bet the kiddos would eat this and never know it's healthy! You've put lots of love and flavor in this recipe!
Debra Ferraro says
The cauliflower mash recipe was fantastic! My entire family loved it!
Mandee says
I made this and it was delicious!!! However I have so much leftover, can you freeze this??? I wasn’t sure what would happen to the texture or flavor quality?
Taryn says
You can freeze it. I've frozen mashed cauliflower before successfully. Not this exact recipe but it should work.
Jen says
What size baking dish did you use? I'm trying to gauge how many servings this will be.
Taryn says
A deep dish pie plate. A 9x13 baking dish would probably work better.
CINDY LEVY says
What size dish do you cook this in?
Taryn says
I used a deep dish pie plate. Any medium large sized baking dish will work.
CINDY LEVY says
Thank you, making this for a family dinner of about 15 people, might double and use a 9x13. But in the future for just me and my husband will use the pie dish. Thank you for sharing, can't wait to try this tonight.
Michele says
Hi Taryn,
I'm sorry if I sound ignorant, but I can't find your "adaptations in the post text." I'm not an experimenting type of cook. After over 30 years of cooking, I still follow a recipe. I wish I didn't need to, but if I don't, our food wouldn't be edible:). Could you lead me to how you made this recipe? I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks so much for everything you share.
Sarah says
Congratulations, Taryn! That is so exciting! This dish looks like a perfect Thanksgiving side!
Kim | Low Carb Maven says
Congrats on your guest post! How fun! I love that you picked this recipe to re-do because it has all of those yummy flavors I crave in the fall.
STACEY says
Congratulations on BHG, This looks wonderful!
Maya | Wholesome Yum says
Congratulations on your first guest post! Great choice of recipe to adapt, checking it out now!
Georgina says
This looks SO good! Heading over there now to check it out!
Teresa Wison says
My son love to eat mashed potatoes but is to much carbs. In it so i see that is other obtions, like colifower mash. But all so reading the instructions to how make it i see that has a lot saturad fat can i use other options to make it ?
Taryn says
You could use less cheese if you want to cut back on the fat content.
patricia says
I went over to the site for your recipe, but no actual recipe is printed out. Could you please furnish that?
Thank you
Taryn says
Hi Patricia, you have to click the link on the Delish Dish blog to get the original recipe on the BHG site. And then my adaptations are written out in the post. My suggestion would be to print the original and then just jot down my substitutions.