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.
Keto Mashed Cauliflower For The Win
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, THM S options.
My Keto Mashed Cauliflower with Cream Cheese and Asiago is definite. Also in the options are a healthy green bean casserole, roasted broccoli, butternut squash, and my Braided 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 own kitchen.
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 beautifully.
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 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 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 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 in heavy cream, cheese, roasted garlic and more to add flavor and mimic mashed potatoes. I can't rave enough over this easy and savory dish.
Can You Freeze Mashed Cauliflower
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers you might have. Place them in a freezer-friendly container and then store 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 up in the oven, wrap in aluminum foil and heat until it is cooked through.
Can You Make Cauliflower Mash 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.
Best Way to Store Leftover Keto Mashed Cauliflower
I place any leftovers we have in a container and toss in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just heat in microwave or oven when you are ready to eat more of it.
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
- Ground Turkey Meatloaf
- Keto Mississippi Pot Roast
- Baked Parmesan Chicken Legs
Optional Ingredients for Mashed Cauliflower
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.
- Green Onions
- Diced Bacon or Pancetta
- Chives
- Rosemary or Parsley
Easy Keto Side Dish
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:
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Ingredients
- 40 oz of frozen cauliflower microwaved or steamed until warm
- 1 head of roasted garlic ***
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ cup heavy cream OPTIONAL
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded asiago cheese
Instructions
- 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 at 400 for 30 minutes or until golden, bubbly, and hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published November 22, 2016. Revised and republished October 10, 2019.
Michele says
Can this be saved in the freezer?
Taryn says
Mashed cauliflower can get a little watery when frozen. You can freeze it but I prefer it fresh.
Keith says
Alarmingly delicious! I simply riced a head of fresh cauliflower and it worked fine. The roasted garlic is an excellent call. I also fried a single piece of bacon and added before baking. No asiago in the house, but cheddar didn't disappoint.
What a great low-carb addition to the menu. Thanks so much!
Taryn says
Bacon is always a welcome addition! I'm glad you enjoyed it, Keith.
Joy says
I don’t have a food processor. Can i use a blemder instead?
Taryn says
You would have to puree it in very small batches.
Elise says
Really tasty especially with the roasted garlic. Very light and, of course, a little thin. I didn’t use the cream or most of the butter to try to keep it thicker but you just can’t make cauliflower be potatoes. Will try fresh cauliflower next time. I’ll still make it again and I am now following you on Pinterest. Thanks for a great recipe! Your meatball recipe went great with this side dish!
Taryn says
Make sure to thoroughly drain your cauliflower. If you do it well this is not thin.
Jenna says
This is wonderful! Hubby prefers it to potatoes. Definitely a keeper.
Georgia Baylor says
If you use fresh cauliflower, how much do you suggest to use?
Taryn says
You can half the recipe for 1 head or make it as is with 2.
Christina says
Do you think I can cook the cauliflower in the instant pot? If so, for how long should I pressure cook it? I'm new to the IP. Thanks!
Taryn says
Yes. If you are using fresh cauliflower cook on the rack or in a steamer basket, with a half a cup of water, for 3 minutes on manual high pressure.
Cindy says
If it turns out to runny what can I add to thicken it up a bit? My family loves it, but I would like it a little thicker. Thank you!!
Taryn says
Next time you can omit the cream. For now, adding extra cheese will thicken it a bit.
Min says
I used this to top my shepherds pie today and omg it was the best cauliflower mash topped shepherds pie I’ve made so far. I’ve never truly enjoyed the cauliflower mash shepherds pie until now although Ive made a few times. I didn’t layer it, I steamed fresh cauliflower florets and left them firm and put in food processor with everything including Parmesan cheese since i didn’t have any Asiago and omitted the hwc and to be honest I didn’t measure anything and just winged it because the florets were already steaming when I realized I forgot to weigh them. This is going to be a staple for sure! Thank you!!
Min says
Also I didn’t have any garlic heads so I used roasted garlic powder.
Diana says
Is there a sub for roasting the garlic head?
Taryn says
Yes, you could just add roasted garlic powder to taste. One to two teaspoons should be good.
Chrystal says
I know it's possible to make this dairy free, but I wouldn't mind a few pointers. Instead of using heavy cream, will almond milk do? I have a dairy free cream cheese i will be using But will dairy free parmesan be good too instead of Asiago? Trying to be as healthy as possible lol. Thanks!!
Taryn says
I have a dairy-free mashed cauliflower recipe that I would recommend instead of trying to tweak this one: https://joyfilledeats.com/mashed-cauliflower/
Les says
In your post you state you don’t use any milk or cream yet the recipe calls for heavy cream? Just curious do you leave that out?
Taryn says
More recently I haven't been adding cream. In the photos it does have cream. It really depends on how watery the cauliflower is. I've found that fresh cauliflower may need a little cream but using frozen doesn't.
Kim Hardee says
Hello, I will be making this side dish tonight. I have frozen cauliflower, about how long should I microwave the cauliflower?? I guess I'm asking the consistency of the cauliflower after microwaving since it will cook also in the oven? Thanks so much..
Taryn says
You can cook it as stated on the package. Frozen cauliflower works great in this recipe. If it's not fully cooked it's hard to puree.
Ashley Vivas says
If I don’t have asiago cheese what other cheese can I use?
Taryn says
Any more firm flavorful cheese like romano, parmesan, gruyere, manchego would taste great. If those aren't an option cheddar is good too!
Donna says
I have made this several times! It's absolutely fabulous!! Even my non-keto family devours it!
Kelly says
How much is 40 oz of Cauliflower? I found it precooked and frozen at the grocery store but it’s a 500g bag.
I’m looking forward to making this. It looks delicious.
Taryn says
I'm not sure but google always knows! 40 oz is 1133 grams. So just half the recipe.
JANE says
I am sorry, will this be S on THM? Thank you...
Taryn says
Yes, it is an S.
Geraldine Scheller says
How much is a serving? I really like this but don't see anywhere that it says what the serving size is.
Taryn says
It's at the top of the recipe card near the times.
Lisa says
I'm just seeing "Serves 16". Sixteen servings of how much? 1/4 cup? 1/2 cup?
Taryn says
I'm sorry, I don't do that measurement. I just eye it up. The easiest way to figure it out is to weight your casserole dish before and after and then divide the weight by 16 for an exact serving.
Anna says
Now a family favorite!
Katrina says
Made this tonight and it was AMAZING!!
Julie says
I steamed each head of cauliflower florets separately because it doesn’t all fit in my pot. I then added all ingredient but cheese in a huge bowl and used my hand blender. Making sure to choose the garlic too. We like out stuff chunky! I then put it in a 9x11 dish and used hand blender again. Then topped with cheese. So delicious! Reminded me of au gratin potatoes! Everyone loved them!
Belinda says
I read the recipe over and over. You say to process the first 6 ingredients in batches then pour in baking dish and top with half the cheese, no where can I find what to do with the other half. Should it have been mixed in with the cauliflower or topped again after it comes out
Taryn says
"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."
The word repeat. You are just laying the cheese on top of half the cauliflower and then topping with the rest of the cauliflower and the rest of the cheese.