Keto Mashed Cauliflower with Cream Cheese

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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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

Keto Butternut Squash Soup

Baked Keto Cauliflower Au Gratin

Keto Caesar Salad

Keto Broccoli Casserole

Dairy-Free Keto Cauliflower Mash

 

Originally published November 22, 2016. Revised and republished November 9, 2023.