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.
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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, 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.
How to Make Keto Mashed Cauliflower
Step One: Steam the cauliflower and roast the garlic. 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. If you want to use fresh cauliflower simply steam until it is fork-tender.
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.
Step Three: Layer the cauliflower puree with the cheese. Pop into the oven and bake until hot, bubbly, and golden.
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
- Smoked Turkey
- Keto Mississippi Pot Roast
- Parmesan Chicken Legs
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.
- Green Onions - Finely slice and mix in before layering.
- Diced Bacon or Pancetta - Add along with the shredded cheese.
- Chives - Mix 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.
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. 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.
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.
Best Way to Store Leftovers
I place any leftovers we have in a 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.
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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
- 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
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:
Dairy-Free Keto Cauliflower Mash
Originally published November 22, 2016. Revised and republished October 10, 2019.
Scarlet says
I love the roasted garlic in this cauliflower mash. So delicious and great texture.
KW says
I read your blog .Having very use full information help me a lot .I will read more Article on your blog .
Terry says
Never mind! I see it is THM friendly!! I look forward to trying this!
Terry says
Can this be used with THM? I see no mention of that.
Thank you!
Christine says
I think this is the best cauliflower mash that I've made. Absolutely delicious, and the fact that the cauliflower is frozen is a time saver. I froze it and it thawed very well. Just as good as when it first came out of the oven.
Taryn says
I'm happy to hear it froze and reheated well! Thanks for letting me know.
Christina says
What size baking dish do you use?
Taryn says
I used a deep dish pie plate. A 9x13 casserole works well too.
Robin says
How long would I need to cook one head on the air fryer? Do you cook the whole head of cauliflower?
Taryn says
I'm sorry, I'm not sure air fried cauliflower would work for this recipe. I think it would be too firm to mash properly.
Diane says
Can you substitute the Asiago for another type of cheese. Maybe parmesan?
Taryn says
Sure!
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.