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.
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:
Dairy-Free Keto Cauliflower Mash
Originally published November 22, 2016. Revised and republished October 10, 2019.
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.
Staci says
Would it be too salty if I used salted butter? That’s what I have and would love to be able to use that.
Taryn says
No, I normally do use salted. You can just salt it to taste.
Sally C Woods says
I only use salted butter. I eat a keto diet and so have to use a little more salt than I'm used to doing. This recipe is soooooooo wonderful!!
Samantha says
Do you think this would work with ghouda cheese?
Taryn says
Yup!
Sally C Woods says
There is a recipe in the Keto world called crack slaw. Well, this recipe could easily be renamed to crack cauliflower. I can't stop eating it. The macros are fantastic. As a vegetarian on keto, this recipe has saved me many a night, coming home from work with nothing planned for dinner. Then I think, "Mashed Cauliflower in the freezer!!" And all is right with the world again. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Taryn says
I'm so glad you like it! AND I'm so happy to hear it freezes well. Thank you, Sally!
Chris says
Made this as a trial run for Christmas....OMG it is incredible!! I will make a huge batch for Christmas because I am sure it will go quicker than the mashed potatoes! Thank you for an amazing recipe!!
Martha says
Is it necessary to squeeze water out of the cauliflower or does the baking take care of the extra moisture?
Thanks in advance! Looking forward to trying this!
Taryn says
I drain my cauliflower but don't squeeze out additional water. You need liquid when pureeing it so having some of the liquid helps. That's why I don't add a lot of liquid to this recipe.
Martha says
Thanks, Taryn!