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Your new go-to keto side dish: Keto Mashed Cauliflower that delivers cozy mashed-potato vibes without the carbs. This easy keto friendly recipe blends steamed florets with butter, cream cheese, and garlic until ultra-smooth and indulgent. It’s the perfect low-carb side for weeknights or holiday tables, pairing beautifully with steak, chicken, pork, or roasted salmon.
Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this mash stays naturally low in carbs while delivering rich, buttery flavor. Customize with extra cream for extra creaminess, a splash of Parmesan for a cheesy bite, or herbs like chives or parsley for bright notes.
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Low Carb Cauliflower Mash
This mashed cauliflower is whipped with heavy cream, parmesan, and loads of butter, for a indulgent flavor that doesn’t taste low carb… even non-keto picky eaters grab for seconds. If you have kids who don’t love vegetables, especially cauliflower, this recipe is a great way to get them going back for more.
Mashed Cauliflower Ingredients
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Head cauliflower (1 large, cut into florets) – Serves as the low-carb base that becomes creamy and potato-like once cooked and blended.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons) – Adds rich creaminess and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp) – Delivers a subtle garlic aroma and warmth without needing fresh cloves.
- Italian herbs (1 tsp) – Brings a savory, herb-forward note that brightens the mash
- Garlic (6 cloves) – Provides bold, punchy garlic flavor for noticeable depth.
- Heavy cream (3 tablespoons) – Adds silky richness to achieve a smooth, indulgent texture.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup) – Contributes sharp, savory cheesiness and a touch of tang.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Seasoning to balance the creamy, savory components.
- Chopped chives (for garnish) – Finishes with a bright, oniony note and a pop of color.
Steps to Make Keto Mashed Cauliflower
Cook Cauliflower. Bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove, add cauliflower. Boil for 15 minutes until cauliflower is soft to the touch. Drain cauliflower and cover with a lid while butter is prepared.
Head Dairy. In the same pot, heat the butter over medium high heat. Sauté garlic until softened and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
Mix and finish. In a stand mixer, or with a large bowl with a hand mixer, add cauliflower, heavy cream, seasonings, melted butter and garlic. Mix on high until smooth. Top with diced chives and serve immediately!
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Mashed Cauliflower
Drain Cauliflower. Cauliflower gives off a LOT of moisture – I like to set it in a cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mashing. This will help give a good thick consistency, instead of being overly watery.
Mix Until Smooth. Since cauliflower doesn’t have the starched potatoes do, we’re not running a risk of overworking the cauliflower – it won’t turn gummy if you mix it more – so if you want no lumps, go for it!
Undercook Cauliflower Slightly. Cauliflower should bee tender to the touch when pressed with the tines of a fork – but not so soft it smushes. Leaving cauliflower in boiling water too long will make it very mushy and watery.
Make it Ahead. Luckily, this cauliflower recipe actually tastes better from reheating – so go ahead and make it a day early, then refrigerate in an airtight bowl and reheat by adding to a well-greased baking dish (or cover it in parchment paper), covered with foil.
More Keto Favorites
If you love this keto mashed cauliflower recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorite keto side dishes – like my roasted cauliflower with cilantro pesto (its truly a knockout!) and keto ham and cheese rolls!
The Best Easy Keto Garlic Butter Rolls Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Cheddar and Garlic Jalapeno Poppers
Perfect Sauteed Mushrooms
Brown Bag Herb Roasted Turkey
The Best Easy Prime Rib Recipe
The Best Baked Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin
The Best Easy Broiled Lobster Tails Recipe
The Best Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
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Best Easy Keto Mashed Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 6 cloves garlic, diced
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove, add cauliflower.
- Boil for 15 minutes until cauliflower is soft to the touch.
- Drain cauliflower and cover with a lid while butter is prepared.
- In the same pot, heat the butter over medium high heat. Sauté garlic until softened and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- In a stand mixer, or with a large bowl with a hand mixer, add cauliflower, heavy cream, seasonings, melted butter and garlic.
- Mix on high until smooth.
- Top with diced chives and serve immediately!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Keto Mashed Cauliflower FAQs
Yes. Use olive oil or dairy-free butter instead of butter, and substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. Omit or replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese if desired.
Absolutely. You can use 2–3 minced garlic cloves (or more to taste) in place of the garlic powder, and you can still add the diced garlic for extra punch.
Parmesan adds a sharp, savory note, but you can skip it or substitute with a dairy-free cheese if needed. Nutritional yeast is another dairy-free option for a cheesy vibe.
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Reheat on low heat, stirring in a bit of cream or butter as needed until creamy again. A quick stir with a fork or immersion blender can restore fluffiness.
About 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
When you say steam is that really steaming or boiling? Is ricing before mixing an option?
It is boiling, I have updated to make it clearer. Thanks for pointing that out.
These have really become a favorite of mine. Guilt free eating it!! Smooth & creamy!
I have been wanting to try cauliflower mashed “potatoes” Pinning this one for later! Thanks!
This is so delicious! I added a little bit extra sharp white cheddar to mine and it was incredible. With or without the extra cheese, this stuff is delicious! My father-in-law absolutely raved over it!