Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower is the perfect low carb comfort food! Loaded with two kinds of cheese and packed with flavor this is an easy side dish your family will love!
Mashed Cauliflower is a gluten free and low carb alternative to mashed potatoes is an absolute staple for many on a keto diet. However, many people seem to have a love, hate relationship with cauliflower. It has a distinct flavor that some just don’t find appealing, but this recipe is sure to change a cauliflower hater into a true convert!
My Mashed Cauliflower recipe is loaded with butter and garlic, and the addition of cream cheese and parmesan make this truly irresistible! This will leave you with an extra special and equally as mouth-watering alternative to classic mashed potatoes.
I also like to make Mashed Cauliflower with a little bit of a twist, using my own secret ingredient – chicken broth (I’ll explain why it’s so amazing in just a moment)!
Ingredients for the BEST Mashed Cauliflower
- Cauliflower
- Chicken broth: vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
- Butter
- Garlic
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Should you use a food processor for Mashed Cauliflower?
This recipe can be prepared two ways, in a food processor or by using a potato masher. Ultimately, this is completely down to personal preference.
If you prefer a silky-smooth mash, blending in a food processor is the best option for you. This method results in a completely smooth texture that has no clumps. It can also be slightly thinner than if using a potato masher.
On the other hand, if you’re a fan of more textured mash, using a traditional potato masher or an immersion blender might be the best way to go. This option results in an option closest to traditional mashed potatoes in my opinion. It will work just fine either way!
Does cauliflower mash taste like potatoes?
While there’s nothing quite like traditional mashed potatoes, this is a very close copycat, and the secret really is cooking the cauliflower in chicken broth. The cauliflower absorbs the flavor from the both as it cooks, masking any unpleasant cauliflower aftertaste.
Taking this easy extra step will leave you with a beautifully savory and buttery mash that makes the perfect side for any dish!
How to Store Mashed Cauliflower
Once cooked, allow your Mashed Cauliflower to cool before transferring into a sealed container to store in the refrigerator. If it’s kept well covered, it should last around 2 or 3 days.
Mashed Cauliflower is not the best for freezing due to the cream content, however you can totally cook and freeze the cauliflower itself in advance if you want to save time when putting it all together!
How to Reheat Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed Cauliflower can be reheated similarly to mashed potatoes, either on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and convenient side dish.
To reheat on the stove, place your Mashed Cauliflower into a pan and add just a little water to prevent it from drying out. Warm gently until heated through.
To reheat your mash in the microwave, transfer your portion into a microwavable bowl (again with a little extra water), and warm on a high heat. Check it and give it a stir every minute or so.
What to Serve with Mashed Cauliflower
Other Low Carb Recipes
- If you’re longing for pizza, try out these Keto Pizza Bagels and satisfy those cravings, all with under 5 net carbs!
- This flavorful Kung Pao Chicken with a spicy kick is absolutely ideal for a family dinner.
- If you’re in need of more keto alternatives to your favorite carb-heavy essentials, try out these easy-peasy 5-ingredient Keto Tortillas, perfect for wraps and quesadillas.
- These Easy Keto Steak Wraps featuring tender vegetables encased in mouth-watering flank steak make for a lovely keto dinner, and would work beautifully alongside creamy Mashed Cauliflower!
Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cauliflower around 3 heaping cups
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 gloves garlic minced or crushed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon salt*
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper*
Instructions
- Break up the head of cauliflower into florets, removing the large, tough stems. Place the florets in a sauce pan and cover with chicken broth. Bring the broth to a boil, cover and simmer 10-15 minutes until fork tender.
- Drain the chicken broth and add the remaining ingredients and use a potato masher, immersion blender or a food processor to blend until your desired consistancy.
- Top with additional melted butter, parmesan, salt, pepper and green onions if desired.
[…] Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower: a great sub for mashed potatoes. […]