Buttery, fluffy and garlicky cauliflower mashed “potatoes” are a carb-lovers dream come true! This delicious mashed cauliflower is loaded with garlic, butter, parmesan, and cream cheese! It’s KETO friendly and is a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. 
Mashed cauliflower is a godsend to all my carb lovers who are on a low-carb diet. It tastes and feels so much like mashed potatoes without the added carbs. Plus, no peeling of potatoes needed! Simply boil, steam, or roasted cauliflower florets and garlic, butter, parmesan cheese, and cream cheese for the BEST most Creamiest and fluffiest mashed cauliflower EVER!
Cauliflower mash is great for people who are on a low carb or keto diet but it’s also great for diabetics and anyone looking to eat healthily. Cauliflower has a massive amount of nutrients and is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin c (half your daily requirements) fiber, potassium, and is an overall superfood and great for losing weight.
HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER MASHED “POTATOES”
To make mashed cauliflower you will need fresh or frozen cauliflower florets.
Garlic & butter. You will need 2-3 cloves of garlic for this cauliflower mash but obviously it will depend on your taste preference. You can always add an extra clove or two if you are a garlic lover or sub out the garlic all together and replace it with a dash of garlic powder if it’s not your thing.
To make the cauliflower creamy you will need a creamy component. Our favorite is cream cheese. It adds so much flavor to the mashed cauliflower and makes it’s velvety smooth and creamy. You can also use sour-cream which works just as good if you prefer.
We also like to add freshly grated parmesan cheese because why not? It adds depth of flavor and texture to the mash and really makes it stand out. The parmesan cheese is completely optional though.
HOW TO COOK CAULIFLOWER
There are several methods of cooking cauliflower from blacking to roasting and steaming in the microwave. Any of these methods will work well with making the mashed cauliflower. cook the cauliflower
Blanching: Boil water in a deep pot. Boil cauliflower for 3-4 minutes then drains the cauliflower using a strainer. Be sure all the water is strained out of the cauliflower by gently patting with paper towels or squeezing with a cheesecloth to remove excess water.
Roasting: Roasted cauliflower is extra special because it develops a golden color and caramelized flavor while baking. This method also ensures that no excess water will sneak its way into the cauliflower. Roasted cauliflower at 425F for 20 minutes or until fork-tender. If you will be roasting, roast the garlic cloves and butter along with the cauliflower in the same pan to develop a roasted garlic flavor.
Steaming: This is our favorite method for cooking cauliflower because it helps keep the water out of the cauliflower. You will need a steamer basket for this method but fear not, if you do not have a steamer basket, simply steam the cauliflower in the Microwave!
HOW TO STEAM CAULIFLOWER IN THE MICROWAVE
steaming cauliflower in the microwave is a great option if you do not have a steamer or are simply running low on time.
To steam cauliflower in the microwave, add cauliflower florets to a microwave-safe bowl and fill with just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl (about 1/4 cup).
Loosely cover the bowl with a plate, wax paper, plastic wrap, or a paper towel and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes or until fork-tender.
TIPS TO MAKING THE BEST CAULIFLOWER MASH
The secret to getting the most flavor out of the mashed cauliflower is to cook the garlic in a few tablespoons of butter. The garlic will release an aromatic flavor into the butter and the butter will develop a lightly golden color along with a nutty toasted flavor that will take this mashed cauliflower to the next level and beyond!
Cook the cauliflower until it’s super soft. Don’t be afraid to let it get mushy, the more cooked it is the softer and easier it will be to mash.
Drain well. The MOST important step when making mashed cauliflower it to drain the cauliflower very well if blanching in water. Any extra water will make the cauliflower watery and unappetizing. We recommend steaming or roasting the cauliflower in the oven to help keep the water at bay.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower or 16 oz bag frozen cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese or heavy whipping cream or sour cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese optional
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and cut cauliflower into florets. Steam or blanch cauliflower for 10 minutes or until the fork-tender and soft. Remove from heat and drain well.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, heat butter over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Add the garlic and Sautee for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic fragrant and begins to turn golden.
- Remove from heat and add to a large food processor along with cooked cauliflower, parmesan, and cream cheese. Season with a dash of salt and pepper, to taste.
- Blend until the cauliflower is smooth and resembles the texture of mashed potatoes. Alternatively, mash with a masher until it looks like mashed potatoes.
- Serve with pats of butter and herbs of choice.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
My first time trying mashed cauliflower. It was wonderful! Thank you for such a great recipe.
Hey! Can you give me some tips on using frozen cauliflower. No matter what i do (cook, steam without defrosting), it is very soggy and watery. Thanks
I’ve never been a huge fan of cauliflower but this mash is really amazing 👏 I used frozen cauliflower,( it was late and I was hungry 😅) put it in the microwave and then 5 minutes in the oven to make sure it doesn’t have any water. … and o replace the normal butter with ghee… the result was fantastic
Can’t wait to try—
Pat, what does HES mean?
Thanks!
Really easy and delish!
This was very good. I am adding it to my rotation. Thanks for the recipe.
Delish!! I steamed the cauliflower, added the sautéed garlic in butter, cream, Parmesan, salt & pepper and used an emersian blender to mash. My HES and wanted to know what I added to the mashed potatoes 😀
This was fantastic! I added more garlic, parmesan, butter and cream cheese. Next time I’m adding heavy cream as well. Used the food processor and got nice and creamy.
Thanks for the feedback!!
First time trying this. I’ve been on a keto diet for weeks and I’m getting bored, missing mashed potatoes. I tried this and it was excellent. I steamed the florets to make the recipe and used a stick blender for mashing. Delicious. Thank you.
Thanks for the detailed feedback!
Whoa this was so good! I added less cream cheese because I also wanted to add some warm heavy cream. I put everything in a bowl and used an immersion (stick) blender. The garlic butter makes all the difference. A local restaurant sells something similar but it’s pricey. Now I can make my own.
Wow yeah don’t put butter and garlic in the oven to roast with the cauliflower. Unless you want burnt garlic
Absolutely delicious!
This is now my go-to recipe for mashed cauliflower! I’ve been Keto for about 4 months, and this is the best recipe I’ve encountered for a “mashed potato” replacement.
Thanks!
These came it AMAZING!! Considering I’m new to Keto and can be skeptical of my old staples lol these came out better than expected! About to pair them with my Keto Meatloaf!
Sounds delicious!