Print

Creamy Cauliflower Mash

creamy cauliflower mash - featured image

A low-carb, creamy cauliflower mash that serves as a comforting, under 100-calorie alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Smooth, buttery, and perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (dairy-free milk like almond milk can be used)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop the cauliflower into evenly sized florets, about 1 to 2 inches each. If using frozen, measure about 4 cups without thawing.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook until very tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Alternatively, steam the florets for 12 to 15 minutes until tender.
  3. Drain the cauliflower thoroughly using a colander and let it sit for a minute to steam off extra water.
  4. Transfer the drained cauliflower to a food processor. Add softened butter, cream cheese, minced garlic, and heavy cream or milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Pulse a few times if you prefer a chunkier texture.
  5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Blend briefly to mix and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Spoon the mash into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, replace butter and cream cheese with vegan margarine and plant-based cream cheese alternatives. To avoid watery mash, drain cauliflower thoroughly and let it steam off excess moisture. If mash is too thick, add more cream or milk. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Roasting cauliflower instead of boiling adds a nutty flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower mash, low-carb, keto, creamy cauliflower, mashed cauliflower, healthy side dish, low calorie, gluten-free, dairy-free option