Try this creamy cauliflower mash recipe for a low-carb twist on mashed potatoes. Healthy, delicious, and easy-to make comfort food.

This post has been updated with more helpful tips, new photos, and a video.

Recently, I was talking with a friend who had just started following a low-carb diet. She was on the lookout for a suitable substitute for mashed potatoes and had attempted making cauliflower mash.

Unfortunately, her previous attempts had resulted in a runny and tasteless mess. Oh dear!

That’s why I felt compelled to write this post.

I love mashed cauliflower, and over time, I’ve managed to crack the code and create a recipe that consistently produces a dish that tastes almost exactly like those delicious mashed potatoes we all know and love.

I promise you, it’s that good.

If you’ve struggled with making mashed cauliflower in the past or you’re simply searching for a tasty alternative to mashed potatoes, this recipe is going to be your new best friend.

Not only does it work wonders as a side dish for your holiday feast (though, truth be told, it’s a delicious addition to any meal), but it’s the best cauliflower mash substitute for mashed potatoes.

The versatility of creamy cauliflower mash

It also serves as a fantastic topping for my super low-carb cottage pie recipe. And you can also use cauliflower mash to thicken soups and sauces. Talk about versatility!

It’s an excellent vegetable sneak for picky eaters—substitute for potatoes or rice, kids won’t detect the veggies!

When you’re adhering to a special diet, it’s often best to either host the party or bring a few of your own dishes when visiting friends and family, ensuring you won’t go hungry.

Rest assured, this delicious and creamy low-carb mashed cauliflower side dish can be enjoyed by everyone around the holiday table.

Cauliflower: the superfood secret behind our delicious mash

Now, let’s talk about cauliflower for a moment. Did you know that cauliflower is considered a superfood?

It’s high in fiber, low in calories, packed with nutrients, vitamins (especially Vitamin C), minerals, and antioxidants. Some studies even suggest that it helps prevent cancer, while promoting heart and brain health.

Who knew mashed cauliflower could be so beneficial? More here.

More delicious recipes featuring cauliflower

There are so many ways to make cauliflower. Here are a few favorites.

Gluten Free Cauliflower Flatbreads can be served warm from the skillet and piled with your favorite toppings.

Low Carb Cauliflower Stuffing is a tasty alternative to bread stuffing.

Mini spinach pies with cauliflower crusts are so much fun to eat as everyone gets their own individual pie.

Cauliflower rice is our substitute for the bread crumbs in this Low Carb Meatloaf. It keeps the meatloaf juicy.

And cauliflower rice can be big on flavor with this Quick Mediterranean Chicken With Cauliflower Rice recipe or made to taste just like fried rice with this Seasoned Cauliflower Rice recipe.

Okay. Ready to make cauliflower mash? Here’s everything you’ll need.

Ingredients for cauliflower mash

By incorporating the familiar ingredients found in your traditional mashed potatoes recipe, it’s easy to make this healthy and flavorful cauliflower mash recipe. All you need is:

• Florets cut from a head of cauliflower – I prefer to steam them in a vegetable basket until very soft.

If you’re a fan of the delicious roasted flavor of cauliflower, you have the option to roast it before mashing. However, in my experience, steaming yields a softer and creamier texture in the mashed cauliflower. The choice is yours!

• Butter – For the most flavorful and creamy mashed cauliflower, butter is a must-have ingredient! Personally, I opt for the richness of grass-fed butter.

• Salt – I opt for sea salt, but you can go with whichever salt you have on hand.

• Pepper – Boost the flavor with just a dash of pepper. You can go with white pepper if you don’t like to see the little black specks in your mash.

• Half and half – This adds creaminess and richness to this recipe.

How to make creamy low-carb cauliflower mash

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

So, here’s the easy homemade recipe for creamy low-carb mashed cauliflower.

First cut the florets from the head of cauliflower.

Pro tip

For the creamiest cauliflower mash, I recommend using florets and minimize the inclusion of stems. This is because the florets have a smoother texture compared to the stems.

Next, you’ll want to steam your cauliflower florets until they become tender, which typically takes about 10 minutes. Bring water to a boil in a pot fitted with a steamer basket. Add florets, cover with a lid, and steam until it becomes soft.

Pro tip

Drain the cauliflower well. Once you have drained the cauliflower, allow it to rest for approximately 2 minutes.

This resting period enables the cauliflower to continue steaming and allows any excess moisture to be reabsorbed, preventing the mashed cauliflower from becoming watery.

Once that’s done, it’s time to whip out your food processor.

Pop the cauliflower into the food processor. Add in some half-and-half, butter, salt, and pepper. Give it a whirl until everything is beautifully combined.

Pro tip

The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of half & half, but you may want to start with 2 tablespoons at first if you like a thicker mash. Then gradually add more as needed while processing the cauliflower until you reach your desired thickness.

And that’s it! Creamy, low-carb mashed cauliflower, ready to be enjoyed.

Serve with any dish traditionally served with mashed potatoes for example:

A Perfect Pan-Seared Steak

Salisbury Steak With Homemade Gravy

Easy Marinated Chicken Breasts

Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs

Keto Crispy Skin Salmon In Wine Sauce

Pro tips and recipe notes

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender. A potato masher, on the other hand, would produce a more grainy mash.
Can you add other vegetables to the cauliflower mash? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment and add other vegetables to your cauliflower mash. For example, you can blend in cooked carrots as I do in this cauliflower and carrot purée recipe, or parsnips, or even roasted garlic for added flavor and variety.
Can you use store bought cauliflower rice? Yes. It would save on clean up and time, but I’ve found that it’s not as fresh tasting. Perhaps frozen rice or frozen florets would be better, but I can’t say for sure because I haven’t tried it. Steam the cauliflower rice or florets or sauté in a pan with a little water until soft. Remember to drain well.
Variations on this recipe! I love this creamy, buttery mash garnished with parsley. You could customize to your tastes by adding parmesan or cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, chives, or sautéed garlic, or your favorite herbs like: thyme or rosemary. It’s up to you.
Can you make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of the cauliflower mash. Instead of using half-and-half and butter, you can use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, and substitute a non-dairy butter or margarine.
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days so it’s a great make-ahead side dish.

So, there you have it. My foolproof recipe for creamy cauliflower mash. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, a nutritious addition to your diet, or a scrumptious side dish, this recipe has got you covered.

Give it a try, and let me know what you think.

I hope you have a festive holiday season, spending time with loved ones and creating many happy memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.

More delicious low carb recipes

How To Cut And Prepare Spaghetti Squash Step by step recipe for this low carb alternative to pasta. If you close your eyes, you’ll think you’re eating angel hair pasta.

Zucchini Noodles with Basil and Pistachio Pesto (Zoodles) Tender and subtly crunchy zucchini noodles with homemade pesto is definitely a heavenly combination.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. The ones that require only a handful of fresh ingredients to make a dish that is elegant and tasty and, yet, so effortless to prepare.

Tastiest Low-Carb Keto Stuffed Cabbage Whether you’re cutting out grains because of allergies, reducing carbs because you want to lower your insulin response, trying to lose those extra pounds still left over from the holidays, or you’re just looking for a super delicious comfort food, this low-carb keto stuffed cabbage is just what you need!

Salmon Cakes These are a fun way to enjoy salmon for lunch or dinner with just the perfect balance of crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, healthy ingredients, and wonderful flavor. And they fit right into a low-carb way of eating!

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