Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes {Low Carb Recipe}

Name: Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets); ⅓ cup grated Parmesan; 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for serving); 2 tablespoons cream cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Fresh chives chopped for serving (optional)

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If you’re keeping it low carb for the holidays, you need to try my cauliflower mashed potatoes! Once blended with sour cream, butter and topped with chives, it’s really hard to tell the difference visually. These are a hearty side dish that are lower in calories and carbohydrates as compared to potatoes.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes in a bowl with a wooden spoon

The mashed cauliflower actually has the texture of potatoes. I like to call them “fauxtatoes” around here and every time I make them, my kids honestly have no idea it’s cauliflower.

Ingredients to make the recipe

Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a great low carb alternative to potatoes and it’s high in fiber, B vitamins and contains antioxidants. When mashed it has a fluffy consistency!
Butter: Butter adds a great flavor to the cauliflower and helps to bring out the natural nuttiness. I use salted, but you can also use unsalted if you prefer.
Cheese: I use a mixture of parmesan cheese for flavor and cream cheese to add extra creaminess.
Seasonings: Garlic, salt and fresh chives, for serving.

How to make mashed “potatoes” using cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into florets and sauté in a skillet with butter.
Add water to the skillet, bring to a boil and cook until tender.
Drain the cauliflower and place in a bowl with the other ingredients.
Use an immersion blender to blend into a creamy consistency.

The mash served with steak and green beans

Tips to make this recipe

Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets. This will help them to cook through evenly. Check out my post on How to Cut Cauliflower for tips.
Use an immersion blender to blend the cauliflower. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a potato ricer or you can do it by hand with a potato masher. I do find that I get the best results with an immersion blender though.
Add finely minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor. But make sure to mince it finely so you don’t have garlic lumps. Check out my How to cut garlic post to learn how to prepare it quickly and easily.
Wring the cauliflower in a kitchen towel to remove extra moisture. This allows you to add more liquid ingredients like milk or sour cream without worrying about the mashed cauliflower being too loose.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make them ahead of time?

Yes! This cauliflower mash can be made up to 3 days ahead of time, making it an ideal side for a holiday meal. Make the recipe and let the cauliflower cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat the mashed cauliflower in a pot over a low heat until heated through.

Do they taste like cauliflower?

Cauliflower is a fairly bland vegetable and so it easily replaces the classic mashed potato. It’s not as starchy but it has a similar thick consistency. The added garlic powder and cheese makes this such a tasty side everyone will love!

Can you use a food processor to blend the cauliflower?

I prefer not to use a food processor as it is very easy to over process the mash and it can turn soupy. If you do use a food processor, pulse it so that it gradually blends and you have more control.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes in a bowl and topped with chives

More low carb cauliflower recipes:

More Thanksgiving recipes:

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