Creamy Keto Cauliflower Mash
Silky cauliflower mash blended with butter, cream cheese, and parmesan. A convincing mashed potato swap at 4 grams of net carbs per serving.
Mashed potatoes without the potatoes
Cauliflower mash is the keto swap that fools almost everyone at the table. Steamed soft and blended with butter and cream cheese, it turns smooth and rich, close enough to mashed potatoes that most people go back for seconds.
The one rule is drainage. Watery cauliflower makes soupy mash, so steam it until fork-tender, then let it drain and pat it dry before blending. A food processor gives the silkiest result, though a good masher and some patience also work.
Season it hard with salt, garlic, and parmesan, and finish with a pat of butter melting on top.
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Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (net carbs β)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (net carbs β)
- 2 ounces cream cheese (net carbs β)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (net carbs β)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (net carbs β)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1Steam the cauliflower florets over boiling water for 12 to 15 minutes, until very tender when pierced with a fork.
- 2Drain well and let the cauliflower sit for a few minutes, then pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
- 3Add the cauliflower, butter, cream cheese, parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
- 4Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides once, then taste and adjust the salt.
- 5Spoon into a bowl and top with an extra pat of butter before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
How do I keep cauliflower mash from being watery?
Cauliflower holds a lot of water. Steam it rather than boiling it, drain it thoroughly, and pat the florets dry with a towel before blending. If your mash still turns out loose, warm it in a saucepan over low heat for a few minutes to cook off the extra moisture.
Does cauliflower mash taste like mashed potatoes?
It is close but not identical. The texture is very similar when you blend it smooth with butter and cream cheese, and the flavor is mild and buttery. It is not a perfect copy, but seasoned well with garlic and parmesan it satisfies the same craving at a fraction of the carbs.
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