Mashed Cauliflower with Cream Cheese is a fantastic low-carb alternative to classic mashed potatoes. It's just as creamy, savory, and satisfying, but without all the carbohydrates.
This recipe uses simple ingredients like butter, cream, and cream cheese to create a side dish that complements any protein-based main course.
![mashed cauliflower with cream cheese and butter.](https://smellslikedelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mashed-cauliflower-w-cream-cheese-final-1.jpg)
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This mashed cauliflower recipe is specifically designed to be diabetic-friendly, and low carb, incorporating ingredients that minimize the impact on blood sugar levels:
- Low-Carb and Diabetic-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb or managing blood glucose levesl, as it contains significantly fewer carbs than mashed potatoes.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of butter, cream, and cream cheese creates a luxuriously smooth and decadent mashed cauliflower.
- Versatile: This recipe can be easily customized with various seasonings and flavorings to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need
Mashed cauliflower is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your taste preferences with chives, minced green onion, garlic powder, or even shredded cheese. This recipe uses ingredients like butter, cream, and cream cheese to create a smooth and satisfying mash.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Mashed Cauliflower with Cream Cheese
This creamy and flavorful side dish is perfect for anyone watching their carb intake but still craving that classic comfort food experience.
Whip up this creamy mashed cauliflower in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Prepare the Cauliflower
- Wash and trim the head of cauliflower of the small green leaves. Use a sharp knife to separate the florets from the stem core.
Boil The Cauliflower
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower florets. Boil for approximately 10 minutes, or until fork tender.
- Remove from heat and drain the boiled cauliflower into a colander and set aside.
Mash The Cauliflower
- Add the butter and minced garlic to the empty pot the cauliflower boiled. Saute the garlic until fragrant and soft, about 1 minute.
- Add the drained cauliflower back to the pot with the garlic butter, and mash with a hand masher or immersion stick blender into a mash with a few bit for texture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add the Cream and Cream Cheese
- Add the heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring them in gently until the cream cheese melts. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Mash or stick blend one last time before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations when making this recipe.
- Dairy-free option: Replace the cream cheese with softened dairy-free cream cheese and use unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- Flavor variations: Add roasted garlic, shredded Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs like chopped fresh chives or parsley for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making mashed cauliflower:
- Don't overcook the cauliflower: Overcooked cauliflower will become mushy and release too much water, making it difficult to achieve a creamy texture.
- Use softened cream cheese: Softened cream cheese will blend more smoothly into the mashed cauliflower.
- Season to taste: Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or steak. Use as a base for shepherd's pie or a creamy cauliflower and bacon soup. Top with crumbled bacon, chopped chives, or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy it as a substitute for the mashed potatoes in our St. Patrick's Day recipes for Traditional Irish Champs or Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes).
Related Recipes
- Keto Cream Cheese Pancakes
- Easy Keto BLT Wraps
- Keto Red Lobster Biscuits
- Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Roast
- Dutch Oven Turkey Breast
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover mashed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to thin out the consistency.
- Mashed cauliflower can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe. Simply thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using.
Drain the cauliflower thoroughly and mash it again. You can also add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to absorb excess moisture.
You can use a potato masher or a food processor. However, be careful not to over process when using a food processor.
More Delish Ideas
Mashed Cauliflower with Cream Cheese
Equipment
- 4 quart Stock Pot
- Immersion Stick Blender
Ingredients
- 1 large Cauliflower 2½-3 lbs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Water to boil cauliflower
- 2 tablespoon Butter salted
- 3 cloves Garlic minced finely
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoon Heavy Cream
- 2 oz Cream cheese cut into smaller chunks
Instructions
- Wash and trim the head of cauliflower of the small green leaves. Use a sharp knife to separate the florets from the stem core.1 large Cauliflower
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the cauliflower florets. Boil for approximately 10 minutes, or until fork tender.1 teaspoon Salt, Water
- Remove from heat and drain the boiled cauliflower into a colander and set aside.
- Add the butter and minced garlic to the empty pot the cauliflower boiled. Saute the garlic until fragrant and soft, about 1 minute.2 tablespoon Butter, 3 cloves Garlic
- Add the drained cauliflower back to the pot with the garlic butter, and mash with a hand masher or immersion stick blender into a mash with a few bit for texture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.Salt, Black pepper
- Add the heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring them in gently until the cream cheese melts. Adjust seasonings as needed.3 tablespoon Heavy Cream, 2 oz Cream cheese
- Mash or stick blend one last time before serving.
Notes
- You can also purchase 3 lbs of frozen cauliflower florets.
- Don't overcook the cauliflower, as it will become mushy.
- Season the mashed cauliflower generously with salt and pepper to taste.
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