Creamy, buttery Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic, Sour Cream and Parmesan is the low carb side dish of your dreams! Keto approved!
Mashed Cauliflower may be low in carbs BUT they taste just as good as regular Mashed Potatoes. The secret lies in flavouring them with just the right ingredients to take them from bland to mouthwatering. If you haven’t tried this before, you will fall in love with Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes!
MASHED CAULIFLOWER
Easier than mashed potatoes with less prep time and no peeling necessary, our mashed cauliflower recipe is light, buttery and smooth. Full-flavoured and creamy in every single mouthful, you won’t miss potatoes! Especially if you’ve removed them from your diet — this is the BEST alternative!
With all of the sides appearing on this blog in time for your Thanksgiving planning, many of our readers have been asking for low carb alternatives. Our Mashed Cauliflower Recipe is not only perfect for the holidays, but for any time of the year. A low carb side dish to please everyone.
Serve it with Beef Bourguignon, Coq Au Vin, Meatloaf, or any other meal you’d normally serve with mashed potatoes!
HOW DO YOU COOK CAULIFLOWER TO TASTE LIKE MASHED POTATOES?
After years of trying every diet under the sun, the one recipe I always fall back on in mashed cauliflower. Not for dieting purposes but more so because I LOVE the flavour of them, making them taste very similar to mashed potatoes.
I believe the secret lies in using the same ingredients you would normally use in your mashed potatoes.
Here, we use:
- Unsalted butter — a preference to give you more control over how salty you want them to taste.
- Garlic — sautéed in butter first to release flavour into your buttery mash.
- Sour cream (or substitute with cream cheese).
- Parmesan cheese — fresh and shredded. You can also add other cheese, like Cheddar, Provolone, or Romano.
HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER MASH
Most stores sell riced cauliflower, or cauliflower pre-cut into florets. If you’re lucky enough to find it prepped for you in your store, use it! Prep and cook time will be mush faster for you, which is especially handy when cooking over the holidays.
Keep in mind that cauliflower cooks mush faster than potatoes. You can either steam them for 15 minutes or boil them for 10. Cauliflower is cooked when you can pierce it easily with a fork.
MAKE IT CREAMY
After boiling, and draining, you’re going to cover them with a lid or foil. I drain ours in a colander in my clean kitchen sink and let them sit there while sautéing the garlic in the same pot. Less pots = quicker clean up.
Allowing the cooked cauliflower stand before mashing straight away lets it retain heat and continue to steam, so any excess moisture will reabsorb back into it. Not doing this may result in a watery mash.
FOOD PROCESSOR, BLENDER OR POTATO MASHER?
For the creamiest mash, use a good food processor or blender. Depending on the size of your machines, you may need to do this in batches of two or three, throwing the cauliflower back into the pot after blending each batch. When you’re finished, give it a good mix through along with your other ingredients — taste test — and season your cauliflower mash with a little extra salt and pepper if needed.
If you prefer a textured mash, use a humble potato masher instead. Less equipment means less washing up also.
Optional Additional Ingredients
Our mashed cauliflower recipe uses simple ingredients. However, you can add your favourite ingredients to customise it to your tastes!
Sliced green onions
Oil — Olive, garlic or chili!
Herbs — Thyme, rosemary and parsley.
Chives
Curry powder
Diced bacon
Love Cauliflower? Try these recipes!
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower Hash Brown Egg Cups
Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets (about 3 pounds or 1 1/2 kg)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 6 cloves garlic divided
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place cauliflower in a steamer over a large pot of boiling water. Steam for 15 minutes until tender. Alternatively, boil cauliflower in salted water for 10 minutes or until fork tender. Remove and drain. Cover with a lid and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat the butter over medium high heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Blend cauliflower and garlic in a food processor on high setting until smooth. You may need to do this in batches of two or three, depending on the size of your processor.
- Transfer blended cauliflower into the pot with the garlic. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sour cream and season with salt and pepper.
Lisa Valade says
I added garlic infused olive oil and cream cheese. It was absolutely delicious. I may never have mashed potatoes again.
James R says
I love this recipe! I’ve made it several times and it’s always a hit. On my first attempt I almost burned the butter (created BROWN BUTTER) and it was even better. LOL!
Kelly says
DELICIOUS! I used light cream cheese instead of sour cream but it still tasted good. I added some fresh lemon juice for more flavour, which worked perfectly. It’s a great alternative to mash potato. Thanks for this easy, delicious recipe!
Jenn C. says
Love this! I was looking for a delicious mashed cauliflower recipe and when the search returned a recipe from you, of course I chose it. Your recipes have always been a hit with my family, so I knew this would be a winner. Thanks so much for sharing and creating!
Palina Scott says
I’ve never ever posted a comment on a recipe site and I’ve had SO many delicious outcomes, I’m sorry 🙁 I HAD to say something about this recipe. It’s SOOOOOO good. My husband loooves it and we are on our way to weight loss! I will make this for my whole family over and over again. It taste just like mashed potatoes and it satisfies all my carb cravings. Thank you!
Jaclyn says
Your recipes are a never miss for me. I love this. Thank you thank you thank you!
Dt says
I have tried other cauliflower mash recipes before and only been mildly impressed. This recipe was a DELICIOUS find! And incredibly easy! I used and immersion blender to mash the cauliflower and garlic directly in the pot. I would highly recommend this recipe for any mashed potato lover. Regardless of a low-carb diet, and this dish is worth trying.
CJ says
An insane amount of butter and garlic, and it’s so worth it. Trying my first recipe from your website and it
s a 10! Will be back for more!
Natron Fiendz says
Yummy. I adjusted the recipee via adding at least 12 sticks of salted butter and a whole can of crisco! As I drank it from the bowl, it got all over my white tee shirt! We all laughed.
Ariel says
This is a delicious low carb dish! I love cauliflower alternatives and I figure this was would be nice to try. I was astonished by how good this was. Definitely will keep this in my go-to recipe book!
Shannon says
Wonderful! Made to then serve CREAMY GARLIC BUTTER TUSCAN MUSHROOMS with chicken on top. It was a winner! My husband said to save the recipes! Made no changes, made as recipe stated.
Herm II says
You have some great recipes and your are a gorgeous beautiful woman, but you really need to have your recipe(s) post spelled checked. Nevertheless, keep cooking 🧑🍳.
Corrie says
I’ve tried a few mashed cauliflower recipes but this so far has been my favorite. ( My husband’s too) I was short on time so instead of real garlic, I used McCormick’s salt free garlic and herb sprinkled in with the butter and parmesan. So so good. This worked great with a bag of frozen Cauliflower since that’s all I had on hand. I’ll definitely be checking out more of your recipes.
elle says
This dish is DELISH!!! We used greek yogurt (preferable to sour cream in our home) and only a bit of parmesan. We made it two nights in a row because we couldn’t get enough. SO easy to add other herbs and spices to, as well. Yummy!
Michelle K says
This is absolutely delicious!! It was simple and very flavorful. My husband loved it!! We were looking for a healthier version of mash potatoes and found this one. Thank you so so much for sharing. 🥰♥️
Mae says
I used riced cauliflower, as that’s what I had on hand. I also decided to roast the cauliflower instead of other cooking methods. Ended up tasting delicious and would recommend, so long as you don’t mind the darker color (my family did not care – they just want it to taste good).
Gayle says
Delicious!! I didn’t have sour cream so used full fat plain yogurt. Cut back butter and used 1 tbsp low-fat cream cheese. Love it!, Thanks!
LuAnn says
Delicious! I was concerned about making the swap from potatoes, but this recipe was fantastic. I use d these faux potatoes to top my Shepard’s pie.
Andrea Samayoa says
Yes!!! Absolutely amazing yo. Super easy. Bomb af!!!!
Erin Patterson says
Can you freeze the leftovers?
Bindi says
I’m pretty sure you can. I’m going to. I’ll let you know if it doesn’t work. This is my second time making this cauliflower mash recipe. Absolutely delicious!
T says
Could I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?
Karina says
You can definitely try it!
Tesa says
In the list of ingredients it calls for 6 cloves of garlic divided, but I only see them mentioned in one step. Is the sautéed garlic and butter supposed to be added to the cauliflower in the blender? Thanks for the recipe!
Lina says
I THINK it means that, if you have to blend the cauliflower in batches, you should divide up the garlic among the batches.
Arthur says
Tried this for the first time, tasted fine however mine was a bit lumpy, maybe i under cooked the cauliflower.I shall most definitely be making it again, they say practice makes perfect .
girl says
please tell us what the serving size is, thanks!
Julie says
It says 8 on the recipe section.
Dan w Smieszny says
I love your site!!!!!!
Heidi Hofacker says
I’m doing low carb and made this for me instead of mashed potatoes. It was the first aide bowl emptied! Everyone loved it and raved about how delicious it was. Thank you for this awesome recipe! I see Shepherds pie in my future!
Klaudia says
I have no words to describe how superduperdelicious it was! And I never though I’d ever like cauliflower mash… I love your site, all your recipes I tried so far are unbelievable! So so soooooo good, thank you so much Karina!
MK says
Great recipe. My hubby haaates cauliflower but he LOVED this recipe! 5 stars
Peg Johnson says
Has anyone tried using Cauliflower Rice which was suggested in the notes?
If so, how much did you use?
Vicky Daly says
This was the BEST caulimash I have tried to date and trust me, I have tried a lot. Be sure to drain the cauliflower and let it cool in a colander as Karina instructs. That way you won’t get that watery mush I’ve often associated with cauliflower mash. Can’t say it beats the real deal but it sure comes close and there is a lot less carbs involved. Thank you Karina!
Debbie says
Could you please share what the serving size is?
Lisa A Spencer says
Your instructions for the garlic are not clear
Brenda says
Can you use a stick blender instead of a food processor or regular blender?
Melissa S says
I use a stick blender and it works perfect and you will not have to do it In Separate batches. I add the sour cream last so if the cauliflower is to runny.
Jennifer says
just wondering what the serving size is?
Jen says
This was so easy and delicious. I can’t believe it actually tastes like mashed potatoes. What a great replacement. It’s also adaptable since you can add in whatever you like. I did add a bunch of chili to get it nice and spicy. Really loved this recipe and will be making it over and over!
Ali says
This was delicious. The first time, I cooked it using the head of cauliflower. Tonight, I’m going to try using cauliflower rice. Has any reader tried it with cauli rice?? If so, how did it go?
Lind Ma says
Did you end up trying this with cauliflower rice? If so, any idea how much you used and how did it go? Thanks!
Annah Yokley says
Amazing, I love Mashed Potatoes, I will never miss them now! I steamed a small head of cauliflower. I out everything in the food processor, so easy. Wow! Thank you!
Diane E Camfield says
What is the serving size? I love it by the way.
Olga Ya says
I was surprised that the mashed cauliflower looked exactly like mashed potatoes and tasted very similar to it. Definitely a good “no guilt” substitution! Will be buying more cauliflower !! Thanks for the recipe
Bria says
I tried putting this recipe into my fitness pal and its coming out with more carbs per serving? Something like 10.
Bria says
How much is a serving?
Craig says
Have made these twice now. Followed the recipie as written and they turned out perfect each time. Delicious and creamy!! Will be making into our regular rotation of dinner planning.
RObin M LAng says
Garlicky deliciousness! Used 2cloves garlic, butter, 1/8 cup cream, Salt and pepper.
Paulette Stacey says
I just tried the mashed cauliflower recipe and it is a winner for sure. It was easy and so delicious. Thank You for posting this recipe.
Kim says
Really great, simple recipe!! I appreciate the ideas for add-ins and ways to customize flavors. Thanks!
Judy says
Hi Karina – I just tried this recipe for dinner to rave reviews among a mixed crowd including a teenager and grandparent people.
I’ll be back.
Karina says
That’s great Judy!
Joe says
Welp, after seeing a lot of recipes for cauliflower mashed potatoes, I finally decided to try making them.
Of course I used your recipe because you’re my “go to” whenever I decide to cook. (I’m not much of a cook)
The result was good considering the disaster the process was. I burnt some of the cauliflower because the water in the pot completely evaporated, I forgot to check it. Then once it was done steaming, I tried mashing the cauliflower the the way you would regular old potatoes, with my hand mixer. LOL cauliflower EVERYWHERE!! I was making the cajun steak bites at the same time, not a good idea for an inexperienced cook! Too much going on at on time LOL. Those steak bites are outta this world good!!! Overall, the meal turned out pretty dang good for someone who doesn’t cook. Keep those recipes coming Karina!
Carnation Luhman. says
I tried the cauliflower mash and added thyme. I used an infision blender it worked our perfectly. I did add about 1\4 cup half and half. I will definitely make this again.Delicious.
Mary Ann Frank says
Dear Karina,
Thank you for Cafe Delites! It is my ‘go to’ site when I am in search of a new recipe or a ‘change up’. Looking forward to many more posts from you!
Mary Ann
Kat says
Karina, You have no idea how much I love seeing your recipes and ideas in my email box! My husband is type 1 diabetic and having you post nutrition facts makes it so much easier to calculate meals. Creamy Tuscan Chicken is one of our absolute favs! Mashed cauliflower is going to replace red potatoes this Thanksgiving and now he can have more to eat without the “bad carbs” side effects. Thank You!
Karina says
AW! Thank you so much! I really appreciate you following along with me! I am so glad that you have found some recipes that you love. Thank you for sharing with me! Happy Thanksgiving! XO
Christine says
Have you tried cooking a whole head of cauliflower in a pressure cooker? Just take the green parts off, place on the rack and steam for 4 minutes. This keeps the cauliflower out of the liquid which makes making the mash easier.
Karina says
I have not! That sounds so much easier though. Thank you for sharing! XO