Cauliflower 'Mashed' Potatoes with Chives
A keto-friendly twist on mashed potatoes using cauliflower, made creamy with butter and cream cheese for a satisfying side dish. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, unsalted butter, softened cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 oz, softened cream cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 cups cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender.
- Step 2: Drain cauliflower thoroughly, then return to the steamer pot over low heat for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 oz softened cream cheese, and 2 tbsp heavy cream to the cauliflower, then mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cauliflower 'Mashed' Potatoes with Chives take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cauliflower 'Mashed' Potatoes with Chives?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cauliflower florets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower 'Mashed' Potatoes with Chives?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cauliflower 'Mashed' Potatoes with Chives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cauliflower 'Mashed' Potatoes with Chives low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
