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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
