Cheese and Herb Cauliflower Mash with Garlic Butter
A creamy, low-carb mashed cauliflower side infused with sharp cheese, fresh herbs, and roasted garlic butter for a comforting keto staple. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, softened cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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
- 1 large head (about 4 cups) cauliflower florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 1 large head of cauliflower florets (about 4 cups). Cook for 10-12 minutes until very tender, then drain well.
- Step 2: In a small skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Transfer drained cauliflower to a food processor or blender. Add 2 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Stir in the garlic butter from the skillet and 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm as a rich, keto-friendly side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese and Herb Cauliflower Mash with Garlic Butter 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 Cheese and Herb Cauliflower Mash with Garlic Butter?
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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese and Herb Cauliflower Mash with Garlic Butter?
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 Cheese and Herb Cauliflower Mash with Garlic Butter 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 Cheese and Herb Cauliflower Mash with Garlic Butter keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
