Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower Mash
A luxurious, creamy substitute for mashed potatoes made with cauliflower and melted cheese—lactose-free and keto-approved. This american-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, unsalted butter, cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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
- 680g cauliflower florets
- 28g unsalted butter
- 57g cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 5g fresh chives
Instructions
- Step 1: Steam 680g cauliflower florets in a basket over boiling water for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender (piercing easily). Drain thoroughly, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add 28g unsalted butter, 57g softened cream cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the cauliflower. Mash with a potato masher until smooth, adding 1-2 tbsp hot water if too thick.
- Step 3: Stir in 5g chopped fresh chives until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm for a rich, velvety side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower Mash take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower Mash?
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 Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower Mash?
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 Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower Mash 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 Cheesy Garlic Cauliflower Mash keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, 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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
