Garlic-Chive Cauliflower Mash

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety, garlicky mash made from steamed cauliflower, finished with fresh chives for a satisfying keto side that pairs perfectly with any protein. This american-inspired keto (vegetarian, keto) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into florets cauliflower, butter, sour cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Steam 2 lbs cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 15 minutes until very tender, then drain thoroughly in a colander.
  2. Step 2: Melt 3 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Transfer drained cauliflower to a food processor, add melted butter mixture, 2 tbsp sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh chives, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Blend for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy, adding 1-2 tbsp water if the mixture is too thick.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Chive Cauliflower Mash 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 Garlic-Chive 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 cut into florets cauliflower from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Chive 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 Garlic-Chive 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 Garlic-Chive Cauliflower Mash vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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