Low-Carb Cauliflower Mash
A creamy, velvety side dish that mimics mashed potatoes with zero carbs, featuring garlic and herb infusions. This general-inspired vegetarian (low-carb, vegan-friendly) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large heads (about 2 lbs) cauliflower, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 6, 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 large heads (about 2 lbs) cauliflower
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp dill weed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut cauliflower into florets and steam for 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
- Step 2: Transfer steamed cauliflower to a food processor. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp dill weed, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Transfer to a serving bowl and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt for depth or extra dill for brightness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Carb 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 Low-Carb 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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb 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 Low-Carb Cauliflower Mash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Low-Carb Cauliflower Mash low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.