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The Best Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Hilary PARKER
The secret to perfectly creamy, rich, and delicious cauliflower mashed potatoes that are never watery! This easy, keto-friendly side dish is the ultimate low-carb comfort food, perfect for holidays or any weeknight.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Calories 125 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large heads of cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1/2 cup water for steaming
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese about 2.5 ounces by weight
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Cauliflower: Remove leaves and core, and cut cauliflower into 1-2 inch florets. Consistent sizing helps them cook evenly.
  • Steam Until Tender: Place florets in a large pot with a steamer basket and 1/2 cup water. Cover and steam over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until completely fork-tender and soft. (Or, Instant Pot on high pressure for 2 minutes with a quick release).
  • THE CRITICAL STEP (Do Not Skip!): Drain the cauliflower in a colander and let it cool for 5 minutes. Working in batches, place cauliflower in the center of a clean kitchen towel. Twist the towel tightly and squeeze to press out as much water as possible. This is the secret to avoiding watery mash!
  • Choose Your Texture:
  • 1.Rustic Mash: Place squeezed cauliflower in a bowl. Add cheddar, sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash by hand with a potato masher.
  • 2.Silky-Smooth (Recommended): Transfer squeezed cauliflower to a food processor along with the cheddar, sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Process for 1 minute until completely smooth, scraping the sides as needed.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mash and add more salt, pepper, or butter to your liking.
  • Finish & Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped chives and an extra pat of butter, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • The Squeezing Secret: Seriously, don't skip step 3! The amount of water you remove is the difference between a soupy mess and a creamy, dense mash.
  • Loaded Version: Fold in crispy bacon bits and extra cheese.
  • Garlic & Herb: Add 2-3 cloves of roasted garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder to the food processor.
  • 50/50 Blend: For picky eaters, mash the cauliflower with 1-2 boiled potatoes for a "gateway" mash that's lower in carbs.
  • Dairy-Free / Vegan: Use vegan butter, plant-based sour cream, and 1/4 cup nutritional yeast in place of the cheese

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gFiber: 2.5g
Keyword Cauliflower Fauxtatoes, Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes, Healthy Mashed Potato Substitute, Keto Mashed Cauliflower, Low-Carb Mashed Potatoes
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