Creamy Cauliflower Mash
I’d like to thank the cauliflower gods for this one because never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined what I’m about to share with you. I have created the smoothest creamy cauliflower mash out there and it come’s with a side of keto gravy! Over the past few months I’ve had to correct Matthews lumpy cauliflower mash dozens of times, so trust me, I know what makes the difference between mediocre and perfection.
The process of creating this delicious side dish is similar to mashed potatoes, but without the hard parts! You’ll simply throw the cauliflower into a processor after boiling and blend until silky smooth! It’ll be the easiest dish to make this year and the biggest hit at the Thanksgiving table!
What Sets This Cauliflower Mash Apart?
Nutrition: Let’s get right down to business. The macronutrient we all focus on most as keto-ers is carbs, specifically net carbs. Net carbs is the overall carbs minus the fiber. One cup of cauliflower has 6 net carbs while one cup of potatoes has 22 net carbs. Astonishing, I know. If you opted for the potatoes you’d be over the standard ’20g of carbs or below’ daily intake. So nutritionally, cauliflower mash is your best bet!
Mouth Feel: The cauliflower mash is not only creamier, but absorbs and blends the flavors of each individual ingredient perfectly. You get hints of rosemary, garlic and parmesan with each bite you take and the lightness in weight prevents the dreaded heaviness in your belly you would normally get with potatoes.
When it comes to mashed potatoes the starchiness of them makes it harder to get a perfectly distributed flavor. After a lot more salt, however, the potatoes come to life. But, while satisfying your tastebuds they wreck havoc on your abs!
Keto Gravy Time!
We have also made a keto gravy to pour on top of the mash. It’s one of our simplest and quickest recipes to make, and tastes just as great atop a slab of turkey. You are not going to want to celebrate Thanksgiving this year without this gravy at the dinner table!
Looking for more holiday keto action? Check out our Pecan Pie and Green Bean Casserole Recipes!
Creamy Cauliflower Mash and Keto Gravy
Ingredients:
Creamy Mash Cauliflower
- 5 cups cauliflower chopped
- 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 3 tbsp parmesan
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Pink Himalayan Salt (to taste)
Instructions:
- Chop up 5 cups of raw cauliflower.
- Bring pot of water to a boil (enough to cover all the cauliflower), add the cauliflower and boil for 15 minutes or until tender.
- Drain cauliflower and place in processor.
- Cook butter, garlic and rosemary in a saucepan over medium heat until fragrant.
- Add melted butter, garlic and rosemary to processor and pulse several times until well combined.
- Add cream, parmesan, salt and pepper to processor and process until smooth and creamy.
- Taste for salt level. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Creamy Cauliflower Mash and Keto Gravy
Ingredients:
Gravy
- 2 cups Stock/Drippings (you can use both or either)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp xanthan Gum
Instructions:
Gravy
- Combine cream, butter, broth/drippings in a sauce pan over medium high heat.
- Bring to boil and then reduce to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add xanthum gum and pepper.
- Stir until gravy thickens and reduces down to consistency of your liking. Enjoy!
Hi there – Im in Australia. I can’t seem to get Xanthum Gum at Woolworths or Coles. Is there something else I can use?? Regards, Karen
We’ve never tried either but “Agar Agar” and “Guar Gum” are able to be substituted for xantham gum in most thickening applications!
Hey Matt how long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Up to a week should be fine!
TRY Wringleys gum when it comes back…H
Both Coles and Woolworths have Xanthan Gum listed if you do a web search.
Hey Karen, Im in Oz too (Melbourne) Health food shops have Xanthum gum.
🙂
jo x
Hi, I live in Cobar – outback NSW and I found some at a health food store.
Hi Im Australian and living in Australia I puchased my Xantham Gun at the health food store.
Good luck.
You can order it from Amazon
[email protected]
I got Mine from Amazon
I made this without the gum and it was delicious, just simmer for a little longer.
Both of those are very irritating to the intestines. Act as sort of a detergent in the intestines. Not good.
Hi Yvonne! Yes, unfortunately, both can be result in digestive issues. Hopefully you didnt have any terrible issues this thanksgiving! Thanks for reaching out!
I don’t have a processor could I use an immersion hand blender instead?
Do you have a normal blender? That would most likely work! Not sure about the immersion hand blender, but i’d say give it a go in a shallow bowl so it doesn’t splatter!
An immersion hand blender works great and saves on clean up by not having to get out the food processor. I use it right in the pan I
cooked the cauliflower in.
Do you have to squeeze out the water from the cauliflower? I would like to find away around having to do that but every time i haven’t squeezed it to smitherings I end up with watery mashed cauliflower. Have you had this issue.
Ya you pretty much have to. You could try using pre packaged cauliflower rice and might have better results.
Could you steam the cauliflower to reduce the “watery texture” so you wouldn’t have to squeeze out the water?
On Low carb friends message boards there was a reference to adding oat fiber to the cauliflower mixture. That sounded to me like it would firm up the end result.
Interesting. That’s something we could try in the future. Thanks!
If you can handle slight addition of carbs, you could add a tablespoon of instant potato flakes. Or, a tsp or so of coconut flour would soak up some liquid.
bake your cauliflower, that way no extra water in it!
Try steaming the cauliflower, it will be much dryer.
Try steaming the cauliflower- works fab and isn’t so soggy. I use an immersion blender too with great results.
I bought a dollar store steamer bowl. The lid has a small flip lid in center. I don’t use any water just open lid and microwave the cauliflower. It’s not watery at all this way.
Steam the cauliflower, drain out the water and let all the steam out before mashing – very important. Steam is water. 😉 I even turn the heat back on and toss them around a bit to dry them off, then add butter and use an immersion blender right in the pan. Never have to squeeze them out. Immersion blender works best in a smaller pan with higher sides.
This recipe is incredibly delicious! I could eat the entire bowl! I made it for the 3rd time tonight with left over roasted cauliflower. The roasted flavor took it to the next level!
My husband and I started Keto a little over a month ago and several of your recipes have become staples in our house. So, thank you, and keep em coming!
Christy
Thanks Christy! Glad you’re enjoying everything!
Hi is there any nutritional information for this recipe?
Yes, it’s listed at the bottom of the post right above the ingredients.
I have tried many variations of cauli mash, but this sounds wonderful. I will be trying soon.
Just as a suggestion to those that are having an issue with left over water in the cauliflower,causing your mash to become runny. If you will put it back in your pot after it comes out of the food processor you can cook it down a bit to remove any extra liquid that might have hung around. It also adds a bit of flavor to the butter. It’s just another flavor profile to work with.
Also, a suggestion for thickening the gravy for those who are unable to find xanthan gum, you could try using cream cheese as a thickening agent.
Thanks for all the great tips Danielle!
Can substitute the cream with a non dairy product lactose intolerant
You can omit the cream and add more butter. Assuming you can have butter?
You can also use just a tablespoon or two of olive oil and some salt and pepper. Looks, feels land tastes like mashed potatoes.
These are so delicious. Making them for a second time tonight. I am going to steam them this time to avoid the extra water.
Thanks for a great recipe.
Hi,
It would be helpful if we know the quantity of cauliflower in pounds or Ounces. The recipe looks good. Can’t wait to try it.
i agree. your recipes are fantastic but i wish they were in grams or ounces instead of cups. especially with things like cauliflower, it is hard to gauge what a cup is. Is the cauliflower riced and you’re measure 5 cups of riced cauliflower?
5 cups chopped. We’ll work on getting better with the measurements.
Could I roast the cauliflower in foil to soften? Not looking forward to ringing out water.
Ya, you could try that. It’s not something we’ve tried before for this recipe so we’re not sure exactly how it will come out.
I made this for supper this evening. It was really good! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Glad you liked it Mary!
Can you cook the cauliflower in a double boiler instead of boiling it in water before you put it in the food processor? Maybe it wouldn’t be watery that way.
Yes, you absolutely can!
Hello! I am so excited to try this recipe. I tried the cauliflower mac and cheese the other day and OMG! I understand why Megha was eating right out of the pan now! ? For this recipe specifically, there are four servings… so does that make four, one cup servings? I just want to make sure the nutritional info and my servings match up. Thank you both!
We usually just make a whole batch and divide it into 4 servings so we’re not sure the exact volume of 1 serving. It’s probably just under 1 cup.
I did not make the Califlowerf mash, but I made fried pork chops with coconut flour and then made the gravy to pour over my pork chop. The gravy was simple to make with just a few ingredients , but absolutely delicious! thank you so much! I feel so satified as I have been missing something fried with gravy on it.
This is a perfect taste for mashed potatoes with gravey. My husband who is not on a diet or healthy eater even said the same thing. We will try more of your cauliflower recipes. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this wonderful and tasty recipe. I only made the cauliflower mash so far, but it is amazing. I used it for low carb meal prep with chicken and broccoli. Its still amazing the next day heating it up in the microwave. I will definitely post this on my blog http://www.bavariston.com
Thank you! I’m gonna enjoy this dish!
One suggestion, strain cauliflower in a colander or
strainer. While still in strainer, mash with a smaller
bowl to force as much liquid out as possible. Makes
It so much fluffier.
This is delicious! Thank you!
Sounds great, but PLEASE stop recommending the use of xantham gum! It is a known bowl/gut irritant, and is responsible for numerous digestive issues!
Hi, I was wondering if you made the gravy? I definitely want to try it out, but I have to agree with what you said about being an irritant to the gut. I have hashimotos disease and would never use the xantham gum. Would you suggest something else? Thanks for you time.
KB
Some people use Arrowroot powder although we do not have experience with it.
This looks amazing! I’m excited to try a gravy! Can you tell me if the gravy will reheat the next day with the same taste and consistency if I make enough for leftovers? Thank You!
Should reheat just fine girl!
To the person who was concerned about watery cauli mash: put 1 TBL water in the bottom of a microwave rice cooker (or any microwave safe bowl you can cover). Add the cauliflower and cook on high until tender. Drain any water and then mash with rest of your ingredients. No watery mess.
Yum! I have been on the keto diet since July 2016 and it’s been fun learning how to make new recipes with lower carbs. I cannot wait to try these two recipes. Thank you for sharing!
Making this tonight with bacon wrapped lamb and chuck meatloaf. So stoked. Thanks for the recipes and content! Love from a Keto Couple in Cold Canada.
Is the rosemary fresh or dried?
Fresh or dried will work
Try adding grated Old Cheddar cheeese to the cauliflower while in the food processor. That’s how I make it all the time. It`s absolutely delicious!
What is the individual serving size when putting it on a plate? How many cups for the mashed cauliflower and how many tablespoons/ cups for the gravy?
Also, for the gravy, do you have to add tge xanthum gum? If so, is there a substitute for it?
The serving is 1/4 of a recipe of each. Xanthan gum is pretty important since that is what thickens the gravy. You could try arrow root powder but that is not something we’ve ever used.
i just made this gravy to put over my cheesey keto meatballs and it was AWESOME!.. i didnt eat allot of it.. just enough.. i did double the xantham thou.. it didnt seem to get to the thicker consistency that i typically make my gravy.. or maybe i just didnt let it thickin on the heat long enough before simmering? i’ve never cooked with it before so im not sure.. but i absolutely love it and will def be using it often! thank you so much you guys!!
oh man, SO good! Cheesy keto meatballs with gravy is SO what I’m making this weekend. Thanks for the tip!
Thankyou sounds delishious will definitely try this thankyou again
I’m sorry maybe I’m just missing it…what is the actual serving size for this?
Sorry, we don’t measure/weigh serving sizes. We just divide the recipe into 4.
What size do I chop the 5 cups to before boiling? Is it suppose to be measured fine chopped or chunks? Not sure if I did this correct. Thank you. Newbie to Keto. Love subscribing to your videos and live your website.
Chunks or florets 🙂 The first picture in the blog post should give a good visual!
Amazing! Hands down the best I have ever made! Thank You!
anxious to try this for Thanksgiving. Some recipes say to add the gum to cold liquid. Do you have any thoughts regarding this. Does the gravy thicken? Really miss good gravy —- hope this works! thanks
Xanthan gum should mix fine in hot or cold. I don’t see a reason to mix it in cold first. As long as you mix it pretty good I don’t think there is a difference. Sometimes there might be chunks of it, but if you whisk it real good they should break apart and be smooth. Xanthan gum is what makes the gravy thicken.
Can this all be made the day before you want to serve it?
Yes, absolutely! You will just need to warm it up beforehand.
Hi guys! I am missing my mom’s mashed potatoes so much. She always put cream cheese in her recipe which always took her mashed potatoes to another level. Do you think I could omit the heavy cream and use cream cheese for a similar result? Or do I need the heavy cream for proper consistency?
Yes you could probably used cream cheese instead but the taste might be a little tangy because of the cream cheese.
What is the gravy listed under in My fitness pal?
The gravy is not on My Fitness Pal. You can create your own recipe for it on the app if you want to track it on there.
This was sooooo delicious!! I substituted the rosemary for dried sage and had it with roast pork, it was lush!!
Better than the gravy I make for the family, my hubby loves it too much!,
Just wondering how much is considered a serving
This recipe makes 4 servings. I am not exactly sure of the volume or weight, but 1/4th of the recipe is a serving.
It’s nice when recipes have cup and weight measurements.
You guys are great btw. I love trying you’re recipes. It has been very helpful in sticking to keto.
What is the secret to adding Xantham Gun without it turning to a lump before you can stir it in? It thickens immediately and leaves what I am trying to thicken lumpy!
You can sift it into the gravy and then whisk immediately or while you are still adding it, so that it won’t clump up.
Can I use cornstarch or arrowroot as a thickening agent?
No, if you want to thicken it, I would use xanthan gum. Arrowroot and cornstarch are higher in carbs and xanthan gum works perfectly. I would add a very small amount, maybe 1/8 tsp or 1/4 tsp and then stir until thickened. You may add more after that if you need to.
Does this freeze well? I would like to use it for meal preps. Also thank you for all the time and ingenuity you all put into these marvelous recipes. You have really helped a lot of people have success on the low carb/keto lifestyle. Be proud!
I don’t think it would be the best frozen, as it might become more watery when you reheat it, but I am sure that it can be done if you aren’t too picky. I would try to freeze one serving and see how it goes.
I’m so happy I found this gravy recipe! It’s now my go to whenever I need gravy. Although I love the cream cheese gravy this one is so much smoother, and not as heavy. I’m going to try it with breakfast sausage and keto bread. Thank you for sharing.