This dairy-free mashed cauliflower recipe results in a smooth and creamy cauliflower mash that makes a delicious base for all your comfort food dishes!
It's an easy recipe made with fresh cauliflower and optional add-ins that will give it big flavor. If you're looking for the perfect low-carb substitute for traditional mashed potatoes, this is it.
Think of this as a cauliflower "mashed potatoes recipe", minus the starchy, high-carb potatoes!
We've enjoyed these for years, often with a different spin on the master recipe, which only calls for three ingredients.
Similar to my Roasted Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic, this is the perfect side dish for nearly any main course.
It has a silky-smooth, creamy texture and is completely dairy free and plant-based.
Steaming the cauliflower florets creates extra soft and tender pieces that process easily, whether you're using an immersion blender or a food processor.
why this recipe works
Mashed cauliflower is an easy side dish that makes a wonderfully creamy base for keto pot roast or red wine braised chuck roast or this flavorful keto meatloaf. Really, any comfort food dish pairs well with this side!
It's just as versatile as cauliflower rice, but you can prepare it to have less of a cauliflower taste by adding other ingredients for flavor.
Best of all, unlike my roasted cauliflower mash recipe, this version is completely dairy free and incredibly versatile.
Use your favorite dairy-free milk of choice, add in fresh herbs or garlic or other aromatics to change up the flavor profiles.
Whether you're in search of a creamy dairy-free mashed cauliflower for Sunday dinner or the holiday season, this dish will serve you well!
Here's why you'll love it:
- Creamy mashed cauliflower is easy to make and easy to adjust to your own taste!
- Steaming cauliflower is the best way to cook the vegetable while preserving its nutrients. Boiling cauliflower removes most of the antioxidants which are then lost completely when you drain the water. You can roast it, but the end result is not as smooth.
- A keto-friendly, low-carb and dairy-free mashed cauliflower recipe that all eaters can enjoy.
the ingredients
Here's a look at what you'll need to make this creamy, dairy-free mashed cauliflower. (For specific ingredient amounts, view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.)
- Fresh cauliflower. Choose a large head of cauliflower and break it into florets.
- Coconut cream. I like coconut cream (from full-fat,canned coconut milk) or unsweetened macadamia milk since they are both thicker than other non-dairy milks. However, feel free to use your own favorite non-dairy milk of choice. Unsweetened almond milk is another great low-carb option.
- Fine sea salt and black pepper. Simple seasonings to add a little extra flavor!
- Garlic. A little bit of freshly minced garlic (or garlic powder) give this mashed cauliflower a bit of savory flavor.
- Optional add-ins: Vegan butter (or regular butter) and fresh parsley (for garnish) can take this to the next level!
dairy-free mashed cauliflower recipe
Here's a look at the steps to making it. Check out the printable recipe card below!
First, add water to a large pot, about ⅓ to ½ of the way full. Bring it to a boil.
Break apart the head of cauliflower and place the florets into a steamer basket. Place the steamer tray on top of the pot, then cover and steam for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the cooked cauliflower and transfer it to a high-powered blender or food processor. Add half the coconut cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder and any other add-ins. Pulse a few times to process and continue pulsing until smooth.
Add the rest of the coconut cream (if needed) and pulse to process some more.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Transfer to a serving dish and top with chopped parsley, if desired.
recipe tips for the best results
- The steaming time may vary based on how large your cauliflower pieces are. Check it after 10 minutes. It's done when you can easily pierce the cauliflower florets with a fork.
- Pulse the mixture and be careful not to over-process it, otherwise the consistency can be too much of a purée. You want to process only until it's smooth and everything is well combined.
- A blender or a food processor isn't absolutely necessary, you can always mash the cauliflower the good old-fashioned way with a potato masher. A hand blender or even a mixer will also work, but processing it results in an extra smooth and creamy consistency.
- You can get creative with the add-ins and toppings! If you're not dairy-free, top your cauliflower mash with butter, sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese. There are tons of different ingredients you can add that will give this dish so much flavor! I've stirred in horseradish, blue cheese, roasted garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, nutritional yeast, the list goes on...
- Store any leftover cauliflower mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
you might also love
- Filipino chicken adobo and garlic green beans
- Tuscan Kale Salad
- Braised Beef Shanks
- Low-carb Cauliflower Soup with Roasted Garlic
- Sheet Pan Cheesy Chicken and Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Cauliflower (Keto, Low Carb)
A creamy cauliflower mash that is low-carb, keto and dairy-free! It's ready in 20 minutes and is a simple, versatile substitute for mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 1-½ pounds), cut into florets
- 2-3 tablespoons coconut cream (the thick part at the top of a can of coconut milk) OR unsweetened macadamia milk
- fine sea salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter (optional)
- fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Using a steamer set, fill the bottom pot about halfway with water and place on the stovetop. Heat the water on high until it comes to a full boil.
- When the water boils, turn down the temperature to medium and place the cauliflower florets into the top half (steamer basket) of the steamer set. Cover with a lid.
- Steam the cauliflower for 5 minutes then gently stir the florets. Cover again and steam for another 5-10 minutes, checking after 5 minutes to see if the cauliflower is done. The cauliflower is ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork.
- Remove the steamer from the stovetop and carefully transfer the cauliflower into a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Pour half of the coconut cream, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and garlic, then pulse several times to blend/process until the cauliflower mash is smooth.
- Taste and adjust, adding more salt or the remaining coconut cream if needed.
- Transfer the mash into a bowl and serve with chopped parsley or chives or other "mashed potatoes" toppings.
Notes
- The steaming time may vary based on how large your cauliflower pieces are. Check it after 10 minutes. It's done when you can easily pierce the cauliflower florets with a fork.
- Pulse the mixture and be careful not to over-process it, otherwise the consistency can be too much of a purée.
An immersion blender or even an electric mixer will also work, but processing it results in an extra smooth and creamy consistency.
Store any leftover cauliflower mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 40Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 28mgCarbohydrates: 4gNet Carbohydrates: 2gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 2g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Dahn says
Cauliflower is so versatile and takes on other flavors very well. I load my mashers with a TON of roasted garlic 🙂
Abby says
I do too! 🙂