This healthy loaded cauliflower tastes like loaded potato skins without all the carbs. Made with butter, sour cream, chives, cheddar cheese and bacon, it’s the ultimate side for keto diets.
A couple of weeks ago I brought you lovely people one of my favorite recipes for mashed cauliflower with celery root and talked about how cauliflower is the unsung hero of the low carb world. We use it for almost everything, don’t we?
I know that I’ve personally roasted cauliflower with bacon and green onions as a side and have pureed it to add body to cream of celery soup. I’ve also seasoned it with exotic Indian spices in a wonderful vegetable masala and I’ve added it to hearty beef curry. One of my favorite ways to enjoy cauliflower is as cauliflower fritters that sub for hash browns. Yum!
Even mainstream bloggers have discovered cauliflower and are making great cauliflower pizzas like this one from Kevin at Closet Cooking. And Lisa from Low Carb Yum uses cauliflower in some of her desserts – chocolate pudding anyone?
You can see that cauliflower can be used for almost any dish. But you, my low carb friends, already know this. You’ve been cauliflower ninjas for years!
For me, it’s the more simple recipes that hit home – like this loaded cauliflower mash. It’s the ultimate in comfort food. If you were one who enjoyed ordering loaded potato skins at Friday’s after work or preferred a loaded baked potato with your steak, this recipe will take you back to the days. At least, it did me!
And those who loved twice-baked potatoes need not mourn an old favorite because this healthy low carb cauliflower tastes so good, I could have called it twice baked cauliflower casserole!
The trick to getting a fluffy cauliflower mash:
- steam instead of boil.
- let it sit uncovered to release some moisture
- drain well before putting it in the food processor
- add the ingredients that make it taste great – like sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives and bacon.
That’s it. Easy, cheesy and delicious!
My kids couldn’t get enough. These are die hard mashed potato haters! This healthy loaded cauliflower was a hit in their book and a win for me!
Loaded Cauliflower (low carb, keto)
Ingredients
- 1 pound cauliflower
- 4 ounces sour cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chives snipped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into florettes and add them to a microwave safe bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water and cover with cling film. Microwave for 5-8 minutes, depending on your microwave, until completely cooked and tender. Drain the excess water and let sit uncovered for a minute or two. (Alternately, steam your cauliflower the conventional way. You may need to squeeze a little water out of the cauliflower after cooking.)
- Add the cauliflower to a food processor and process until fluffy. Add the butter, garlic powder, and sour cream and process until it resembles the consistency of mashes potatoes. Remove the mashed cauliflower to a bowl and add most of the chives, saving some to add to the top later. Add half of the cheddar cheese and mix by hand. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top the loaded cauliflower with the remaining cheese, remaining chives and bacon. Put back into the microwave to melt the cheese or place the cauliflower under the broiler for a few minutes.
- Serves 4 people at 4.6g Net Carbs.
NOTE: If making ahead and refrigerating, I find it best to microwave at 50% power for a few minutes to take the chill off before placing in the oven to finish warming up and then placing under the broiler. This will freeze, but replace the sour cream with cream cheese instead.
Video
Nutrition
Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Casserole with Ham
Roasted Cauliflower With Bacon and Caramelized Green Onion
Tried this last night and loved it! I have always hated cauliflower, but this changes everything. My husband and I like it better than mashed potatoes! Thanks so much for this great addition to our low carb lifestyle.
Wasn’t sure if we would like mashed cauliflower but yes indeed we do. I didn’t use as much cheese or put any on top. My husband enjoyed it as I did. TY
You may like to try Mock Mashed Potatoes (made with cauliflower). Ppl I know who didn’t like cauliflower really like this dish. I added garlic to taste (lots in our house), onion powder, fresh rosemary, etc. Reeeally yummy and no cauliflower taste with all your spices and added herbs
I made it using a regular hand mixer and it came out beautifully.
Thanks for sharing about the hand mixer, I don’t have a food processor and was just about to ask the question.
Hi! I recently bought a huge bag of frozen riced cauliflower from Costco. Do you think I could use that instead of fresh florets? Thank you!
I haven’t tried using frozen riced cauliflower, Michelle. The think I have noticed about frozen cauliflower is that it is a little soggy. This recipe works best when as much water as possible is drained and released as steam. Having said that, the riced cauliflower will still purée in a food processor. I hope this helps. -Kim
That’s a hard question, Brandi. I eat cauliflower a lot so I’m used to the flavor. It is definitely better with the additions. If you are ever looking for a “more like potatoes” mash, the recipe I have with cauliflower and celery root is the way to go, but I just don’t know what to tell you. Most people like it this. -Kim
This would be on my Christmas Dinner for sure. I am sure that all my family members will love it!!
Well, you can try to mash it with a potato masher or a fork. It won’t have the same texture but should still taste good. -Kim
One of my new favorites! Will this freeze well? I bought a huge cauli, I’m wondering if I should make a ginormous amount or if I should just freeze the cauliflower I don’t use and make it fresh. Thanks so much, this is so delicious and even my SAD family devoured it.
Great, Sue, I’m happy you like the recipe. Honestly, I have never frozen it. I don’t know if the cauliflower will get watery or not. I’m sorry I don’t have an answer for you. -Kim
The sour cream will not let it freeze well. It breaks down. When I freeze mashed potatoes, I use cream cheese instead.
Good to know, Amy. Thanks for sharing. -Kim
thank you so much! I am just getting into the KETO Diet plan and this looks amazing.
I made this last year and it was a big hit. Just refreshing my memory of the dish so I can do it again this year!
OMG. This was amazing! A few additions I made were I added about 3-4 oz. of cream cheese to the food processor. I also steamed my cauliflower and patted and squeezed the water out of it. I added a half cup more of sharp cheddar and about 2 TBSP of green onion to the mix. (didn’t have enough chives). I baked the dish at 350 deg. for about 10 min to heat through then broiled it for about 4 min. Holy cow, I keep going back for more!!!!
This recipe was so great!! Even my boyfriend who claims to “hate cauliflower” loved it! I added in some onion salt that I got at Trader Joe’s and it really amped up the flavor. I served it alongside smoked paprika chicken thighs and roasted brussel sprouts.
Just started Keto diet. These recipes look delicious. Wish I had known about this years ago. Recommending to everyone I know.
Do you know if using the “bagged” cauliflower used to make mashed will work instead of doing all the work of mashing a head of cauliflower?
The frozen cauliflower is wetter and doesn’t result in as fluffy a texture. You can try and see what happens, Judy. Have a nice weekend. -Kim
I made my version of your recipe for dinner tonight. I substituted Fage 2% Greek yogurt for the sour cream, added some shredded Italian cheeses to the cheddar cheese, and skipped the bacon. My husband took two bites, looked at me suspiciously, and said, You cheated, didn’t you, and put potato in this. Ha! I will experiment some more (maybe add the bacon for a company dinner), but it’s bye-bye mashed potatoes for us. Thanks for the great recipe!
After making this several times for my family I decided to bring it to a pot luck. Thanks again for a great recipe.
Not normally one for veges, started looking into Keto. Man was that delish. Just all round tasty especially with the bits of bacon hiding in there. Paired with a seared chicken breast or steak and I am set. I also added some chopped tomatoes and capsicum on the side fried in some butter + s&p.
I made these for my wife and I this evening for dinner. I didn’t feel like cleaning up after the food processor, so I just used the potato masher. They were a little more chunky as a result, but quite good.
We had this as a main dish along with some veggies and this was super filling.
Wife LOVED it and this is definitely going into our rotation of dishes. Thanks for the great recipe, we’ll be checking out more for sure.
Made for dinner this evening and we are using as our main course. I tried it of course and can’t wait for dinner! Yes, the texture is a bit different, but I love the added feel of the cauliflower.
I didn’t have cauliflower so substituted broccoli. Steamed them mashed with potato masher. Added a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Tasted great. Will add to my cookbook.
I like your recipe Jocelyn. It sounds like a winner! -Kim
I did something like that too but used Camembert which had been baked before. And then mashed both of them really surprised how lovely it was.
This looks absolutely amazing! Can’t wait to try it out this weekend
I loved the mashed. It is creamy enough to fool the tongue, but wonderful on the platet.
I always make a double batch and divide it ou into single servings and freeze them. They freeze great! I love Keto but honestly…not that fond of cooking/baking. Thanks for the recipe it is great!
Hi Laura-
Do you prepare completely and then freeze or do you leave the toppings off? Also, do you put it in the oven frozen and just cook longer or do you defrost overnight in the refrigerator? I am a huge fan of make ahead sides, especially when they involve the food processor. Thank you for sharing your experience! So excited to try this recipe!
Delicious! Had company for dinner last night and the Loaded Cauliflower Mash was a hit! This recipe is a keeper.
I wanted so much to love this recipe. The cauliflower had a texture that was nothing like potatoes and it didn’t have much flavor. I tried adding more of the toppings but it didn’t help.
Not everyone is into mashed cauliflower, Theresa. It’s a bit of an acquired taste. Thanks for sharing your experience. -Kim
Kimberly, it says in the recipe: 1/3-1/2 cup. I divide it visually. -Kim
You can use Press and Seal or steam it in a pot the conventional way. The Keto diet promotes using healthy fats and no to low carbs,that is why this recipe works!
This was absolutely delicious. I steamed the cauliflower in my rice cooker’s steamer. I drained the cauliflower then used paper towels to squeeze out as much water as possible. I then finished the steps beginning with the food processor. I also added some bacon to the hash as well as sprinkled some on top. It came out awesome… ☺
I love the recipes thank you for the website please send more
This recipe sounds delicious. I am planning to make it soon. But one quick question; do yuh think you can use frozen and riced cauliflower? Just wondering. Thanks.
That’s a great question, Joyce. It’s my experience that this recipe is not as good with frozen cauliflower. I think it is soggy and the yield is smaller. -Kim
How much is a serving? 1/2 cup? 1 cup?
Hi Anthony. Serving size is approximately 1/3-1/2 cup, which doesn’t sound like much, but it is pureed. -Kim
Made this with oven-baked pork steaks. It was soooo delicious! Thank you for the recipe.
I made this,its to die for! everyone loved it! I have made 3 times already!
Easy to make and yesssssss so delicious! I do have a question though? Are those the nutrition facts for the whole recipe or for each of the 6 serving sizes? Thanks!!
Absolutely gorgeous. Started low carb diet or should i say way of life now 6 weeks ago. Love it. Finding all these amazing recipes and this one is top notch. This truly is full of flavour and can accompany just plain roasted lamb chops as we had. My husband loved it and i will be sharing it with my friends. Thank you for making what could be a boring old diet into such a tasty delight :-)
Made this tonight! It was my first time attempting anything cauliflower. It was super tasty and I had leftovers for two more portions! A great start to my keto return after a “company is in town” break. :) Thank you!
Mine still ended up being a bit runny but I am not great at this whole cooking thing so I will do better next time. I still ate it and it tasted great! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Carmen. I’m sorry your cauliflower was runny. Did you steam in the microwave, in a steamer or cook it on the stove. It’s my opinion that boiling the cauliflower on the stove water-logs it. I think that steaming it in a steamer, may, too. I really prefer using the microwave to steam my vegetables, but not everyone has one or believes in one. Make sure that it is drained well and that some of the steam escapes before putting it into the food processor. The cauliflower isn’t going to be fluffy like a potato because it doesn’t have any starch, but it shouldn’t be runny. I’m glad it tasted great. Thanks for taking the time to comment. -Kim
These whipped mashed potatoes…. Oops cauliflower are Amazing!! My husband hates cauliflower, I gave him a taste and said “what do you think?” He liked them…… Not love but could eat them with the bacon and cheese. I’ve started a low carb diet 3 days ago, so looking forward to searching out new meals and snacks. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe!!
Would adding chicken or shrimp kill this recipe, looks super delicious!
how much is a serving size so I can determine Weight Watchers points?
Hi. A serving is 1/6th of the recipe. I visually divide it after preparing. It’s about 1/3 – 1/2 of a cup. -Kim
THANK YOU for making it microwave friendly! I’m desperate tonight. ❤❤
What is the serving size?
Hi Maddi. The recipe serves 6. I visually divide the recipe as I serve. It’s roughly 1/3 cup per person – which sounds like a small serving, but the cauliflower was pureed which makes it look like a smaller amount. -Kim
I tried this last night. My husband and I loved it so I will definitely be making it again soon! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Was yummy
Hi Kim. I was wondering if I could still make it with a frozen bag of cauliflower, if so would-be still be the same ingredients ?
You could Brandi, but it would be a little more wet and yield a smaller amount. I don’t know why, but frozen vegetables just don’t have the same texture and frozen cauliflower seems to be a little soggy. You would need to squeeze out a little water after it thaws. If you try with frozen cauliflower, I would love to hear how it turns out. Have a wonderful week. -Kim
This may actually be the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten!!!!!!
Thanks, JoAnn! -Kim
Is 1lb cauliflower equal to a head of cauliflower?
Great question. It depends on how big the head is, Pam. Weigh it in the store. I typically buy a head around 1 1/4 pound because I know I am going to be removing the outer leaves and core. If I buy a huge head, I cut it in half, remove the leaves and core from the half and then weight it at home. A kitchen scale is invaluable when you are trying to count carbs. I hope this helps. -Kim
What is the serving size?
Hi Liz, I visually divide into 6 portions. It’s about 1/3 – 1/2 cup per serving. -Kim
What is considered a serving?
Hi Becky, it serves 6. I always eyeball it. Since the cauliflower is pureed, the serving is pretty small. I would estimate about 1/3 – 1/2 cup. If you can have more carbs, then enjoy a larger serving. I try to keep servings small enough to fit into a ketogenic lifestyle. -Kim
What could you use instead of sour cream? Not a fan of it. Thanks :)
Hi Deanna. What about using plain yogurt? I have used both in this recipe. -Kim
I’m so happy to find a recipe that the nutritional values come close to what I calculate with my ingredients! I only watch carbs and this one is spot on. So many times I try recipes that are “keto” only to find that my calculation came up 18g grams higher. I’m super excited to try this recipe!
*My brand of ingredients, I should say. ?
Great, Melissa. I hope you like it. I try really hard to be as accurate as possible with nutritional counts. I know that each nutritional calculator uses its own algorithm and that there is variation between them, but I do try really hard. Thanks for the nice comment. Have a great week. -Kim
Wow, wonderful recipe! I made some littles changes coz I did not have sour cream, I used greek yogurt. Also, I used green oignon in remplacement of chives ! I added 2 old potatoes that I had to cook.
Thank you very much!
This recipe is amazing! I do not eat bacon, so I left out that ingredient. Still looks delicious. I will be melting the cheese on top in preparation for dinner tonight, but so far, this is a winner. I love the fact that you include nutrition information, including carbs, as well. Thank you!
This is the yummiest!! So excited when I found this recipe
This looks amazing. I’ll be the only one eating it, can I freeze it for later?
I haven’t frozen it yet, but my gut says yes. You could also make a half batch. -Kim
I just made it and it amazing and soooo delicious ???? thanks for sharing this recipe with all of us
Made this for lunch today. They taste as good as they look. A definite must try.
I didn’t have fresh cauliflower on hand so I used Publix brand steam in bag from the frozen section. I followed the recipe as written.
Yummy!!!
Wow, this was amazingly delicious! Better than mashed potatoes. Since I’m following a keton plan this was the perfect substitute. I was hesitant but once I tasted it I was pleasantly surprised. I added Munster cheese n cheddar and extra bacon! It was so good I feel like I cheated on the food plan. Lol. I Highly recommend this Recipie.
Kim, this is a very delicious version of cauliflower. We devoured every bite. Thanks so much for the recipe.
I will be making this for my family. It looks delicious!
Awesome alternative. Cooked it while camping. Not as exact but will be making it at home.
Delicious! It exceeded my expectations!
I plan to make this for Thanksgiving dinner for the family. I read one of the comments that this could be made in advance. I will make one day before we plan to eat. How do you suggest that I reheat this?
Hi Sandy, I would start it off in the microwave for about 10 minutes at 50 percent power. If it’s still super cold, then about 4-5 more in the microwave at full power to make sure that the center is warm before putting it in the oven. Cook in the oven until bubbly for about 30 minutes? You could also remove it from the refrigerator a few hours before reheating to help it come to room temperature a little before putting it in the microwave. That’s what I would do. I hope this helps. Let me know if you need more info. Have a wonderful day and Thanksgiving. – Kim
Just to be clear, after heating the casserole in to microwave I put it into the oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly, at what temperature? Thanks Kim!
Oops! Sorry Sandy. Preheat and cook at 350 degrees. Enjoy! -Kim
Yaaas! This is low carb perfection. TOTALLY going to need this health-hack after all the Thanksgiving festivities!
Thank you , for your delicious loaded cauliflower recipe, my mother loves it .its very nice to see healthy recipes .
Hi Kim,
Made this last night. First of all I had already tried two other mashed cauliflower recipes and was going to give up. So glad I didn’t give up. This is superb! My husband and I both enjoyed it! Secondly, It is making me wonder if I do just butter and sour cream and omit the cheese and bacon, if it will hold up to gravy? And, finally, I used the leftovers for breakfast. I formed the mashed cauliflower into a ring in a small pan and turned on the heat. As it was warming up I dropped a pad of butter into the hollow spot and then added an egg to the hollow. I covered the pan and cooked until the egg was the way I like it, cooked, but still runny. WOW WOW WOW! Only my favorite breakfast ever!!! (and that includes before I went low carb)
Thank you, Marion
Super, Marion. So glad you tried and liked it. I understand that every recipe doesn’t appeal to every person, so I’m glad this one worked for you. I would actually try the mashed cauliflower with celery root recipe for gravy. It’s texture is the most like potatoes of any of the mashed cauliflower recipes. Moreover, the celery root gives a nice flavor to the mash. It is a little higher in carbs, but so worth it. I’m drooling over your breakfast. It sounds absolutely outstanding. I’ll have to try it next time I have leftover cauliflower mash. Thank you for your wonderful comment and the breakfast recipe. Have a great week. -Kim
I don’t think I’d ever be able to make enough of this. It looks fantastic!! I’m super excited to try this. Thanks!!
Hello! Excited to try this for Thanksgiving!
Have you made this a couple days ahead of time? Did it hold up?
Thanks!
Yes, Liv. It holds up well. I wouldn’t make it much more than two days ahead, but I’ve had mine in the fridge for a week and it still tastes good. You can always make a half batch and see what you think. Hope you like it. -Kim
I can’t wait to try this! I’m thinking it would be a wonderful addition to the Thanksgiving table!
this recipe helped me get over missing mashed potatoes! loaded cauliflower is my new “go to” side item since I switched to a KETO way of life! :)
This may be a stupid question – but how much does 1 pound of cauliflower florettes equate to? Is it one head of cauliflower, cut into florettes and then weigh to get 1 pound’s worth?
Thanks!
Hi, Emily, great question. The weight of a head of cauliflower is variable and dependent on how big it is. I usually go for around a 1 1/4 pound cauliflower in the store knowing that it will be somewhere around a pound after trimming. But, I often buy a big head of cauliflower and cut it into florets, keeping them in the fridge, and then weight out what I need (as you suggested) as I need it. Have a great week. -Kim
Hi Kim,
Definitely making this! Thinking of substituting the sour cream with plain yogurt. Have you ever tried this? Will let you know. Thanks for sharing and look forward to seeing what other creations you come up with!
Tracey
Hi Tracy. Great question. Yes, you can substitute a nice thick yogurt for the sour cream. In fact, I had subbed Greek yogurt for sour cream in the photos. We liked it just the same. Have a nice upcoming week. -Kim
If I don’t own a food processor, will mashing cauliflower with potato masher work?
Hi Betty. It won’t have the same creamy texture, but should still taste good. You many need to adjust the amount of sour cream, so try half the amount first. If you think it won’t take the rest of the sour cream, then add a little lemon zest to bump up the flavor and you won’t miss the rest of the sour cream. Have a nice weekend. -Kim
Hi, can I use an emersion blender instead?
Thanks
Michele, some people do, but I use my food processor. You can see how it goes. -Kim
Just found this site, excited to try out some of the recipes. Quick question though, does the nutritional information relate to a single serving or the entire dish? Thanks
Hi Ian. Yes, the nutritional information is per serving. I tried giving the nutritional information per recipe, but people here in the U.S. got really confused. I hope you enjoy it. (ps. I wish it were for the entire dish, because I could have eating the whole thing!). Have a great day. -Kim
This looks delicious! What’s the serving size in grams or ounces?
Hi Joanne, great question. Although I weigh the ingredients for my recipes before cooking to get the most accurate nutritional information I can, I do not weigh the cooked portions. I visually divide with my eyes. I’m going to guess that it’s about 4 ounces or 1/4 pound per serving. Remember that when pureed, the volume reduces considerably while the weight stays the same. It may visually look like a small portion, but the fat and flavor will make up for it and will be satisfying. Enjoy the rest of your week. -Kim
Looks GREAT! I wonder how greek yogurt would work in place of sour cream. Have you tried it?
Thank you. Yes, I often interchange the two depending on what I have on hand. Actually, did use yogurt in the photo because I had used up all of the sour cream testing the recipe! We liked it just the same. Enjoy. -Kim
We had your fantastic Loaded Cauliflower recipe tonight with Wholesome Yum’s 4-ingredient Salmon Milano with Pesto Butter. What a divine meal! My husband and I agreed that your Loaded Cauliflower duplicated the taste of loaded potatoes (at least what we remember them tasting like from 6 years ago before we switched to a low carb diet). The only change I made was to add more bacon (1 slice per serving) since we are baconoholics.
Carole, what a great sounding dinner. Mmmm. I love bacon, too. My family is of the mind that you can never have enough bacon! Thanks for commenting and letting me know about your killer meal. Have a great weekend. -Kim
This is SO, SO good! The high carb kid and husband loved it too. I steamed the cauliflower in the microwave like you suggested, then mashed it with a potato masher, as I like it a little more chunky. Also, I doubled it and made a good size casserole. Thank you! Will be a regular.
Shannon, I’m so glad to hear that your family enjoyed the dish. I like that you were able to mash it with a potato masher for a little added texture. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Have a great week. -Kim
This is happening in my house ASAP! My mouth is watering looking at this picture, I could lick the screen!