Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (2024)

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The pressure cooker makes this Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower recipe quick and simple. Our recipe is a great alternative if you are longing for the creamy deliciousness of mashed potatoes but don’t want to pack on the extra starch. It’s delicious and with the added greek yogurt, your guests won’t even know that there are no potatoes involved!

Thanksgiving and the winter Holidays can always be a stressful time of the year. We all want to enjoy delicious food, without throwing us off of our healthy eating goals. In the past, I’ve noticed that going the healthier route at a holiday meal sometimes means giving up flavor.

This stops now. This Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower recipe is made with simple ingredients and is the perfect low carb alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving fare. It is possible to feel gratification and enjoyment while eating healthier.

Whether you’re on the 21 Day Fix or Weight Watchers or just watching what you eat, our great recipe is an easy peasy alternative that will meet your healthy eating goals and allow you to enjoy food without worry.

As a mother of two, I love making recipes thatcamouflageveggies from my kids and other picky eaters. Our low-carb side dish is full of vegetables, but tastes like you are eating your Grandma’s favorite creamy mashed potatoes.

Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

Where’s the recipe?

Here at My Crazy Good Life we write our recipes so that anyone can follow them. We love it when our readers feel empowered, confident, and triumphant in the kitchen. The post below has detailed instructions, ingredients, recipe tips, and nutrition facts.

If you’d like to skip past the ingredient details, recipe tips, and nutrition & diet information, simply scroll down to the bottom where you’ll find the easy to print Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower recipe.

Ingredients in Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower

  • Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is best for this recipe, if you are looking to save time you can purchase cauliflower florets. A typical 2 lb head of cauliflower yields about four cups of florets.
  • Chicken stock:low sodium is best for this recipe.
  • Garlic salt: If you don’t have any garlic salt on hand you can use garlic powder and add additional salt to the recipe.
  • Onion powder
  • Greek yogurt: Plain greek yogurt is a lighter alternative to sour cream.
  • Pepper: We prefer black pepper
  • Ghee: Ghee is a type of clarified butter, which has had milk solids removed. Regular butter or even olive oil would work fine too.
  • Green onions: green onions add nice flavor and a color punch to an otherwise drab dish.
Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (2)

How to make Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower in the Instant Pot

  1. Pour the chicken stock into the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place a steamer basket at the bottom of the Instant Pot and add the chopped cauliflower on top of it.
  2. Add the lid to Instant Pot and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes using the manual function. When done, release the pressure using the quick release function. Seethis chartfor cook time adjustments at higher altitudes.
  3. Transfer the cooked cauliflower from the Instant Pot to a food processor or blender. Add the garlic salt, onion powder, pepper, Greek yogurt, and green onions. At this point you can also add the melted ghee or pour the ghee over the top the mashed cauliflower later.
  4. Blend the cauliflower until it is smooth. If the mashed cauliflower it too thick, you can thin it by mixing in a tbsp. or two of the chicken stock from the Instant Pot. Scoop the mashed cauliflower into a serving dish or serving bowl, drizzle with melted ghee, and garnish with more green onions.
Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (3)

How to make Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower on the Stove Top

  1. Bring one and a half cups of water and a half a cup of chicken broth to a simmer, then add the cauliflower.
  2. Next, cover the pan and turn heat to medium. Cook for 12-15 minutes – we want the cauliflower to be super tender.
  3. Follow instructions from Step 3-4 above.
Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (4)

Recipes Tips

  • If you don’t have access to an immersion blender or food processor you can use a potato masher. You’ll need to work at mashing the cauliflower to a creamy consistency and being sure that no chunks remain.
  • If the instant pot cauliflower mash isn’t cooked properly, you won’t get that creamy texture that is needed in order to make this delicious side dish.
  • My favorite topping for my mashed cauliflower is a quick sprinkling of parmesan cheese – be sure to recalculate any healthy eating plans if you add this as a topping.
  • Let the mashed cauliflower cool to room temperature before storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Our creamy cauliflower reheats well in the microwave.

Healthy Eating Plans

21 Day Fix Container Count:

Entire recipe equals 8 green containers, 2 teaspoons, and just over 1/8 red container.

Per 1/2 cup serving = 1/2 green container. The teaspoon and red containers are negligible, which honestly means I don’t count those containers in this recipe.

Weight Watchers Points:

1 Blue Plan Point | 1 Green Plan Point | 1 Purple Plan Point per serving | 2023 Points: 1

Trim Healthy Mama:

This is an FP recipe for Trim Healthy Mama and you don’t have to make any substitutions or alterations!

Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (5)

Looking for more healthy Thanksgiving Recipes?

  • Low Carb Cauliflower Stuffing Recipe
  • Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
  • My Healthy Thanksgiving Menu
  • Perfect Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
  • Garlic and Rosemary Smashed Potatoes
  • Skinny Cranberry Margarita

Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (6)

4.92 from 12 ratings

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Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Created by: Becca Ludlum

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 8 minutes mins

Servings 8 servings

This simple recipe for Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower is easy to make and creates a silky, decadent side dish that you're going to love!

Equipment

  • Instant Pot 6 qt

  • Food processor

  • Sealing Rings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chicken stock low sodium
  • 1 head cauliflower chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp. Greek yogurt plain
  • 2 tbsp. chives chopped
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp ghee melted

Instructions

Instant Pot Instructions:

  • Pour the chicken stock into the Instant Pot. Place a steaming basket at the bottom of the Instant Pot and add the chopped cauliflower on top of it.1/2 cup chicken stock, 1 head cauliflower

  • Add the lid to Instant Pot and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes using the manual function. When done release the pressure using a quick release.

  • Transfer the cauliflower from the Instant Pot to a food processor or blender. Add the garlic salt, onion powder, pepper, Greek yogurt, and chives. At this point you can also add the melted ghee or pour the ghee over the top the mashed cauliflower later. 1/2 tsp garlic salt, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp pepper, 2 tbsp. Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp. chives, 2 tsp ghee

  • Blend the cauliflower until it is smooth. If the mashed cauliflower it too thick, you can thin it by mixing in a tbsp. or two of the chicken stock from the Instant Pot. Scoop the mashed cauliflower into a dish, drizzle with melted ghee, and garnish with more chives.

Stove Top Instructions:

  • Bring 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup chicken broth to a simmer, then add cauliflower.

  • Cover the pan and turn heat to medium. Cook 12-15–we want the cauliflower to be super tender.

  • Follow instructions from Step 3-4 above :)

Video

Notes

21 Day Fix Container Count:

Entire recipe equals 8 green containers, 2 teaspoons, and just over 1/8 red container.

Per 1/2 cup serving = 1/2 green container. The teaspoon and red containers are negligible, which honestly means I don’t count those containers in this recipe.

Weight Watchers Points:

1 Blue Plan Point | 1 Green Plan Point | 1 Purple Plan Point per serving | 2023 Points: 1

Trim Healthy Mama:

This is an FP recipe for Trim Healthy Mama and you don’t have to make any substitutions or alterations!

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

Make This Recipe?

Make sure to follow on Pinterest @bludlum and on Instagram @beccaludlum

Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (7)

Becca Ludlum

Healthy recipe creator, self-confessed food snob, and certified Level 1 Precision Nutrition Coach. I create healthy recipes with minimally processed ingredients, but have never turned down a homemade brownie. ;)

Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you firm up mashed cauliflower? ›

Don't want to drain out all the water. Don't use cream or milk – this will result in a watery mash! Variations: Use peeled and chopped celeriac (celery root) or peeled and chopped white potatoes in place of the parsnip. Both options are higher in starch than potatoes and will help thicken the cauliflower puree.

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? ›

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? If you don't cook the cauliflower through so it's nice and soft, it will be grainy when you blend it up. It also could be grainy if you don't blend it enough. These aren't mashed potatoes so you can blend for as long as it takes to get them nice and creamy.

Why is mashed cauliflower better than mashed potatoes? ›

Cauliflower is one of the world's most versatile vegetables. Not only does it make a perfect pizza crust and a tasty fried rice, it's also a surprisingly delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. This Mashed Cauliflower is lower in carbs, higher in nutrients, and tastes amazing!

Is mashed cauliflower any good? ›

Mashed Cauliflower may be low in carbs BUT they taste just as good as regular Mashed Potatoes. The secret lies in flavouring them with just the right ingredients to take them from bland to mouthwatering. If you haven't tried this before, you will fall in love with Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes!

What do you add to cauliflower to thicken mash? ›

You can add a litle softened cream cheese to the pot in the final step and stir until melted. Or you can add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. Be sure to whisk it in well when the mashed cauliflower is hot. You don't need more than about ¼ teaspoon per head of cauliflower.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

This process – which should last 10-20 minutes - destroys several microbes and large parasites. As cauliflower is highly susceptible to microbial attacks, it should be washed once again. This time, boil some water and put the cauliflower florets in it. Keep for five minutes and remove from the hot water.

How do you make mashed cauliflower less watery? ›

Here are some popular options:
  1. Cream or Milk: Incorporate heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk to add creaminess to mashed cauliflower. Gradually add small amounts until you achieve the desired thickness.
  2. Butter: Butter contributes richness and helps achieve a smoother texture. ...
  3. Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream:
Apr 11, 2023

How do you keep cauliflower from getting mushy? ›

If you cut all the way through the floret, you're cutting through the cell structure of the curd — and when you cook it, that part will get mushy. Easier still: Place the larger florets on a baking sheet, sprinkle with a little olive oil and roast them. Michael Marks is the marketing manager for FreshPoint.

Why does cooked cauliflower taste bitter? ›

The results showed that neoglucobrassicin and sinigrin were responsible for the bitterness of cooked cauliflower.

Is cauliflower a carb or protein? ›

In 1 cup of chopped cauliflower, you'll get 5.3 g of total carbs, 3.2 g of net carbs, 0.3 g of fat, and 2.1 g of protein, per the USDA. Not to mention, you get 320 mg of potassium, making this vegetable a good source of the nutrient.

Is Bob Evans mashed cauliflower healthy? ›

Made with wholesome, quality ingredients and flavors, Bob Evans Mashed Cauliflower is designed to support your lifestyle, without compromising the delicious taste you'd expect from a homemade dish.

Does mashed cauliflower really taste like mashed potatoes? ›

Mashed, with butter, it is quite yummy. It can also be quite healthy, depending on what sort of 'butter' you use. But it does not taste like a potato. It tastes just like cauliflower.

Is cauliflower healthier than potatoes? ›

Besides offering a lower-starch option, cauliflower also packs a lot more nutrition than a simple white potato or white rice, especially the latter.

What to avoid when buying cauliflower? ›

Look for a clean, compact head with tightly closed bud clusters. Avoid heads with loose or crumbly florets, brown spots or dull color. The leaves should look fresh and green. When buying pre-cut cauliflower, choose firm pieces with no discoloration.

Is eating a head of cauliflower good for you? ›

Cauliflower Benefits

A healthy balance of gut bacteria helps lower inflammation in your body and reduces your risk of heart disease, dementia, and obesity. Many of cauliflower's nutrients act as antioxidants, which are the substances that help protect your body from cell damage linked to diseases such as cancer.

How do you stiffen mashed? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

Why is my cauliflower not softening? ›

"When making cauliflower steaks or roasting florets, if you don't roast it in the oven long enough it will be warm but still hard and unenjoyable to eat," says Michalczyk. Be sure to check them before you turn the oven off and give them extra time if they are still too firm.

How do you dry soggy cauliflower? ›

Arrange blanched cauliflower in single layers on drying trays. Dry at 140 degrees F (60°C) in an oven or dehydrator. If necessary, turn large pieces over every 3 to 4 hours during the drying period. Vegetables can scorch easily toward the end of drying, so monitor more closely as drying nears completion.

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