Sometimes finding a good low-carb side dish can be a challenge. This Instant Pot keto mashed cauliflower recipe is always a hit every time I make it!

While square bowl full of mashed cauliflower with Instant Pot in background

I have served this dish before not telling anyone it was not mashed potatoes and they had no idea when I told them it was cauliflower mash!

It truly hits the spot if you are looking for a good comfort food alternative to mashed potatoes.

If you like this low-carb recipe, here are a few others to check out.

Simple Ingredients Needed:

Head Cauliflower: you want to use a fresh head of cauliflower. While you can use frozen it will be waterer.

Butter: a good quilty butter works best. I do not recommend using something like margarine.

Heavy Cream: this helps to make the mashed cauliflower rich and creamy. So much so you will not miss having real mashed potatoes.

Salt & Pepper: the staple ingredients in just about every recipe. You will just use enough to your liking.

Garlic: garlic just takes this cauliflower mash to a whole new level. However, if you are not a garlic fan it can be left out if you want.

Parsley: this is used just for garnish and can be skipped if you are not wanting to dress up the mash.

Overhead view of Instant Pot with lid off and mashed cauliflower inside.

How To Make Mashed Cauliflower:

Cut cauliflower into florets.
Put into the inner pot of the Instant Pot and add water.
Place the top on and make sure is set to seal.
Push Manual High Pressure and set the time for 3 minutes.
When done carefully open the valve for quick release.
Strain water well.
Add cream, garlic, salt, and pepper to the cooked cauliflower.
Use a hand masher or hand mixer to mash and mix well.
Garnish with parsley.

Expert Teaching Tips:

After you have cooked the cauliflower it is very important to make sure it is strained well. I will normally leave mine in a strainer for a few minutes or if in a rush I will place it in some cheesecloth and give it a little squeeze.

If you do not strain it well you will end up with a watery mash.

If they cool down too much when straining simply turn the saute feature on when you return them back to the pot to mix to heat them back up. Just be careful if you do as the cream will scorch fast.

Frequently Asked Cauliflower Mash Questions:

Q. Can these be flavored?

A. Absolutely! We just did a simple garlic flavor with this but feel free to change it up. Some other great options would be to use ranch powder, herbs, cheese or sour cream, and chives.

Q. Can these be made ahead of time?

A. You can however they will turn a little liquidy. So if you need to make them ahead, reheat them in the microwave and then give them a good mix with a beater before serving.

Q. How long are the leftovers good for?

A. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They are good for up to 3 days but as noted above will need a good mixing when reheated as they will separate.