Opt-in for this low-carb but full flavour mash, made with cauliflower, herbs and lots of garlic right in the slow cooker or instant pot. A great low carb side dish that also happens to be naturally keto and gluten-free without the need for any special ingredients.
Garlic and Herb Cauliflower Mash
I came up with this slow cooker garlicky herbed cauliflower mash whilst meal planning for a Thanksgiving feast one year.
If you are anything like me, you might get over-excited about cooking food for a big Holiday and go overboard with the dishes you plan on making.
Which means stove-top space comes at a premium.
That's why I love making my cauliflower mash in the slow cooker or the instant pot, it still tastes amazing, but it can be made somewhere other than the stove and becomes a set-and-forget side, rather than something that requires babysitting.
What Is Needed To Make Low Carb Mash?
For this low carb mash we are going to skip out on the potatoes and replace them with a whole head of cauliflower.
You will need:
- a head of cauliflower
- lots of garlic
- chopped herbs ( I used oregano, thyme, and parsley)
- vegetable broth
- water
- grated parmesan
- butter or ghee
- salt and pepper
I used a mixture of oregano, thyme and parsley as I always have lots growing in the garden, but use whatever you have on hand.
Rosemary or chives would work really well here also.
If you are following a keto diet and would like to keep this cauliflower mash recipe keto friendly then be sure to check the ingredients on the vegetable broth that you are using, just to be sure.
How To Make Cauliflower Mash In The Slow Cooker
This is my prefered method as it really is just a dump and forget way to cook cauliflower mash.
There is no need for pre-frying the garlic or steaming the cauliflower.
Simply add the cauliflower, vegetable broth, and garlic to the slow cooker with enough water to just cover the cauliflower and set on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
Once it is cooked be sure to completely drain.
If you do not drain properly you will end up with a runny mash rather than a creamy mash, and that is definitely not the desired outcome.
Once drained, you can add in the butter and parmesan and mash with either a traditional potato masher or with a handheld immersion blender.
Note: the device you use to mash the cauliflower will determine the texture.
Using a handheld blender will result in a smoother cauliflower mash, almost a cauliflower puree in texture.
Using a potato masher will leave the cauliflower mash with more texture and it will be less smooth.
How To Make Cauliflower Mash In The Instant Pot
If you prefer to make instant pot cauliflower mash then the steps do change a bit.
First you will want to sauté the garlic in some olive oil.
Then you can add in the vegetable broth.
You will need to pop the cauliflower florets into a steaming basket and pop that into the instant pot for cooking.
High pressure for 3 minutes, quick release, drain and then all all of the other ingredients and mash as above.
The beauty of making cauliflower mash in the instant pot is that it comes together so much quicker so is perfect if you need a last-minute side, or you suddenly realise you haven't made enough food.
How To Serve Keto Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower makes the perfect side anywhere you would traditionally serve mashed potatoes.
Try it with some of these:
- Homemade Rotisserie Chicken in the Oven
- With some lamb shanks or a nice piece of steak
- With Turkey for a Holiday like Thanksgiving
- With some sausages (like these Chicken and Chive Sausages) for a twist on bangers and mash
- With some meatballs like these Herbed Turkey Air Fryer Meatballs
Happy Eating
xx
P.S If you have any time-saving/space-saving tips for hosting be sure to leave a comment and let me know.
Slow Cooker (or Instant Pot) Garlicky Herbed Cauliflower Mash
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 6 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 tablespoons chopped herbs ( I used oregano thyme, and parsley)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 3 tablespoons butter or ghee
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel the leaves from the cauliflower and cut into medium florets.
Cooking In the Slow Cooker
- Place the florets into the slow cooker with the whole garlic cloves, vegetable broth, and enough water to just cover the cauliflower.
- Cook on high for 3 hours, or low for 6 hours.
- Once finished, drain really well so that the cauliflower is almost dry. Add in the parmesan and butter and mash/blend to desired consistency (see notes below on different methods of mashing). Season to taste and add in the fresh herbs.
- Place the cauliflower mash back into the slow cooker, and set to ‘keep warm’ until ready to serve.
Cooking In The Instant Pot
- Set the instant pot to sauté, once hot add in some olive oil and sauté the garlic for about a minute. Turn off sauté mode.
- Add in the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
- Add in a steaming basket and pop the cauliflower florets into the basket, spacing them out as much as possible.
- Set the pot to high pressure and cook for 3 minutes. Once cooking is complete, quick release and remove the lid from the pot. Allow the cauliflower to sit for a moment for the excess liquid to drain off.
- Add the cooked cauliflower and the drained garlic to a pot or a food processor (see notes below for mashing options).
- Add in the butter and parmesan cheese and either mash or blend until the desired consistency is reached.
- Add in the fresh herbs and salt and pepper to taste, stir and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
This post has been updated from the original November 2015 post to include more tips on cooking, and instructions for cooking in the instant pot.
Sarah says
Great looking recipe! Quick question: when you drain the liquid, do you keep the garlic cloves in the pot and mash them all up with the cauliflower or toss them out with the broth? Sounds like you keep them in but just want to be sure!
Donna1 says
Hey Sarah, yes just leave the garlic in there, it will be soft enough to mash along with everything else!
Joy @ Joy Love Food says
I love mashed cauliflower, this sounds delicious with the fresh herbs, and great idea to utilize the slow cooker!
Donna1 says
Oh thank you Joy 🙂
Molly Kumar says
This looks so easy and oh so garlicky yum !
Donna1 says
Oh yes, it is very garlicky Molly 🙂 I am a huge garlic fan...in case anyone hasn't noticed 🙂
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
This looks so savory, creamy and good! The fact that it's made in a crock pot makes it extra awesome!
Donna1 says
Thanks Rachel 🙂
Chris @ SimpleFood365 says
The slow cooker is such a great time-saver! I love recipes that we can cook that way. 🙂
Donna1 says
Oh me too Chris!! My favourite for this busy time of year.
Tanisha @ ThrityNYmom says
I've never tried cauliflower but this recipe looks really yummy! Pinning for later, thanks for sharing! 🙂
Donna1 says
Oh my goodness, you need to try cauliflower asap 🙂 so versatile and so delicious!!
Chandra@The Plaid & Paisley Kitchen says
I think this is a great alternative to mashed potatoes!
Bonnie @ Living a Fit and Full Life says
looks delicious! I've never tried it but I need to!
Erin says
Oh this looks so so yummy! I can't wait to make it for my family!
Donna1 says
Thanks Erin, I hope you love it if you give it a go 🙂
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
Wow, does that ever look great. I am a huge fan of mashed potatoes but haven't tried mashed cauliflower! I need to try this!
Donna1 says
You do Cindy 🙂 I am a huge huge potato mash fan (I grew up in Ireland and the cliche is totally true 🙂 ), but I love cauli mash just as much!
Lauren Watson {Native Texan Livin'} says
WOW, this sounds really good! I wouldn't have thought to use the slow cooker either but I'm up for anything that makes my life easier! Thanks!
Donna1 says
I know, right! I am all about the slow cooker these days!
Ali @ Home & Plate says
What a great alternative to mash potatoes and so much healthier for you. Love it.
Donna1 says
Thanks 🙂