This is the creamiest mashed cauliflower you will ever have. The instant pot makes the cauliflower super soft and it purees like a dream.
Mashed Cauliflower
I haven't been one to make much mashed cauliflower since I have been low carb because I never thought it tasted like anything worth eating. The cauliflower never pureed super smooth and it always ended up watery.
I finally had a lightbulb moment and realized the Instant Pot would be perfect for making the cauliflower super soft without it being waterlogged from boiling.
The Instant Pot isn't my first choice when it comes to making vegetables because they come out mushy...but that is perfect for mashed cauliflower!
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT MASHED CAULIFLOWER
The first thing I did was trim all of the leaves and stem from the bottom of the cauliflower but I left the head intact. This really made this mashed cauliflower so easy!
Next, l pulled out my Instant Pot and placed the trivet inside. Then I added ½ cup of water, followed by the head of cauliflower.
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I placed the lid on the pot and set it to sealing. Then I set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.
When the time was up I did a quick release and removed the lid.
I used mitts to pull the trivet with the cauliflower out of the pot. You can see just how tender this cauliflower is!
I then put it all in a food processor with butter, cream cheese, pepper and salt.
I only had to run the food processor for about 30 seconds to get this fully pureed. For best results, scrape the sides and puree for about 10 seconds more.
This Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower pureed like a dream!
It is so creamy and delicious! I was actually shocked with how good it was the first time I tried it. Even my picky husband liked it!
Serve it plain or with a big pat of butter and some chives.
You could also add some roasted garlic to the food processor before you puree to make garlic mashed cauliflower.
Checkout my category Low Carb Side Dishes for recipe like:
- Zucchini Casserole
- Crockpot Cheese Dip
- Microwave Cauliflower Rice
- Low Carb Broccoli Salad
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower - So Creamy!
Ingredients
- 1 Head of Cauliflower, stem and leaves removed
- ½ Cup water
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Ounces Cream Cheese
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Steam the Cauliflower
- Add the water to the Instant Pot, followed by the trivet and the head of cauliflower. Place the lid, set to sealing, and cook for 5 minutes on high pressure. Quick release after the cook time is finished and remove the lid.
Make the Mashed Cauliflower
- Remove the trivet from the pot using mitts. The cauliflower should be fall apart tender. Add the cauliflower to a food processor, followed by the butter, cream cheese, pepper, and salt. Puree until smooth.
- Serve with a pat of butter and chives if desired.
Jennifer's tips
- If you want to make this without an Instant pot, steam the chopped cauliflower in a pot with 1 inch of water. When fork tender, remove from the pot and drain. Continue in step 2 above.
Nutrition per serving
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.
Watch how to make it
⭐ Did you make this Instant pot Mashed Cauliflower recipe? Tag me on Instagram so I can see! @lowcarbwithjennifer
Tracie says
Cooked it for 12 mins as it wasn’t tender enough. Added cream cheese, butter, garlic powder and dried chives. Absolutely delicious 🤤
Jenny says
Cooking time in instant pot is not long enough. Parts were not cooked when I removed it. Tasted terrible because it was undercooked.
Sandra Dodkins says
Hi Jennifer,
Firstly can I thank you for all your wonderful recipes. In this recipe it has cream cheese but in the video you put cream. Just wondering which way is best.
Thanks
Sandra
jenniferbanz says
Either will work
Meg says
Sounds so good. Gonna try for Christmas with turkey. If I want to double recipe, can I put 2 heads of cauliflower in the IP at once?
Thanks!
jenniferbanz says
Yes, but chop it up a little so it will fit
Paul says
This was fantastic! I added 2 cloves of raw peeled garlic right to the pressure cooker, then everything wen into the food processor. I might add a bit of Xanthan gum next time so it's a little thicker, but otherwise this was awesome, and so much better than the store bought frozen stuff!
Paul says
I wanted to post back and comment that I did add Xanthan gum on the last batch I made, and it was a huge improvement! 1/2 tbsp for a large head gave it the consistency of perfectly mashed potatoes.
Kelsie says
Make this ALL the time. Can't get enough of it!
Linda Joy Vann says
I am going to try this recipe as the comments are so positive and my instant pot has been sitting on my counter chastizing me for not using it. I am so glad that I found found your user friendly blog as I am watching my carbs. My blood sugar is too high (not diabetic high), so I want to reduce it for obvious concerns.
jenniferbanz says
You are going to love it Linda!
Tammy says
Hi! Love this recipe. Question- 1 head of cauliflower is not enough for my family of 5 (very hungry teenage boy here lol). I am new to instapot cooking. Should I add more water for 2 heads of cauliflower at once?
jenniferbanz says
You wouldn't need anymore water. So glad you like the recipe!
Suzi says
This recipe is AMAZING! So different from other cauliflower recipes, so much like mashed potatoes. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely will make it again. Thank you for sharing.
jenniferbanz says
So glad you liked the recipe!
paleoglutenfreeguy says
So good and so easy! Thanks for another good excuse to use my IP. 🙂
Francie says
I just made this and it IS delicious and so easy!! I stirred a little bit of curry powder and garlic powder into a small serving for myself and loved it! But it's delicious without the added spices. I see myself making this a lot more often now.
Thank you!
jenniferbanz says
Added spices sounds good! I will have to try that
Jenny says
Oh, man! I made this recipe and it was INCREDIBLE! Comfort food without guilt and bloaty carb feelings! Thank you so much!
Yolanda says
Jennifer I can’t thank you enough for this recipe it. I love mashed cauliflower especially since I live Keto. Making them was so ennoying and using the instant pot to soften the cauliflower was not a thought til today. Will be eating more mashed cauliflower...thanks ?
Shauna says
Can I just steam it or covered in the oven!
jenniferbanz says
You can!
Mary Shore says
amazing! Thank you so much!