This Keto Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash Will Be Your Go-To Low Carb Side Dish Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate keto side dish that’ll make everyone at your holiday table forget about mashed potatoes, this Keto Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash is IT. Creamy, luxurious, and packed with flavor, this low carb cauliflower mash is about to become your new go-to for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and every special occasion in between.

My son absolutely loves this recipe, and honestly? I think he likes it better than traditional mashed potatoes. The combination of tangy goat cheese, nutty Parmesan, and fresh herbs creates a side dish so good, your non-keto guests won’t even realize they’re eating cauliflower.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my disclosure page.

Why This Keto Cauliflower Mash Recipe Works

Let’s be real – not all cauliflower mash recipes are created equal. Some turn out watery, bland, or just plain disappointing. This recipe? It’s different.

Here’s what makes this the best keto cauliflower mash:

• Roasting Instead of Boiling This is the game-changer! Roasting the cauliflower at high heat caramelizes it slightly and removes excess moisture, so you get a thick, creamy mash instead of a watery mess.
• Goat Cheese Magic The tangy, creamy goat cheese adds incredible depth and richness that regular cream cheese just can’t match.
• Triple Cheese Power Goat cheese, Parmesan, and butter create layers of flavor that make this side dish absolutely irresistible.
• Fresh Herbs Chives and dill add brightness and make this feel fancy enough for your holiday spread.

What You’ll Need for Keto Cauliflower Mash

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower – The star of the show! Choose a firm, white head with tight florets.
• 4 ounces goat cheese – Adds tangy creaminess and sophisticated flavor
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese – Brings nutty, savory notes and helps thicken the mash
• ½ cup heavy cream – Creates that rich, silky texture
• ½ cup butter – Because butter makes everything better (and keeps this keto-friendly!)
• 2 tablespoons chives – Fresh, mild onion flavor
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Roasted garlic adds sweet, savory depth
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill – Bright, herby freshness
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing out all the flavors

Why These Ingredients Work:

Cauliflower is the perfect low carb substitute for potatoes – it’s mild, versatile, and soaks up all those delicious flavors. One large head has only about 25g net carbs compared to potatoes which have 150g+ for the same amount!

Goat cheese is naturally lower in lactose than other cheeses and adds a sophisticated tang that elevates this from “mashed cauliflower” to “gourmet side dish.”

Roasting the garlic with the cauliflower mellows its sharp bite and adds sweet, caramelized notes.

How to Make the Best Keto Cauliflower Mash

This recipe is surprisingly easy – even easier than making traditional mashed potatoes because there’s no peeling involved.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower Preheat your oven to 425°F. Remove the core from your cauliflower and chop it into evenly-sized florets. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they roast evenly.

Step 2: Season and Roast Spread the cauliflower florets across a large baking sheet in a single layer. Season generously with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and starting to get golden brown on the edges. This roasting step is important – it concentrates the flavors and removes excess water.

Step 3: Blend It Up Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a food processor or high-powered blender. Add the goat cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, butter, minced garlic, chives, and fresh dill.

Step 4: Mash to Perfection Blend or process until smooth and creamy. You can leave it slightly chunky if you prefer more texture, or blend it completely smooth for a luxurious, whipped texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish Transfer to a serving bowl and top with chopped scallions for a pop of color and fresh onion flavor. Serve immediately while hot!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cauliflower Mash Every Time

Don’t Skip the Roasting I know it’s tempting to just steam or boil the cauliflower to save time, but roasting makes A BIG difference. It removes moisture and adds flavor.

Use Room Temperature Cheese Let your goat cheese sit out for 15-20 minutes before blending. It’ll incorporate more smoothly.

Add Garlic to the Baking Sheet Toss the minced garlic with the cauliflower before roasting for even more flavor.

Adjust the Consistency Want it thicker? Add more cheese. Want it creamier? Add a splash more heavy cream.

Make It Ahead You can roast the cauliflower up to 2 days in advance. Store in the fridge, then blend with the other ingredients when ready to serve. Just reheat gently.

Keep It Warm If making this for a holiday meal, keep it warm in a slow cooker on low setting.

Substitutions and Variations

Dairy-Free Option:

Swap the goat cheese for cashew cream, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with ghee or coconut oil.

Make It Vegan:

Use all plant-based substitutes mentioned above plus nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Different Cheese Options:

• Cream cheese instead of goat cheese for milder flavor
• Add blue cheese for extra tang
• Use sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile

Herb Variations:

• Rosemary and thyme for a more traditional flavor
• Basil and oregano for Italian vibes
• Parsley and tarragon for French-inspired elegance

Add-Ins:

• Crispy bacon crumbles
• Caramelized onions
• Roasted garlic (use whole cloves roasted alongside cauliflower)
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftover cauliflower mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of heavy cream if it’s gotten too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freeze: This freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This keto cauliflower mash pairs perfectly with:

• Roasted turkey or chicken
• Grilled steak
• Pork tenderloin
• Lamb chops
• Keto meatloaf
• Any protein you’d normally serve with mashed potatoes!

It’s especially perfect for holiday meals – Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner aren’t complete without a creamy, comforting side dish, and this one checks all the boxes while keeping you in ketosis.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Holidays

Holiday meals can be stressful when you’re eating keto or low carb. Everyone else is loading up on mashed potatoes, stuffing, and rolls while you’re left with just the turkey and green beans.

Those days are over.

This Keto Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash is so delicious and creamy that it satisfies that comfort-food craving without kicking you out of ketosis. Plus, it’s fancy enough to impress your guests (even the ones who aren’t watching carbs).

I’ve served this at Thanksgiving for the past few years, and my son requests it every single time. That’s how you know it’s a winner – when a kid chooses cauliflower over regular mashed potatoes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can roast the cauliflower up to 2 days in advance, then blend everything together the day of serving. You can also make the entire dish ahead and reheat before serving.

Q: How do I prevent watery cauliflower mash? A: Roasting is key! Unlike boiling or steaming, roasting removes excess moisture. Also, make sure to drain any liquid that accumulates on your baking sheet during roasting.

Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower? A: Yes, but fresh works better for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before roasting to remove excess moisture.

Q: What can I use instead of goat cheese? A: Cream cheese is the closest substitute and will give you a similar creamy texture with a milder flavor.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.

Q: How many carbs are in regular mashed potatoes vs. this recipe? A: A serving of traditional mashed potatoes has about 30-35g net carbs. This keto cauliflower mash has only 5g net carbs – that’s an 85% reduction.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash is proof that eating low carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort. It’s creamy, indulgent, and satisfying – everything you want in a holiday side dish without the carb crash afterward.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, bringing a dish to Christmas potluck, or just want an elevated weeknight side, this recipe delivers. The combination of roasted cauliflower, tangy goat cheese, and fresh herbs creates something truly special.

My son loves it. Your family will love it. And you’ll love how easy it is to make while still being impressive enough for guests.

Pro tip: Make a double batch. Trust me on this one, it disappears fast!

More Must-Have Keto Recipes

If you like this keto side dish recipe, then you need to check out these low carb favorites!

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole With Cream Cheese – Loads of cream cheese, cheddar, butter, and bacon combined with cauliflower create an unbelievably delicious side dish that is ready to serve in 45 minutes.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Bacon – An easy low carb side that screams I worked all day on this, but it took less than 40 minutes to pan roast these Brussels Sprouts to perfection in bacon, butter, and olive oil:) 

Easy Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe (Keto, Paleo, Whole30) If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and liberating crockpot meal that just so happens to be low carb, keto-friendly, Paleo, Whole30, and Weight Watchers compliant This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin Recipe is a total win; perfect for anyone trying to keep dinner simple, keto and clean. 

Print

Need Help Sticking To Keto? 

I get it! Here’s the thing. I can guarantee you that I’m 100% real (Check out my low-quality before & after pictures here), and I did lose weight on the keto diet. 150 pounds of it. No bypass surgery. No meal kits and no full-time chef. No bulls*t! If I can do it, you can too.

Shout Out To Tastaholics Weekly Meal Plans and Rebel Keto!

Here’s the low-down on the weekly meal plans – Tastaholics will send you pre-calculated, low-carb meal plans and recipes right into your inbox – no more hunting down recipes on the internet and trying to fit them together perfectly every day. 

Buy my book, Rebel Keto. I lost 150 pounds and wrote the weight loss book I wish existed – one I could hand to my two daughters without cringing.

If Thug Kitchen and Peg Bracken’s I Hate To Cook Book married, dropped acid, and gave birth to a cheerleading, creative ketogenic love child – that’s this book. 100% guaranteed not to be another soul sucking keto diet book with over 110 low-carb recipes for every meal – plus a bomb a@@ ’80s playlist.

Ok – sales pitch over:) I hope you enjoy the recipe, and the holidays! Let me know how the recipe worked for you in the comments!

If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Thank you!