This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.
Loaded Baked Cauliflower Mash is a perfect side dish for a low-carb or keto meal, and a great substitution for mashed potatoes. Loaded with all the usual baked potato toppings, you won't even miss the potato!
If you read my previous post about How to Make Cauliflower Rice Two Ways, you know I love to make a bunch of homemade cauliflower rice and have it on hand for whenever I need or want it.
This super yummy side dish is something I made when I needed something to take to a potluck for work. I knew I wanted to take something on the healthy side. And you know potlucks are known for having loads of high-calorie and not-so-healthy foods.
How To Make Loaded Baked Cauliflower Mash
I precook my cauliflower rice in the microwave for 4 minutes. After, I squeeze out all of the water that hides in it. There is a LOT more water in there than you think. Please don't skip this step, as it will prevent your final dish from ending up a big, watery mess!
I like to use flour sack towels like these to get out the excess water. You just dump the cooked cauliflower in the center of the towel (make sure it’s cool enough to handle though!) and gather up the ends of the towel together, and just start wringing it. Get as much water as you absolutely can out.
When you have all the water out, it’ll look like you have nothing left, but don’t worry. It will fluff up just fine!
Once your cauliflower rice is dry, add it to a large mixing bowl. You can go right into mixing the ingredients in, or add one extra step that I think makes this recipe even better. I add in the butter, then blend with a hand blender. This one I have works great.
When you blend the cauliflower rice, it gets a more smooth and creamy consistency, and more closely resembles mashed potatoes.
After blending the cauliflower rice, add the rest of the ingredients (except the cheese that is saved for topping) and mix. Add to a casserole or baking dish, top with remaining shredded cheese and bake!
What To Serve With Loaded Baked Cauliflower Mash
Honestly, this dish really will go with anything. If you're trying to stay on the low-carb or keto way of eating, go for a nice grilled steak or chicken breast. Grilled shrimp or seared scallops would be wonderful seafood options. A simple protein really is all you need.
Sometimes I'll eat the leftovers for lunch, and top it with a little bit of plain Greek yogurt for some added protein. It tastes so close to sour cream that it's a perfect creamy topping.
📋 Recipe
Loaded Baked Cauliflower Mash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower riced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup cooked bacon diced
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Cook cauliflower rice in microwave for 4 minutes.
- Let cool enough to handle. Squeeze water out of cauliflower rice with a thin towel.
- Add dry cauliflower rice to a mixing bowl. Add butter. Mix with a hand blender until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients, except ½ cup of the cheddar cheese, and mix well.
- Add mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Monna Ellithorpe
Hi Teri,
This is awesome. Looks like something I could eat a lot of.
You always seem to make everything look so easy to make.
I'll have to invite myself over the next time you make it.
Teri
Thanks! I was going to save you some, but I ate it all!