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    Home » Updates

    Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

    Published: Jan 27, 2025 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe Pin
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    If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish that's creamy, healthy, and delicious, try our Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe. This is one of the best Instant Pot recipes because it is super simple and ready in minutes!

    This recipe works whether you're cutting back on carbs or just shaking up your usual dinner routine. Mashed cauliflower is a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that even kids will enjoy.

    Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe pin
    Jump to:
    • Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Ingredients For Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
    • Best Instant Pot Tools
    • How to Make Mashed Cauliflower Instant Pot
    • Tips for Making Cauliflower Mash
    • FAQS For Cauliflower Mash Instant Pot
    • Cauliflower Recipes
    • Instant Pot Meals
    • 📖 Recipe

    In the past, we have made a mashed cauliflower recipe, but I was looking for a way to make it in less time for those busy nights. The instant pot is the perfect solution!

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    Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower

    I love making mashed cauliflower since it Is healthier and better for you than traditional mashed potatoes. Since it's low in carbs, it's an excellent choice for anyone on a keto or low-carb diet. It's also packed with vitamins, making it a healthy side dish option.

    Instant Pot cauliflower mash is fast and easy. You only need a handful of ingredients – most of which you likely already have in your kitchen. This makes it perfect for busy home cooks or parents who need dinner on the table in a flash.

    A square bowl of mashed cauliflower with a butter pat, garnished with herbs, sits in front of a floral-patterned Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Recipes

    Instant Pot recipes are a game-changer for busy people because they save time without sacrificing flavor. No matter how busy your day has been, the Instant Pot lets you make a delicious dinner in a fraction of the time. You can use it to pressure cook, sauté, steam, and more!

    • Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein Recipe
    • Instant Pot Crack Chicken
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    • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    Ingredients For Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

    • Cauliflower – Cut into florets. Smaller florets cook more evenly and blend smoothly.
    • Butter – You can use unsalted butter if you prefer.
    • Heavy Cream – Provides creaminess and smoothness.
    • Garlic – To add flavor.
    • Salt and Pepper – To taste.
    • Parsley – Garnish adds color and freshness.
    • Water – Used to steam the cauliflower in the Instant Pot.

    Best Instant Pot Tools

    An Instant Pot or other pressure cooker is essential for this recipe, while a colander and an immersion blender are helpful to have on hand.

    If you don’t have an immersion blender, a traditional blender or potato masher will work, too. These tools can be found on Amazon, so you can quickly get what you need.

    Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 QuartInstant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 QuartInstant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 QuartInstant Pot Duo Plus, 6-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Free App with 800+ Recipes, Stainless SteelInstant Pot Duo Plus, 6-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Free App with 800+ Recipes, Stainless SteelInstant Pot Duo Plus, 6-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Free App with 800+ Recipes, Stainless SteelInstant Pot Magnetic Cheat Sheet Magnet - Instant Pot Accessories - Cookbooks Pressure Cooker Cooking Guide - 7”x 6” Instapot Booklet - Instantpot Cooking - Kitchen Gifts for Women - Kitchen GadgetsInstant Pot Magnetic Cheat Sheet Magnet - Instant Pot Accessories - Cookbooks Pressure Cooker Cooking Guide - 7”x 6” Instapot Booklet - Instantpot Cooking - Kitchen Gifts for Women - Kitchen GadgetsInstant Pot Magnetic Cheat Sheet Magnet - Instant Pot Accessories - Cookbooks Pressure Cooker Cooking Guide - 7”x 6” Instapot Booklet - Instantpot Cooking - Kitchen Gifts for Women - Kitchen Gadgets101 Pcs Pressure Cooker Accessories Set Compatible with Instant Pot 6 qt 8 Quart, 2 Steamer Basket, Springform Pan, Stackable Egg Steamer Rack, Egg Bites Mold, Steamer Rack Trivet, Parchment Pape101 Pcs Pressure Cooker Accessories Set Compatible with Instant Pot 6 qt 8 Quart, 2 Steamer Basket, Springform Pan, Stackable Egg Steamer Rack, Egg Bites Mold, Steamer Rack Trivet, Parchment Pape101 Pcs Pressure Cooker Accessories Set Compatible with Instant Pot 6 qt 8 Quart, 2 Steamer Basket, Springform Pan, Stackable Egg Steamer Rack, Egg Bites Mold, Steamer Rack Trivet, Parchment PapeInstant Pot Silicone Lid, 9.8-In, 5-Qt & 6-Qt Pot Lid, From the Makers of Instant Pot, Reusable Silicone Lid for Bowl and Food Cover, Microwave Cover for Food, Transparent WhiteInstant Pot Silicone Lid, 9.8-In, 5-Qt & 6-Qt Pot Lid, From the Makers of Instant Pot, Reusable Silicone Lid for Bowl and Food Cover, Microwave Cover for Food, Transparent WhiteInstant Pot Silicone Lid, 9.8-In, 5-Qt & 6-Qt Pot Lid, From the Makers of Instant Pot, Reusable Silicone Lid for Bowl and Food Cover, Microwave Cover for Food, Transparent WhiteInstant Pot Tempered Glass Lid, 9.1-In, 6-Qt, Cooking Pot Lid, Stainless Steel Handle and Rim, ClearInstant Pot Tempered Glass Lid, 9.1-In, 6-Qt, Cooking Pot Lid, Stainless Steel Handle and Rim, ClearInstant Pot Tempered Glass Lid, 9.1-In, 6-Qt, Cooking Pot Lid, Stainless Steel Handle and Rim, Clear

     

    Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe ingredients

    How to Make Mashed Cauliflower Instant Pot

    Wash a head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. Place the florets into the Instant Pot along with the water. Secure the lid and seal. Cook on Manual at High Pressure for 3 minutes. Once finished, do a quick release and drain the water.

    Pouring water from a measuring cup into an Instant Pot filled with cauliflower florets, setting the stage for a delicious mashed cauliflower recipe.
    cauliflower, a stick of butter, milk, and pepper in an Instant Pot. Use a potato masher to perfect your mashed cauliflower dish!.

    Return the cauliflower to the pot and add butter, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash using a hand masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve this delicious, healthy side dish!

    Cauliflower mash in Instant pot with butter

    Tips for Making Cauliflower Mash

    Tip 1: You can use frozen cauliflower, but the flavor and texture will be better with fresh cauliflower.

    Tip 2: Drain as much liquid as possible after cooking to avoid a watery finished product.

    Tip 3: Feel free to add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to take this dish to the next level.

    A bowl of mashed cauliflower rice topped with a pat of butter and garnished with parsley sits in front of a patterned Instant Pot. A red-striped cloth and butter dish are nearby, completing this delightful recipe scene.

    FAQS For Cauliflower Mash Instant Pot

    How Do I Store Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower?

    You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit dry, stir in a splash of broth or milk until it’s creamy again.

    Can You Freeze Mashed Cauliflower?

    This dish freezes well. Divide it into smaller portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

    When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and be sure to stir well to bring it back to its creamy texture.

    What To Serve With Mashed Cauliflower?

    Mashed cauliflower is a great side dish for chicken, steak, or fish. It also works well with comfort foods like meatloaf or pork chops.

    Cauliflower Recipes

    Cauliflower recipes are popular because cauliflower makes a good substitute for higher-carb ingredients. It is a healthy choice that you can prepare in countless ways. Its mild flavor quickly takes on the taste of spices, sauces, and seasonings.

    • Italian Farro with Cauliflower
    • Fried Cauliflower
    • Instant Pot Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
    • Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
    An Instant Pot sits beside mashed cauliflower topped with herbs and a slice of butter, accompanied by a potato masher. A red and white checkered cloth adds charm to the scene.

    With this Instant Pot mashed cauliflower recipe, you’ve got a healthy, low-carb side dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. It’s an excellent way to sneak more veggies into your meals, especially if your kids are resistant.

    Instant Pot Meals

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    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of mashed cauliflower rice topped with a pat of butter and garnished with parsley sits in front of a patterned Instant Pot. A red-striped cloth and butter dish are nearby, completing this delightful recipe scene.

    Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

    Vicky
    Step up your side dish game with this creamy, flavorful Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe. It’s quick, easy, and a healthier swap for regular mashed potatoes!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 7 minutes mins
    Release time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 22 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 180 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 head of cauliflower washed and cut into florets
    • 1 cup water
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • ⅓ cup heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into small florets.
    • Place the cauliflower florets into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
    • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release knob is set to "Sealing." Select “Manual” mode, set to “High Pressure,” and set the timer for 3 minutes.
    • Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the steam release knob to “Venting.”
    • Open the lid and drain the water from the Instant Pot.
    • Add the butter, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the cauliflower. Mash everything together using a hand masher or a hand mixer until your desired consistency is reached.
    • Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

    Video

    Notes

    • You can use frozen cauliflower; however, fresh cauliflower will provide a better flavor and texture.
    • After cooking, be sure to drain as much liquid as possible to avoid a watery final product.
    • You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to enhance the dish.
    While we aim to provide accurate nutritional information, please remember these values may vary depending on ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 119mgPotassium: 454mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 554IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
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    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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