Keto Cauliflower Recipes That Replace the Carbs

Cauliflower is the most versatile vegetable on keto — it replaces rice, potatoes, pizza crust, and even mac and cheese. I’ve tested every method: riced, mashed, roasted, and air-fried.

The biggest mistake people make is not removing enough moisture. For cauliflower mash, I steam and then squeeze dry in a towel. For pizza crust, I wring out every drop. That extra step is the difference between soggy and amazing.

Here are my best keto cauliflower recipes — each one designed to actually taste good, not just be “healthy enough.”

26 recipes
Keto-Friendly
25 per 1 cup florets Calories
0g Fat
2g Protein
3g Net Carbs
Best for Rice substitute, mash, pizza crust, tots
Keto sub Broccoli rice is a direct 1:1 substitute in rice dishes with a slightly stronger flavor. Cabbage works well as a pasta substitute when thinly shredded.
Storage Whole head: refrigerator 1–2 weeks in a loose bag. Pre-riced: use within 3 days or freeze in a single layer for up to 6 months.
Annie Lampella
Annie Lampella Recipe Developer
Cauliflower is my most-used keto swap — 1 medium head riced in a food processor replaces 2 cups of cooked rice in any dish. The secret to getting it right is drying it out: after ricing, microwave for 5 minutes, let it steam off, then spread on a towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. Skip this step and your cauliflower rice will be watery every time.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Sides

Appetizers