Keto Twice Baked Loaded Mashed Cauliflower
Published November 17, 2019 • Updated February 2, 2026
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Twice baked potatoes were always a favorite side dish. Now you can get that same comfort with Loaded Mashed Cauliflower! It has all the flavors of your favorite creamy side dish without the carbs. Crispy, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and cheddar cheese are mixed into fluffy cauliflower faux-tatoes.
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Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter -
2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
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1 cup turkey stock or chicken broth
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2 oz cream cheese
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1/2 cup parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon salt
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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2 tablespoons ground pork rinds
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Steam cauliflower
Pour in cauliflower florets and chicken broth. Simmer on medium heat until cauliflower is tender, about 5-8 minutes.
Press out liquid
Drain fluid. Squeeze out excess fluid from the cauliflower by placing it between two paper towels. For thick mashed cauliflower, try to get as much fluid out as possible.
Blend
In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked cauliflower, cream cheese, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Puree until smooth.
Add cheese and bacon of course
Add cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions to the mashed cauliflower. Stir to combine. Transfer to a casserole dish and top with remaining parmesan cheese. Sprinkle ground pork rinds on top.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cauliflower works great here. Just thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
For dairy-free, use a vegan cream cheese or a nut-based cream, like cashew cream, for a similar texture.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives, and use plant-based butter or oil instead of regular butter.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mashed cauliflower ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake just before serving. Add a little extra time if it's cold from the fridge.
Whenever I would see loaded mashed potatoes on a menu, I would order it. This was before I went keto, of course. But I love mashed potatoes and when you add cheese and bacon, they become next level! I had to create a low carb loaded faux-tato version using cauliflower instead! This loaded mashed cauliflower is a side dish I like to make around the holidays. It’s so rich and creamy. This twice baked cauliflower is heaven paired with turkey or prime rib. And it’s lighter than regular loaded potatoes.
This recipe starts by making my incredible recipe for 
Achieving thick mashed cauliflower is key to making a great loaded cauliflower side dish. Cauliflower tends to absorb moisture as it cooks, so it’s important to get out all that excess moisture in order to have thick, creamy cauliflower mash. I like to use a paper towel to do this.
Simply place your cooked cauliflower in between sheets of paper towels and press to release the excess fluid. The more moisture you wring out, the thicker the cauliflower mash.
I prefer to use a 
So glad you guys are loving this recipe! If you want more low carb comfort food like this, I have a cookbook coming out called The Protein-Packed Low-Carb Cookbook. It's full of high-protein, low carb recipes. You can pre-order here if you're interested: https://www.amazon.com/Protein-Packed-Low-Carb-High-Protein-Longevity/dp/1628605642
Hi Annie,
Quick question, I am ready to make this recipe yet since the weather change the cauliflower heads have shrunk! So was wondering if you have a ratio of how much cauli I should use (grams/ounces). I would really appreciate it! Thanks for your great recipes!
I don't know exactly but it looks like a medium head of cauliflower is around 2 pounds
I can't wait to try this recipe with your tips & tricks. I've got some mashed potato extract that I wanted to try too! Haven't been a fan of the cauli-taste but with strong seasonings it's tolerable (Spanish Rice).