Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Mash: The Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food for 21 Day Fix, 2B Mindset & Weight Watchers
Craving that classic comfort food feeling without derailing your healthy eating goals? Look no further! This Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Mash is an absolute game-changer. Perfectly designed for those following the 21 Day Fix, 2B Mindset, and Weight Watchers programs, it’s also a fantastic low-carb and keto-friendly alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Topped generously with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, this dish offers all the indulgence you desire in a nutritious package. Get ready to fall in love with your Instant Pot all over again! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.
You guys, I achieved the impossible. I finally cracked the code to making mashed cauliflower not just palatable, but genuinely *loved* by even the toughest critics in my household. For years, my husband has been notoriously skeptical of cauliflower mash, often preferring the comforting embrace of traditional mashed potatoes. My previous attempts involved cleverly blending cauliflower with potatoes in dishes like my Healthy Shepherd’s Pie, which we still adore, but it wasn’t a pure cauliflower victory. This time, I went all in, and the results were nothing short of spectacular!
So, what was my secret weapon in transforming a humble head of cauliflower into an irresistible side dish? Just one word:
Bacon.
Okay, and maybe some gloriously bubbly, melted cheese too, but I’m pretty confident the bacon played the starring role in this culinary triumph. It’s truly amazing how a few simple, savory additions can completely elevate a healthy vegetable dish, making it feel like a decadent treat.
Is Cauliflower Mash Really a Good Alternative to Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! For years, I’ve been a proponent of cauliflower mash not as a mere replacement for mashed potatoes, but as a fantastic, lower-carb, veggie-packed alternative that offers its own unique creaminess and flavor. When prepared correctly, cauliflower mash is wonderfully smooth and satisfying. It’s naturally gluten-free and significantly lower in carbohydrates and calories than its potato counterpart, making it an ideal choice for various dietary needs, including keto, low-carb, 21 Day Fix, 2B Mindset, and Weight Watchers.
The beauty of cauliflower is its mild flavor, which makes it incredibly versatile. It absorbs the tastes of whatever you pair it with, allowing it to take on rich, savory notes when combined with ingredients like butter, Parmesan, and, of course, bacon and cheddar. If you’re looking to reduce your carb intake, increase your vegetable consumption, or simply try something new and delicious, cauliflower mash is a definite win. It’s even perfect for holiday meals, serving as a lighter yet equally comforting side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
One of my ongoing goals with the 21 Day Fix program is to “save my yellows” (the carb containers) for other treats, and this loaded cauliflower mash helps me do just that. It’s packed with green container goodness, and thanks to the incredible efficiency of the Instant Pot, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a hassle-free addition to a more elaborate spread.
How to Make Perfectly Creamy Mashed Cauliflower in an Instant Pot
Using your Instant Pot or pressure cooker for mashed cauliflower is a revelation. While it’s certainly possible to make Mashed Cauliflower on the Stovetop, the Instant Pot offers a truly hands-off experience, ensuring perfectly tender cauliflower every time. This method locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in a consistently creamy mash that rivals any potato dish.
Here’s how to achieve that silky smooth texture with minimal effort:
- Step One: Prepare the Pot. Begin by adding 1 cup of broth or water to the bottom of your Instant Pot. This liquid is essential for creating the steam needed to cook the cauliflower.
- Step Two: Steam the Cauliflower. Place your cauliflower florets in a steam basket or directly on a trivet inside the Instant Pot. Ensure the florets are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Step Three: Pressure Cook. Secure the lid, make sure the venting knob is sealed, and set your Instant Pot to manual (or pressure cook) for just three minutes. The pressure cooker works quickly to tenderize the cauliflower.
- Step Four: Quick Release. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. This prevents overcooking and keeps your cauliflower from becoming too watery.
- Step Five: Mash to Perfection. After steaming, transfer the tender cauliflower to your trusty Cuisinart Food Processor. You can also use a blender or an immersion blender for a smooth consistency. Add a touch of butter (or vegan butter/ghee for dairy-free options) and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative), along with salt. Pulse until whipped to creamy, dreamy perfection. For extra thick mash, some prefer to drain their cauliflower in a cheesecloth before mashing, but I find it’s usually not necessary with the Instant Pot method if you quick release.
How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Mash with Bacon and Cheese
Now for the truly irresistible part – transforming your smooth cauliflower mash into a “loaded” masterpiece! This is where we layer on the classic flavors reminiscent of a fully loaded baked potato. We’re talking crispy, savory bacon, sharp, melty cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh, vibrant chives. The best part? You can even cook the bacon right in your Instant Pot before steaming the cauliflower, saving you an extra pan to wash!
After you’ve achieved your perfectly creamy cauliflower mash, transfer it to an oven-safe casserole dish. Generously sprinkle with your cooked bacon pieces and shredded cheddar cheese. For that ultimate golden, bubbly topping, you have a couple of fantastic options:
- Using a Mealthy CrispLid: If you’re lucky enough to own a Mealthy CrispLid, this is its moment to shine! Simply place the CrispLid directly onto your Instant Pot or pressure cooker, set it to broil, and watch as the cheese melts and the bacon crisps to perfection. It’s a convenient, mess-free way to finish the dish.
- Using Your Oven’s Broiler: No CrispLid? No problem! Just pop your casserole dish into your oven under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as broilers can work very quickly. You’re aiming for deliciously bubbly cheese and slightly crisped bacon, not burnt!
Once broiled, finish with a scattering of freshly chopped chives, adding a delicate oniony freshness that cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese. This final touch truly completes the “loaded” experience. Serve it hot and watch it disappear!
**Want a Mealthy CrispLid? Use my code CONFESSIONSOFAFITFOODIE for $10 off!
Why Cauliflower is Your New Favorite Healthy Hack
Cauliflower is truly one of the most versatile and healthiest vegetables out there. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and K. Its mild flavor and adaptable texture make it perfect for Sneaky Veggie Recipes! From rice to pizza crusts to creamy sauces, cauliflower can do it all without overpowering your dish. In this loaded mash, it’s virtually undetectable as a vegetable, acting as the perfect canvas for those savory, cheesy toppings. It’s a fantastic way to boost your vegetable intake while still enjoying satisfying, comfort-food flavors.
More Cauliflower Power Recipes to Try!
If you’re now convinced of cauliflower’s incredible culinary power, you’ll want to explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this amazing vegetable. Many of these are also Instant Pot friendly, making healthy cooking even easier:
- 21 Day Fix Loaded Potato and Cauliflower Soup (Stove-top/Instant Pot)
- Cauliflower Au Gratin [21 Day Fix | Keto Friendly | Gluten Free | WW ]
- Low Carb Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (21 Day Fix)
- 21 Day Fix Kung Pao Cauliflower
- 21 Day Fix Cauliflower Cheeseburger Mac
- Sausage and Cauliflower Casserole {21 Day Fix}
- 21 Day Fix Cauliflower Soup with Goat Cheese | Carrie Elle
- Instant Pot Bacon and Beer Cheese Soup | The Foodie and the Fix (made with cauliflower and it’s to freaking die for!!!)
Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices turkey bacon diced
- 1 head cauliflower roughly chopped or broken apart
- 2 tablespoons parm cheese
- 4 teaspoons butter can sub vegan butter or ghee
- 1/4 teaspoons salt
- Fresh chives optional garnish
- ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup water or broth
Instructions
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Spray Instant Pot with cooking oil spray. Using the saute function on the IP, saute diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
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Add 1 cup of water or broth to IP and set cauliflower in a steam basket or on your trivet. Lock lid and set to 3 minutes. Quick release after the cook time is through.
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After cook time, place cauliflower in a food processor along with the butter, parmesan cheese and ¼ tsp of salt and pulse until creamy. **If you feel your cauliflower is water logged, you can wring it out in a cheese cloth before pulsing in the food processor.
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Place cauliflower mash in a glass casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar and bacon. Broil until cheese is bubbly. Garnish with chives and enjoy!
Video
Notes
WW: 6 points (per serving) [Calculated using butter and reduced fat cheese]
Nutrition
This Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Mash is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how delicious and satisfying healthy eating can be. Whether you’re committed to a specific diet plan like the 21 Day Fix, 2B Mindset, or Weight Watchers, or simply looking for a fantastic low-carb, keto-friendly side dish, this recipe delivers. It’s quick, easy, and undeniably comforting, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed at how quickly this loaded cauliflower mash becomes a staple in your meal rotation!