Paleo Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash Recipe | Wicked Spatula (2024)

An EASY Crock Pot slow cooker cauliflower recipe - just 5 ingredients + 10 minutes prep! Paleo cauliflower mash (mashed cauliflower) is flavorful, low carb and healthy.

by Maya Last Updated on 42 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Skip the carbs and enjoy this slow cooker cauliflower mash instead of white potatoes! I know, I know… major skeptic over here. But when you taste how flavorful and creamy Crock Pot cauliflower is, you’ll want to make it all the time. Plus, making an easy paleo cauliflower mash recipe in the slow cooker is a major win to save hands-on time and avoid heating up the house.

When I serve slow cooker cauliflower mash to my family and friends, many of them don’t even realize that they aren’t regular mashed potatoes. My favorite thing about this paleo mashed cauliflower recipe is how rich and creamy it is. The slow cooker makes the cauliflower super soft, which is just perfect for mashing!

Is Mashed Cauliflower Paleo and Keto?

Yes. Whether you make regular or garlic mashed cauliflower, chances are it will be paleo and keto friendly. Cauliflower is naturally both.

However, keep in mind that many of the best cauliflower mash recipes also include dairy, such as butter, heavy cream or cream cheese. You’ll want to avoid them for a paleo version. Fortunately, I have you covered with this easy paleo cauliflower mash recipe – and I promise it’s just as delicious!

How To Make Cauliflower Mash In A Slow Cooker

When you cook garlic mashed cauliflower in the slow cooker, the result is extra smooth and practically effortless. In our busy household, the easier, the better!

Here how to make cauliflower mash the easy (and creamy!) way, with just 3 easy steps:

  • Place cauliflower florets into the slow cooker with vegetable broth, garlic, and enough water to cover the florets.
  • Let the Crock Pot cook the cauliflower.
  • Drain the liquid, add ghee, and mash with an immersion blender.

TIP: You can also mash the cauliflower with a regular blender or food processor if you don’t have an immersion blender. Just mash it extra well, so you get a smooth and creamy texture.

  • Season your easy mashed cauliflower with fresh herbs and sea salt.

How Long To Cook Crock Pot Cauliflower Mash?

It takes 6 hours on Low or 3 hours on High to get the cauliflower perfectly soft. After that, just drain, add ghee and blend.

Season the easy mashed cauliflower with fresh herbs and sea salt. Serve immediately or leave in the slow cooker on warm until you are ready.

Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower To Make Slow Cooker Cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower to make this slow cooker cauliflower recipe. This will still be the best mashed cauliflower recipe ever!

And unlike other cauliflower recipes, you won’t even notice a difference here if you use frozen florets.

How To Thicken Paleo Cauliflower Mash

If you run into an issue with your paleo cauliflower mash being too runny, you can thicken it.

The best way to make sure it isn’t too thin is by prevention. It’s essential to drain the water and broth off the cauliflower very well, or you’ll end up with a thinner cauliflower mash.

If you do run into the situation where your slow cooker cauliflower mash is too thin, here are two ways to thicken it:

  1. Add more soft veggies. You can add cooked carrots, parsnips, or simply more cooked cauliflower and blend again.
  2. Simmer it. If your paleo cauliflower mash is super thin, place it in a saucepan and simmer on the stove. This will evaporate off the liquid and should thicken it right up.

Paleo Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash Recipe | Wicked Spatula (1)

Crock Pot Cauliflower Variations

It’s not going to be a surprise to anyone that I like to change up my paleo recipes from time to time, so we never get bored.

I love this paleo mashed cauliflower recipe just the way it is, but sometimes I like to add some variety. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

  • Green Onions – Adding green onions add an entirely different flavor to the slow cooker cauliflower.
  • Bacon – Doesn’t everything taste better when you add crumbled bacon to it? So good!
  • Horseradish – Add a kick of flavor with a touch of horseradish. A little bit goes a long way.
  • Spinach – I love to add in as many nutrients as I can, and spinach is the perfect ingredient to do that. Cook it first so that you don’t end up with watery cauliflower mash.
  • Butternut Squash – This is especially good during the fall and winter months.

Can You Make This Paleo Mashed Cauliflower Recipe Ahead?

Yes, this makes a great make ahead mashed cauliflower recipe. Crock Pot cauliflower mash will last in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you like to meal plan or are expecting to have a large event, you can make up several batches and place in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

Allow the creamy cauliflower mash to cool to close to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze.

TIP: For meal planning, I use glass containers with lids because they stack nicely and are easy to clean.

Can You Freeze Cauliflower Mash?

Yes, you can freeze this paleo mashed cauliflower recipe. It will last for 3-6 months in the freezer.

To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To heat it up, put it in a saucepan, cover, and simmer until it is heated through.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Cauliflower

Take a look at these delicious recipes to serve with Crock Pot cauliflower:

  • Beef Chuck Eye Steak
  • Easy Authentic Greek Lemon Chicken
  • Dairy Free Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet

Paleo Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash Recipe | Wicked Spatula (2)

Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash Recipe:
Pin it to save for later!

Follow Wicked Spatula on Pinterest

RECIPE CARD

Paleo Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash Recipe | Wicked Spatula (3)

4.94 from 15 votes

Paleo Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash Recipe

An EASY Crock Pot slow cooker cauliflower recipe - just 5 ingredients + 10 minutes prep! Paleo cauliflower mash (mashed cauliflower) is flavorful, low carb and healthy.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword crock pot cauliflower, paleo cauliflower mash recipe, slow cooker cauliflower

Calories 108 kcal

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Author Maya Krampf from WickedSpatula.com

Servings 6 servings

Recipe Video

Click or tap on the image below to play the video and learn how to make this recipe!


★ Review Print

Ingredients

Please ensure Safari reader mode is OFF to view ingredients.

  • 1 large head Cauliflower (cut into medium florets)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (peeled)
  • 4 tablespoons Fresh herbs (minced; I used rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley)
  • 1 cup Vegetable broth
  • 4-6 cups Water
  • 3 tablespoons Ghee (or grass-fed butter if not strict paleo)
  • Sea salt (to taste)

Click to convert between US & metric measurements:

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!

  1. Place the cauliflower into the slow cooker and top with garlic cloves, vegetable broth, and enough water to cover the cauliflower.

  2. Cook on Low heat for 6 hours or High heat for 3 hours. Drain the water and broth, and add the cauliflower back to the slow cooker.

  3. Toss in the ghee and use an immersion blender to mash.

  4. Season with salt to taste and mix in fresh herbs. Set on keep warm until ready to serve.

Recipe Notes

Serving Size:1/2 cup

Video Showing How To Make Mashed Cauliflower:

Don't miss the VIDEO above - it's the easiest way to learn how to make Mashed Cauliflower!

Nutrition Information Per Serving

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories 108

Fat 7g

Protein 2g

Total Carbs 8g

Net Carbs 6g

Fiber 2g

Sugar 3g

Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols (though the latter are rarely seen on this site), because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.

© Copyright Wicked Spatula. We'd LOVE for you to share a link to this recipe, but please DO NOT COPY/PASTE the recipe instructions to social media or websites. You may share a photo with a link back instead.

Paleo Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash Recipe | Wicked Spatula (5)

Did you make this recipe?

Click here to leave a comment + star rating! ★★★★★

Then, share a pic on Instagram. Tag @wickedspatula or #wickedspatula!

Paleo Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash Recipe | Wicked Spatula (6)
Paleo Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash Recipe | Wicked Spatula (2024)

FAQs

How do you make cauliflower mash less watery? ›

Here are some popular options:
  1. Cream or Milk: Incorporate heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk to add creaminess to mashed cauliflower. Gradually add small amounts until you achieve the desired thickness.
  2. Butter: Butter contributes richness and helps achieve a smoother texture. ...
  3. Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream:
Apr 11, 2023

What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  • Raw Meat.
  • Seafood.
  • Pasta.
  • Rice.
  • Delicate Vegetables.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  • Dairy.
  • Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

How do you remove excess water from cauliflower? ›

Drain: After boiling or steaming the cauliflower, drain it well and allow it to cool and dry out for a few minutes. This will help remove excess water.

How do you thicken watery cauliflower mash? ›

You can add a litle softened cream cheese to the pot in the final step and stir until melted. Or you can add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. Be sure to whisk it in well when the mashed cauliflower is hot. You don't need more than about ¼ teaspoon per head of cauliflower.

What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

Tender vegetables

Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker. Stick to heartier root vegetables like potatoes, onions, leeks and yams, or wait to add the tender vegetables until the last 30 minutes or so of cooking time.

What is the food danger zone in a slow cooker? ›

A safe slow cooker, cooks slow enough for unattended cooking, yet fast enough to keep food out of the bacterial danger zone. In the danger zone (above 40°F to below 140°F), bacteria grows very rapidly. Food left in the danger zone too long can cause food borne illness.

Why are my carrots still hard in the slow cooker? ›

If you don't have enough liquid in the pot, the carrots won't cook evenly and may stay tough. Aim for at least a cup or two of liquid, enough to reach about a third of the way up on the ingredients.

How do you firm up mashed cauliflower? ›

You could try adding more cauliflower, or some other vegetable. Something with not a lot of moisture. If you have a potato, that might work -- cook it, mash it, and blend it with your cauliflower. Or broccoli, although that will turn the mixture green.

How do you squeeze water out of riced cauliflower? ›

It really is as simple as putting the cooked and cooled cauliflower on a clean flour sack towel , wrapping it up and squeezing all the water out. I like to use flour sack towels because they're large and really thin, which makes them easy to squeeze tight and get out as much water as possible.

How can I thicken my cauliflower soup? ›

There are many ways to thicken cauliflower soup. Some recipes lean on heavy cream, half-and-half, milk, or coconut milk to thicken the soup and make it creamy. Others blend in cooked potatoes with the cauliflower.

How do you thicken riced cauliflower? ›

You can add butter, cream, sour cream, or cream cheese to the pureed cauliflower to achieve the desired consistency. Use Less Liquid: Start with a small amount of liquid and gradually add more if needed. Too much liquid can make the cauliflower mash runny, so be careful not to add too much at once.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated:

Views: 6604

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.