Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Mash for the 21 Day Fix, 2B Mindset, and Weight Watchers — a creamy, low-carb comfort-food side topped with bacon, cheddar, and chives.
I finally found a way to get my husband to love mashed cauliflower. The secret? Bacon. And plenty of bubbly cheddar. This version is made quickly in the Instant Pot, which means a hands-off steam and simple finishing under a broiler or crisping lid for that irresistible melted-cheese top.
Do cauliflower mashed potatoes taste good?
Yes — they are creamy, flavorful, and make a satisfying lower-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. I’ve enjoyed mashed cauliflower for years as a vegetable-forward side, and once dressed up with bacon and cheese it wins over even the toughest critics in my house.
Why use the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot makes steaming cauliflower fast and consistent. Using steam keeps the texture light and makes the mash easier to whip smooth in a food processor or with an immersion blender. The pressure-cooker method is faster than stovetop steaming and requires less babysitting, which is perfect on busy weeknights or for holiday sides.
How to make mashed cauliflower in the Instant Pot
- Add 1 cup of water or broth to the Instant Pot.
- Place cauliflower florets in a steam basket or on a trivet.
- Set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook for 3 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- Transfer steamed cauliflower to a food processor or use an immersion blender. Add butter, parmesan, and salt, then blend until smooth and creamy. If the cauliflower seems waterlogged, drain in a cheesecloth before blending.
How to make Loaded Cauliflower Mash with bacon and cheese
Once the cauliflower is pureed, transfer it to a broiler-safe casserole dish or to the Instant Pot inner pot if you have a crisping lid. Top with shredded cheddar and crispy diced bacon, then broil just until the cheese melts and bubbles. Finish with fresh chopped chives for color and brightness.
This mash is a great low-carb side for weeknight dinners and holidays. It fits well with the 21 Day Fix and 2B Mindset plans and can be adjusted to meet Weight Watchers point goals by using light cheese and turkey bacon if desired.
Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Author: Nancylynn
This Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Mash is a savory, low-carb side topped with cheddar, bacon, and chives — perfect for the 21 Day Fix, 2B Mindset, or Weight Watchers.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 mins · Cook Time: 15 mins · Total Time: 20 mins
Ingredients
- 8 slices turkey bacon, diced
- 1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped or broken into florets
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 4 teaspoons butter (or vegan butter or ghee)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup water or broth
Instructions
- Spray the Instant Pot inner pot with cooking oil spray. Using the Saute function, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Add 1 cup water or broth to the Instant Pot, then place the cauliflower in a steam basket or on a trivet. Lock the lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook for 3 minutes. Perform a quick release when the time is up.
- Transfer the steamed cauliflower to a food processor along with the butter, parmesan, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pulse until creamy. If the cauliflower is very wet, squeeze it in cheesecloth to remove excess moisture before processing.
- Place the cauliflower mash in a broiler-safe dish, top with shredded cheddar and the cooked bacon, and broil until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm.
Notes
21 Day Fix: 1 GREEN, 1/2 RED, 1/2 BLUE, 1 TSP (per serving).
Weight Watchers: Approximately 6 points per serving (calculated using butter and reduced-fat cheese).
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 186 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 979 mg
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable and an excellent base for creative, lower-carb sides. This loaded mash is one of my favorites because it delivers the comfort and flavor of traditional loaded potatoes with fewer carbs and more veggie power.
Tried this recipe? Tag @confessionsofafitfoodie on Instagram and use the hashtag #confessionsofafitfoodie to share your version — I love seeing your photos and variations.