Mashed potatoes are one of those comfort foods everyone craves, but if you’re following a carnivore diet, the classic potato version is off the table. That doesn’t mean you have to give up the creamy, buttery goodness you love. With the right ingredients, you can make a copycat version that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
This carnivore mashed potatoes recipe takes the classic side dish and transforms it into something both indulgent and diet-friendly. By swapping out the starchy base with carnivore-approved alternatives, you’ll enjoy a dish that tastes rich and satisfying without breaking your diet.
Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner or just want a quick and comforting side for your steak, this recipe shows you how to make an easy carnivore mashed potatoes recipe in just a few simple steps.
What Are Carnivore Mashed Potatoes?
Carnivore mashed potatoes aren’t actually made from potatoes at all. Instead, they use clever ingredient swaps to mimic the creamy texture and savory flavor of traditional mashed potatoes. Depending on your approach, you might use cauliflower, pork rinds, or even eggs and cheese as the base.

The goal is to keep the recipe 100% carnivore-friendly while still enjoying the familiar taste of mashed potatoes. By blending these ingredients with butter, heavy cream, and cheese, you get a smooth, fluffy side dish that feels every bit as comforting as the real thing.
This is why the carnivore mashed potatoes recipe has become such a popular choice-it satisfies cravings while staying true to the diet.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Carnivore Mashed Potatoes Recipe
There are plenty of reasons this recipe deserves a spot at your dinner table:
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Creamy texture, zero starch – You’ll get that classic mashed potato feel without the carbs.
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Quick and simple – This really is an easy carnivore mashed potatoes recipe, ready in about 20 minutes.
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Perfect for pairing – It complements steak, roast chicken, or even slow-cooked short ribs.
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Family-friendly – Even non-carnivores will enjoy the taste, making it a versatile side dish.
Once you try this copycat version, you’ll see why so many people on the carnivore diet swear by it.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Carnivore Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect batch of carnivore mashed potatoes:
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Main Base
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1 large head of cauliflower (or pork rinds, depending on preference)
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Fats & Dairy
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3 tbsp butter
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½ cup heavy cream
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2 oz cream cheese or grated parmesan
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Seasoning (optional)
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Salt to taste
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Garlic butter (optional, for extra flavor)
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Tools
- Steamer or boiling pot
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowl and spatula
Step-by-Step: How to Make Copycat Carnivore Mashed Potatoes
Step 1 – Prep Your Ingredients
Wash and chop the cauliflower into small florets (or measure your pork rinds if using that method). Gather your butter, cream, and cheese so everything is ready to go.

Step 2 – Cook the Base
Steam or boil the cauliflower until it’s tender enough to mash. If you’re using pork rinds, you’ll soak them in warm broth to soften before blending.

Step 3 – Blend to Creamy Texture
Transfer the cooked cauliflower (or softened rinds) into a food processor. Blend until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4 – Add Fats and Flavor
Mix in the butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash more cream if needed. Season with salt or optional garlic butter.

Step 5 – Serve Hot and Enjoy
Scoop your carnivore mashed potatoes into a serving bowl and top with extra melted butter or parmesan for a decadent finish.

Tips for the Creamiest Carnivore Mashed Potatoes
Getting that silky, restaurant-style texture takes just a few tricks:
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Use plenty of fat – Butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese are key for smooth, rich results.
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Steam instead of boil – If using cauliflower, steaming helps reduce excess water that can make the mash thin.
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Blend well – A food processor creates a fluffy, lump-free texture closer to real mashed potatoes.
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Adjust consistency – Add extra cream slowly until you reach your perfect thickness.
These small adjustments can turn a basic dish into the ultimate carnivore mashed potatoes recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is as versatile as traditional mashed potatoes, making it the perfect side for almost any carnivore meal:
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Pair with a juicy ribeye steak for the ultimate comfort dinner.
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Serve alongside roasted chicken or pork chops.
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Top with melted cheese, carnivore gravy, or bone marrow butter for added richness.
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Use as a creamy base under braised short ribs or slow-cooked beef.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these easy carnivore mashed potatoes always feel right at home.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Freezer – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to restore the creamy texture.
This way, your carnivore mashed potatoes stay just as delicious the second time around.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are potatoes carnivore diet friendly?
From our experience, traditional potatoes are not carnivore-friendly because they’re high in carbs and plant-based starch. That’s why we love making this recipe using cauliflower or pork rinds-it gives the creamy mashed potato feel without breaking the carnivore rules.
2. What is the healthiest way to eat mashed potatoes?
In our experience, the healthiest way is to replace starchy potatoes with low-carb, carnivore-approved alternatives like cauliflower, add healthy fats such as butter or cream, and skip processed toppings. This keeps it nutritious, satiating, and diet-friendly.
3. How much mashed potatoes can I eat on keto?
We usually stick to half a cup to one cup per serving when on keto, especially if using cauliflower-based mashed potatoes. This portion keeps your carb intake low while still giving you that comfort-food satisfaction.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! From our trials, swapping butter and cream with animal-based fats like tallow, ghee, or bone broth still produces a rich and creamy texture without dairy.
5. Can I store leftovers?
Absolutely. We store ours in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days, and it reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave. For longer storage, freezing works too-just reheat slowly to keep the texture smooth.
6. Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, and we do it often. Preparing the mashed base ahead of time allows for quick weeknight meals-just reheat, add a little butter, and it’s ready to serve.
7. What is the secret to extra creamy carnivore mashed potatoes?
Our secret is blending thoroughly and adding enough fat. Butter, cream, and cream cheese or parmesan make all the difference. Using a food processor instead of mashing by hand also gives a smoother texture.
8. Can I add flavors like garlic or herbs?
Definitely! From our experience, garlic butter or a sprinkle of parmesan takes the flavor up a notch without compromising the carnivore focus. Just avoid plant-based herbs if you’re strictly carnivore.
9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! We’ve served this to kids multiple times, and even picky eaters often prefer it to traditional mashed potatoes because it’s creamy, flavorful, and a little indulgent.
10. How does this compare to traditional mashed potatoes?
From our experience, it’s surprisingly close in taste and texture. While it’s not exactly the same as potato-based mashed potatoes, it satisfies cravings while being low-carb and fully carnivore-compliant.
Carnivore Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Mashed potatoes are one of those comfort foods everyone craves, but if you’re following a carnivore diet, the classic potato version is off the table. That doesn’t mean you have to give up the creamy, buttery goodness you love. With the right ingredients, you can make a copycat version that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower (or pork rinds, depending on preference)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 oz cream cheese or grated parmesan
- Salt to taste
- Garlic butter (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1 – Prep Your Ingredients
Wash and chop the cauliflower into small florets (or measure your pork rinds if using that method). Gather your butter, cream, and cheese so everything is ready to go.
Step 2 – Cook the Base
Steam or boil the cauliflower until it’s tender enough to mash. If you’re using pork rinds, you’ll soak them in warm broth to soften before blending.
Step 3 – Blend to Creamy Texture
Transfer the cooked cauliflower (or softened rinds) into a food processor. Blend until smooth and fluffy.
Step 4 – Add Fats and Flavor
Mix in the butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash more cream if needed. Season with salt or optional garlic butter.
Step 5 – Serve Hot and Enjoy
Scoop your carnivore mashed potatoes into a serving bowl and top with extra melted butter or parmesan for a decadent finish.
Notes
Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112
If you’ve been missing mashed potatoes on your carnivore journey, this recipe proves you don’t have to go without. Creamy, buttery, and incredibly satisfying, these easy carnivore mashed potatoes are a side dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Try this recipe the next time you’re cooking steak, chicken, or ribs, and see how well it fits into your routine. Once you’ve tried this copycat carnivore mashed potatoes recipe, you may never go back to the original.
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