This cauliflower risotto recipe is the perfect low carb side dish. It’s full of classic mushroom risotto flavor with a mere fraction of the carbs. And it takes only 25 minutes to make!
Take my advice, my friends, and run to your kitchen to make this easy keto cauliflower risotto. It is so rich and delicious, you won’t believe it’s not made with actual rice. It’s one of my all-time favorite cauliflower rice recipes.
Back in the day, I loved traditional risotto, and I blame Trader Joe’s for that. It was my first introduction to cooking with arborio rice, and I was amazed that this gourmet side dish came from my own pan.
When I went low carb, I missed that flavor so much, I decided to give it a go with keto-friendly ingredients. And to my absolute delight, I found that I liked it just as much as the real thing. Possibly more, as it didn’t fill me up or spike my blood sugar.
Creamy cauliflower risotto recipe
I first created this recipe back in 2016 when I had a hankering for a delicious side dish. Having mastered the real thing, I decided to use all the same tricks I’d learned over the years.
The key to getting that ideal creaminess is the slow addition of liquid that evaporates before the next addition. I used this approach here as well, since cauliflower has a much higher moisture content than grains of rice.
To help the wine and broth evaporate properly, I decided to cook the whole thing in a large skillet instead of a deep pot. And also I added a little heavy cream at the end to achieve a thicker consistency.
I tested this cauliflower risotto recipe with both fresh and frozen riced cauliflower. There seemed to be very little difference between how they cooked. So you can make it with whatever is available: fresh, frozen, or cauliflower florets that you rice yourself.
Ingredients
This easy recipe takes only 9 basic ingredients that you can get at any grocery store. You will need:
- Cauliflower rice
- Butter or olive oil
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- White wine
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
Feel free to add a little fresh thyme or sage in there as well!
How to make cauliflower risotto
This keto risotto is so easy and the results are fabulous!
- Prep the vegetables: This recipe comes together quickly so it’s good to have everything prepared before you start. Chop the mushrooms in small pieces and mince the garlic. And if you’re working with whole cauliflower, grate it or process it until it resembles grains of rice.
- Melt the butter: Set a large skillet over medium heat and let the butter melt.
- Sauté the mushrooms and garlic: Once the butter is nice and hot, add the mushrooms and garlic, and sprinkle with
- Add the riced cauliflower: It really doesn’t matter if it’s fresh or frozen, it takes just about the same time to cook through and become tender. Toss to coat in the butter and mushrooms.
- Slowly add the liquids: Just like traditional risotto, you want to add the liquid a little at a time, allowing it to evaporate between additions.
- Simmer until tender: Cover it with a lid and allow it to continue to cook until the cauliflower rice is tender.
- Stir in the Parmesan: I recommend freshly grated Parmesan for this. It will help thicken the risotto as you mix it in.
- Grab a bowl and dig in!
Frequently Asked Questions
Replace the wine with a little more broth, and proceed as directed.
Sure! Replace the butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use coconut cream in place of the heavy cream. For the Parmesan, you can use either nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese.
You’re in luck! I have another great keto risotto recipe that doesn’t use any mushrooms at all. Check out my Cheesy Keto Risotto.
Yes, this cauliflower reheats really well. Store it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What to serve with cauliflower risotto
Want to round this out for a full meal? Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- Keto Pork Tenderloin
- Tomato Basil Chicken
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Easy Caprese Chicken
- Tenderloin Steak
- Keto Meatballs
Cauliflower Mushroom Risotto Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces riced cauliflower (the frozen version works just as well as the fresh, no need to thaw)
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ to ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese add more as desired
Instructions
- In a large saute pan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the chopped mushrooms and garlic and sauté until mushrooms are tender and just turning golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to medium low, add the cauliflower, and toss to coat in the butter. Add the white wine and cook until the liquid has bubbled away. Add the broth a few tablespoons at a time, stirring frequently and letting it evaporate each time.
- When the cauliflower is becoming tender, add a little more broth and a few tablespoons of cream. Cover with a lid and continue to cook, allowing the cauliflower to steam until tender. Addi a bit more broth and/or cream if needed.
- Stir in the Parmesan and add any additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve with additional grated parmesan as desired.
Amanda says
This is a favorite at my house! I always double the batch for leftovers. I do add the mushroom umami seasoning from Trader Joe’s for just an extra zip of flavor.
As a Type 1 diabetic it’s great to have a quick & delicious side dish that adheres to my keto diet. Thank you!
Fowler April says
I made this for the first time for supper with pork chops. My husband knew it was cauliflower instead of rice.He took one bite and said, “I hate to say this but it is delicious .” Had two servings. Just as good two days later as leftovers !!!
Thank you so much !
Carolyn says
LOL! He hates to say it… haha, we won!
Andrea says
I made this last night to have with a homemade rotisserie chicken. It was easy to make, and it tasted okay. My non-keto husband really like it.
Kelly says
I really like this recipe, I’ve made it a couple of times. It’s easy and tastes amazing!
ANITA B MILLER says
I forgot to rate it.😂
Carolyn says
No worries! Thanks so much.
Anita says
I made this last night and served it with a rib eye steak. I use riced cauliflower quite a bit and am very satisfied with it but I never would have believed it would make a good risotto. Boy, was I wrong! It was the most delicious way to prepare it. I will be making this over and over again! I am making a dinner to take to a friend who has just been in the hospital having surgery and I will make this risotto to go with the main dish. I’ll let you know what she thinks about. I’m trying to convince her to go low carb so we’ll see what she thinks. Thanks for giving us such a good recipe!
Claudia M Martinez Triggs says
We loved this recipe!
Karen says
Can I sub chicken broth for wine?
Thanks!
Carolyn says
Please read the blog post! 🙂
Andrea says
I did.
Deb Conway says
I have made this several times- love it! Great side dish!
Cheryl Sarapa says
I made this recipe yesterday and it is as delicious as it sounds. Using cauliflower in place of arborio rice does not sacrifice texture/ flavor imho. I followed the recipe without substitutions, and it was perfection. I served it with mini turkey meatloaves and sauteed broccoli. Everyone enjoyed it. This will be added to my rotation.
Kymberly Bartlett says
This recipe was easy and so good. I could eat it every day breakfast!!