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.
Lenka says
Sounds like an amazing recipe! I’m a recent convert to the cauliflower rice, and it’s so exciting to be able to eat my faves again – shepherd’s pie, pilaf… and now risotto, yay! Thank you! And a separate thanks to some of the commentators for tips on making your own rice – especially in blender with water, or from frozen – that would be even cheaper than buying pre-made! I’m so happy!!!
Lori says
Wow! What a great dish. Will be great to bring to some of my holiday potluck parties that are coming up!
Nancy says
I made this twice last week, it’s our new favorite side dish. Next time i’m Going to add asparagus. What an awesome dish with lots of complex flavors! Thank you for this recipe!
Hellen says
Absolutely delicious! Even hubby who “doesn’t like” cauliflower ate this risotto and had seconds! Thank you for a great recipe. It’s going on our “make often” list 🙂
Carolyn says
Love hearing that!
Stephanie says
Made this for dinner tonight and it is delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Sheryl says
My sister-in-law made this as a side dish for grilled salmon, this evening. It was, without a doubt, the most DELICIOUS cauliflowervdish I have ever tasted. My sister-in-law is not fond of cauliflower and she was very happy with how it turned out! I got the recipe and will definitely make this again!
Carolyn says
So glad to hear it!
allison says
I can make this in my sleep! I make it almost once a week! It has become a staple in my house!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
This looks so delicious!
Liz says
I’ve missed risotto, but thanks to this innovative recipe, I am loving it again!!
Jennifer Blake says
I adore everything about this recipe! Cannot wait to make it and eat it all myself!!!
Jennifer Farley says
Looks so delicious! Love how many veggies are in here!
Judy says
Well, 2 years and a month later, I finally got my butt in gear and made this. The hubby has to eat low carb now and I, for one, am thrilled. This knocks it out of the park. Paired it with some sous vide steaks and a salad! 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Linda says
I made this last night as a side to grilled steak. DELICIOUS!!! My fiance got two big servings. I’ll definitely make this again. I have enough for dinner tonight. Win Win!!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
Mushroom risotto is my favorite (sometimes I add a little sausage too) – love this low carb version!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
This sounds AMAZING! YUM!
gerry speirs says
super delicious, I love risotto!
Jennifer Blake says
I have been looking for some low-carb side dish options. This sounds so wonderful. My kids are not fans of rice anyway, so this would be a great way to sneak some extra veggies in without them knowing the difference!!!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
Mushroom risotto is one of my all time favorite things, love this low carb version!
Jennifer Farley says
Cauliflower is one of my new favorites! Yum! Thanks for sharing.
Cecilia Riley says
Just made this along side a perfectly cooked prime rib. It was a delicious dish! My husband even loved it.