Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Mash
Indulge in the rich, creamy texture of this low-carb cauliflower mash, a perfect substitute for mashed potatoes. Infused with sweet, mellow roasted garlic, it's a comforting and healthy side dish ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
If not using pre-roasted garlic, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top 1/4 inch of a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes until very soft. Let cool slightly, then squeeze out the roasted cloves.
Wash the cauliflower thoroughly, remove the outer leaves and core, then cut the head into evenly sized florets. Aim for pieces roughly 1-2 inches in size to ensure even cooking.
Place the cauliflower florets in a large pot or steamer basket. Add about an inch of water to the pot (if steaming, ensure water doesn't touch the basket). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and steam or boil until the cauliflower is fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. It should be very soft and easily pierced.
Carefully drain the cooked cauliflower thoroughly. Return the florets to the empty hot pot and cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps evaporate excess moisture, preventing a watery mash.
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the softened butter, cream cheese, roasted garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper to the cauliflower. If desired, add 2 tablespoons of milk or cream for extra richness.
Using a potato masher, immersion blender, or food processor, mash or blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If using a food processor, pulse until desired consistency is reached; be careful not to over-process, which can make it gummy.
Taste the mash and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a splash more milk/cream for a looser consistency.
Transfer the creamy garlic cauliflower mash to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped chives before serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest mash, ensure the cauliflower is cooked until extremely tender. If it's still a bit firm, your mash will be lumpy.
- 2Don't skip the step of drying out the cauliflower in the pot after draining. Excess water is the enemy of creamy, flavorful mash.
- 3To make ahead, prepare the mash and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
- 4For a richer flavor, consider using heavy cream instead of milk, or adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese during mashing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Cauliflower Mash
Stir in 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese along with the cream cheese for an extra cheesy flavor boost.
Herbed Cauliflower MashHerbed Cauliflower Mash
Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley along with the chives for a fragrant twist. Add them during the mashing stage.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mashing for a subtle spicy warmth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Nutrients
Cauliflower is packed with vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as folate, potassium, and manganese, supporting overall health.
Low-Carb Alternative
An excellent substitute for mashed potatoes, offering significantly fewer carbohydrates, making it ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
High in Fiber
Cauliflower provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. Cook them according to package directions until very tender, then drain extremely well and proceed with the drying step in the hot pot to remove excess moisture.
