Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is a light, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Smooth, velvety, and packed with roasted garlic goodness, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier side dish that still feels indulgent. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, holiday meals, or even as a weeknight side. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, holiday meals, or even as a weeknight side. For a complete comfort-food dinner, serve it alongside our Crab Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta: a rich, creamy seafood pasta that balances perfectly with this lighter side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers all the comfort of mashed potatoes with fewer carbs and calories. The texture is silky and smooth, thanks to a blend of cooked cauliflower, butter, cream (or milk), and garlic. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, quick to prepare, and easy to customize with different seasonings or cheeses.
Nutritional Information
This dish is a nutritional powerhouse, offering vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants from the cauliflower while being significantly lower in carbs and calories than traditional mashed potatoes. It’s also gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free with a few swaps, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
Time Breakdown
One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. The cauliflower steams in just over 10 minutes, and blending takes less than 5. With a total cook time of under 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful side dish on the table with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need. The ingredients are simple and fresh; cauliflower, garlic, butter, cream, and seasonings: yet they come together to make a dish that’s luxurious and full of flavor.
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3–4 garlic cloves, roasted or boiled
- 3 tbsp butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk of choice)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Condensed Grocery Checklist
For quick shopping, here’s what you need: cauliflower, garlic, butter (or olive oil), cream or milk of choice, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish. This short, budget-friendly list makes it easy to pick up everything in one trip.
- Cauliflower
- Garlic
- Butter (or olive oil)
- Cream or milk
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh parsley
How to Make – Step by Step
This recipe is simple enough for beginner cooks and takes just a few steps. First, you’ll cook the cauliflower until tender, then drain it well to remove excess moisture. Next, blend it with garlic, butter, and cream until perfectly smooth. Finally, season to taste and garnish before serving.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Steam or boil cauliflower florets until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- Drain Well: Remove as much moisture as possible to prevent watery mash.
- Blend: In a food processor, combine cauliflower, garlic, butter, and cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust cream for desired consistency.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to customize. You can make it dairy-free with olive oil and almond milk, or add cheese for extra richness. A pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika takes the flavor up a notch, and cream cheese or Greek yogurt can make it even creamier and thicker.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil and unsweetened almond milk.
- Cheesy Version: Blend in ½ cup shredded Parmesan or cheddar for a richer mash.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg, smoked paprika, or roasted garlic for depth.
- Thicker Mash: Use cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of cream.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to customize. You can make it dairy-free with olive oil and almond milk, or add cheese for extra richness. A pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika takes the flavor up a notch, and cream cheese or Greek yogurt can make it even creamier and thicker. If you’re craving something heartier with bold Tex-Mex flavors, try our Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta, a fun, family-friendly twist that brings the same comfort with a spicy kick.
Storing Tips
If you have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know they keep very well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to bring back the smooth consistency.
Chef’s Special Tips
If you have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know they keep very well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to bring back the smooth consistency.
- Drain the cauliflower thoroughly after cooking, excess water is the main reason mashed cauliflower turns out watery.
- Roast the garlic instead of boiling for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
- For the smoothest mash, use a high-speed blender or food processor.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is a simple, healthy, and incredibly satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make, full of rich garlic flavor, and offers a lighter twist on a beloved classic. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ready to give this creamy, garlicky goodness a try? Save this recipe, share it with friends, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to snap a picture of your dish and tag it on social media, I’d love to see your beautiful creations.