This incredibly creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is a game-changer for your dinner table. It’s the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, with all the comfort and none of the guilt! Ready in just over 20 minutes, this velvety side dish combines tender cauliflower with cream cheese, butter, and aromatic garlic for a flavor-packed addition to weeknight meals or holiday feasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: From start to finish, you’ll have this on the table in just over 20 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something nutritious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Low-Carb Magic: If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake but missing mashed potatoes something fierce, this dish will absolutely satisfy that craving without derailing your nutrition goals.
- Flavor Powerhouse: The combination of garlic, cream cheese, and butter creates such a rich, savory profile that you’ll forget you’re eating cauliflower. It’s seriously that good!
- Versatile Side Dish: This creamy masterpiece pairs beautifully with nearly any protein—roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked fish—you name it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cauliflower: The star of the show! This versatile veggie transforms into the most incredible creamy base. Make sure to cut it into evenly sized florets for consistent cooking.
- Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Adds incredible creaminess and tanginess without piling on excess calories. The secret ingredient that makes these “mashed potatoes” taste like the real deal.
- Salted Butter: Brings richness and that unmistakable buttery flavor that makes comfort food so satisfying. The small amount goes a long way here!
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth. Pre-sautéed garlic works wonderfully if you’re short on time, or you can quickly sauté fresh garlic for an even more pronounced flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary: Optional but highly recommended! It adds an earthy, aromatic quality that elevates this dish from great to exceptional.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try these delicious twists:
- Cheesy Indulgence: Fold in a handful of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese after blending for a richer flavor profile.
- Loaded Cauliflower Mash: Top with crispy bacon bits, chives, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded potato experience without the potatoes.
- Herb Garden: Swap the rosemary for fresh thyme, chives, or basil depending on what you’re serving it with.
- Roasted Garlic Version: Use roasted garlic instead of minced for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor.
- Protein-Packed: Blend in a scoop of unflavored protein powder or nutritional yeast for extra nutrition.
How to Make Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Step 1: Cook the Cauliflower
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add your evenly chopped cauliflower florets and cook for 8-10 minutes until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft enough to blend smoothly, but not so mushy that they become waterlogged.
Step 2: Drain Thoroughly
This is crucial! Drain the cauliflower very well—excess water is the enemy of creamy mashed cauliflower. Let it sit in the colander for a minute or two, giving it a gentle shake to release trapped water.
Step 3: Blend to Perfection
Transfer the drained cauliflower to your food processor or blender. Add the cream cheese, butter, garlic, and rosemary (if using). Pulse until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. For extra smoothness, you might need to stop and scrape down the sides once or twice.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or black pepper makes all the difference!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Steam Instead of Boil: For even more flavor retention, try steaming your cauliflower instead of boiling it. This prevents it from becoming waterlogged.
- Dry is Key: After draining, you can actually return the cauliflower to the hot pot for a minute or two to let residual heat evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Temperature Matters: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before blending for the smoothest result.
- Texture Control: For a more rustic mash, use a potato masher instead of a food processor. For ultra-smooth results, a high-powered blender works wonders.
- Garlic Intensity: If you love garlic, don’t be afraid to add more! This dish can handle up to 3 teaspoons without becoming overwhelming.
How to Serve
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower makes a spectacular side dish that pairs beautifully with so many main courses:
Perfect Pairings:
- Serve alongside a juicy steak with mushroom sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Pair with roasted chicken and gravy—the cauliflower mash is perfect for soaking up those delicious juices.
- Try it with meatloaf or grilled pork chops for a comforting dinner.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in a warmed bowl with a small well in the center for extra melted butter.
- Top with finely chopped fresh herbs for a pop of color.
- Use an ice cream scoop for elegant rounded portions on individual plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This mashed cauliflower keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze it! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. The texture might change slightly, but it’s still delicious.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slowly in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry. A quick stir halfway through reheating helps distribute the heat evenly.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower works beautifully in this recipe. Just cook according to package directions and be extra vigilant about draining well since frozen cauliflower often releases more water. You might need to cook it a minute or two longer to evaporate excess moisture.
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My mashed cauliflower seems watery. How can I fix it?
If your mash turns out a bit watery, don’t worry! Return it to a pot over low heat and stir constantly for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture. You can also add a tablespoon of unflavored protein powder or a small amount of powdered parmesan cheese to absorb extra liquid.
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Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream, dairy-free cream cheese, or vegan butter. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
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How does the nutritional profile compare to regular mashed potatoes?
Garlic mashed cauliflower has approximately 75% fewer carbs than traditional mashed potatoes, making it an excellent choice for low-carb or keto diets. It’s also higher in fiber and certain vitamins. The calorie count is significantly lower too, especially if you use low-fat cream cheese as called for in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is truly one of those magical recipes that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort. The first time I served this to cauliflower skeptics, they couldn’t believe they weren’t eating potatoes! Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative or simply want to add more vegetables to your meals, this creamy, garlicky side dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight—I promise you won’t miss the potatoes!
Print
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is a creamy, healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Packed with flavor from sautéed garlic and fresh rosemary, this low-carb side dish is quick and easy to prepare while maintaining a deliciously smooth and buttery texture. Perfect for any meal, it’s a guilt-free comfort food that pairs well with a variety of main courses!
Ingredients
Cauliflower Base
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 3 ounces low-fat cream cheese (3/8 brick)
Flavor Additions
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (1/4 stick)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic, sautéed if not pre-prepared
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Cauliflower
Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Once boiling, cook the cauliflower florets for 8-10 minutes or until they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork. Once done, drain the cauliflower thoroughly to remove all excess water. - Blend Ingredients
Place the drained cauliflower into a blender or food processor alongside the cream cheese, salted butter, minced garlic, and rosemary (if using). Pulse the mixture until it is smooth, creamy, and well-combined. Taste and adjust any seasonings if desired.
Notes
- For even cooking, make sure to chop the cauliflower florets into consistently sized pieces before boiling them.
- Properly drain the cauliflower to avoid ending up with watery mashed cauliflower.
- Want a healthier alternative? Greek yogurt or vegan butter can be used in place of cream cheese or butter to reduce calories.
- Fresh rosemary is optional, but it adds a delightful aromatic touch to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
