Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
A recipe for rich, creamy mashed cauliflower with a strong garlic flavor, designed as a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Steaming and Mashing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large heads cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower florets until very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- While the cauliflower steams, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. Set aside.
- Drain the steamed cauliflower thoroughly. Place the cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial for creaminess.
- Transfer the dried cauliflower to a large bowl or food processor. Add the butter, heavy cream, sautéed garlic and oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mash by hand with a potato masher until mostly smooth, or process in the food processor until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- If using, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately as a side dish.
Notes
- Squeezing the moisture out of the cooked cauliflower is the most important step for achieving a non-watery texture.
- For a deeper garlic flavor, roast the whole garlic cloves until soft before mashing them with the cauliflower.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more warm cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 30