Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

Smooth, buttery, and loaded with garlicky flavor—this creamy mashed cauliflower is the low-carb side dish you've been missing.

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Buttery mashed cauliflower topped with chopped chives, served in a white dish.
Suitable for Vegetarian and Gluten-Free diets
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Why You'll Love Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

There’s something very satisfying about comfort food, and mashed potatoes are often at the top of the list. Sometimes, I need a creamy consistency without the carbs. This dish of mashed cauliflower will give you all that goodness – then a garlic kick and tang from the cream cheese, and you won’t miss a thing.

I love how fast it all comes together in 15 minutes. You can serve it with seared tofu, or a big plate of roasted vegetables. Basically, it goes with anything. I always keep going back to it.

A few tips to get the perfect mash:

  • Make sure the cauliflower is steamed until fully tender, so you get that velvety texture when blending.
  • Don’t skimp on the butter and garlic – they turn simple cauliflower into a total flavor bomb.
  • A splash of milk helps, but don’t overdo it – add a bit by bit until it's just right for you.

This is the perfect tummy-loving food for the lighter side of life. If you’re a comfort food fan but want to keep it healthy, this is essential!

Buttery mashed cauliflower topped with chopped chives, served in a white dish.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower


Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings

Smooth, rich, and buttery mashed cauliflower with garlic and chives—a perfect low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.


Ingredients


Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot, steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

  2. 2

    In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Transfer the steamed cauliflower and sautéed garlic to a food processor. Add cream cheese and milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk as necessary for desired consistency.

  4. 4

    Add salt and pepper to taste. Blend again to combine.

  5. 5

    Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped chives if desired, and enjoy your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower.

Notes

You can substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a tangier flavor.

Add roasted garlic for an even deeper garlic taste.

Recipe can be doubled easily for more servings.

Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Category:Side Dish
Cuisine:American

Nutrition Facts

Serves: 4 servings

Calories Per Serving: 120

Total Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Protein: 3 g

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I make this mashed cauliflower vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and a non-dairy milk alternative to make this recipe fully vegan.

Can I make mashed cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Can I freeze mashed cauliflower?

Mashed cauliflower can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently, stirring well.

How do I prevent mashed cauliflower from being watery?

Thoroughly drain or blot the steamed cauliflower before blending, and add milk only as needed to reach your desired consistency.

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