Go Back
- Cauliflower florets - Cream cheese - Almond milk or regular milk The main star of this dish is cauliflower. I use one large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets. Cauliflower gives a light and fluffy texture. Next, I add cream cheese to make it rich and smooth. You can use a quarter cup of cream cheese. For the creaminess, I also add a quarter cup of unsweetened almond milk or regular milk. This helps blend everything well. - Garlic cloves - Olive oil - Salt and pepper - Garlic powder - Fresh chives or parsley Garlic brings a strong flavor to this dish. I use four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it in olive oil for a nice taste. I add two tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Seasoning is key, so I use one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Garlic powder adds extra garlic flavor, about one teaspoon. For a fresh touch, I garnish with chopped chives or parsley. This adds color and a nice finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, chop the large head of cauliflower into small florets. This helps them cook evenly. Place the florets in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to season. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, lower the heat to medium. Let the cauliflower simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want it to be tender. To check for tenderness, poke a floret with a fork. If it slides off easily, it is ready. While the cauliflower cooks, it's time to prepare the garlic. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 2 to 3 minutes. The garlic should smell great but avoid burning it. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, and we want a nice, rich flavor in our dish. Once the cauliflower is tender, drain it well. Transfer the drained cauliflower to a food processor. Add the sautéed garlic, 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1/4 cup of almond milk. Also, add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If needed, scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a bright finish. To make creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, cream cheese is key. It adds richness and smoothness. You want to use softened cream cheese for the best texture. If the mixture seems thick, add more almond milk. Start with a small amount and blend. Keep adding until you reach your desired creaminess. You can amp up the flavor with spices or herbs. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a fresh twist. A pinch of chili flakes can add some heat. Don’t forget to experiment with garnishes, too. Chopped chives or parsley look great and add a pop of color. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before serving for extra flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower will yield the best texture and flavor for your mashed dish. Look for heads that are firm and free of blemishes. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer an even creamier texture, add more cream cheese or almond milk incrementally until you reach your desired consistency. Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with additional spices or herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to elevate the flavor profile of your mashed cauliflower. Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley not only add color but also enhance the overall flavor. Use them generously for a beautiful presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily make creamy garlic mashed cauliflower dairy-free. First, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese. This keeps the texture smooth and rich. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty flavor. For milk, choose unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Both work well and add a nice creaminess. To add more flavor, consider cheese variations. A little grated Parmesan adds a salty kick. You can also use cheddar for a richer taste. Mixing in vegetables can boost nutrition. Try adding steamed broccoli or spinach. They blend well and make the dish colorful. If you want some heat, add chili flakes. Just a pinch can elevate the taste. For a deeper flavor, infuse the dish with roasted garlic. Roast the garlic until soft and sweet. Then, mix it in with the cauliflower. This gives your dish a unique twist that everyone will love. To store leftovers, place creamy garlic mashed cauliflower in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat the dish on the stove. Add a splash of almond milk to restore creaminess while heating. Stir gently over low heat until warm. You can also use a microwave, but cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze creamy garlic mashed cauliflower to enjoy later. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space for it to expand as it freezes. Label the container with the date, so you remember when you made it. To thaw, move it to the fridge the night before you want to eat it. This keeps it safe and tasty. Reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of almond milk for a smooth texture. Stir well to mix everything before serving. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan! Use a vegan cream cheese instead of regular. Brands like Tofutti or Kite Hill work great. They give you the creamy texture you want without dairy. You can also use cashew cream for a rich flavor. Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth for a good substitute. To thicken your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, try adding more cream cheese. You can also reduce the almond milk. Start with a little and blend it well. If it's still too thin, add more cauliflower. Simply steam or boil more florets, then blend them in. This keeps your dish creamy and thick. Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower pairs well with many main dishes. Try serving it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. It also complements fish nicely. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside beef or pork. This dish adds a great touch to any dinner plate. You now know how to make creamy garlic mashed cauliflower. Start with fresh cauliflower and rich cream cheese for the best flavor. Follow the steps to cook, blend, and season right. Don't forget tips for creaminess and different variations. Store properly for later use. Now, get creative in the kitchen! Enjoy this dish alone or alongside your favorite meals. It's tasty and easy to make! Keep experimenting and have fun with your cooking.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A delicious and creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, made with cauliflower and garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or regular milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place the chopped cauliflower florets in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  • While the cauliflower is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Drain the cauliflower and transfer it to a food processor. Add the sautéed garlic, cream cheese, almond milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into the processor.
  • Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed for an even consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes

Adjust the seasoning to taste and use fresh herbs for garnish.
Keyword cauliflower, creamy, garlic, mashed, vegetarian