Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is a silky, flavorful, and healthy alternative to classic mashed potatoes. Blended with roasted garlic, butter, and Parmesan, this creamy side dish delivers all the comfort you love with a fraction of the carbs. It’s the perfect complement to roasted meats, fish, or holiday mains, and so good, even mashed potato lovers won’t miss the original.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and flavorful: Roasted garlic adds a deep, savory richness.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly: Perfect for light, healthy dinners.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for holidays: Ideal side dish for Thanksgiving or family gatherings.
- Smooth and satisfying: Feels indulgent but keeps things light.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for lighter texture)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast the garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and golden.
- Cook the cauliflower: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets for 10–12 minutes until very tender. Drain well to remove excess moisture.
- Blend until smooth: In a food processor, combine the cauliflower, roasted garlic cloves, butter, Parmesan, cream, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Adjust texture: Add a splash of extra cream or butter if needed for a richer, silkier mash.
- Serve and garnish: Spoon into a serving bowl, sprinkle with herbs, and drizzle lightly with olive oil before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use frozen cauliflower florets for convenience, just steam and blend.
- Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Make it extra creamy by blending in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese.
- Serve with roasted chicken, salmon, or grilled steak for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Pair with Creamy Tuscan Salmon or Herb-Roasted Chicken.
- Add a drizzle of brown butter or garlic oil before serving.
- Serve alongside holiday mains like beef tenderloin or baked turkey breast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat before serving. Add a little cream or butter to refresh the texture.
Do I need to roast the garlic?
Roasting enhances the flavor, making it mild and nutty. You can skip it and use raw garlic, but the taste will be sharper.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.
Can I mash instead of blend?
Yes. Use a potato masher for a rustic texture, but blending gives a smoother, whipped result.
Ready to Make It?
Creamy, garlicky, and light, this Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is the ultimate comfort side dish you’ll want to make again and again. Save this recipe for weeknight dinners, holidays, or meal prep perfection.
You Might Also Like
- Creamy Tuscan Salmon – A one-pan salmon dish in a garlicky Parmesan sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Bright and zesty seafood pasta made in minutes.
- Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff – Tender beef in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce.
- Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo – Cozy fall pasta that’s rich, smooth, and delicious.