Description
A silky, buttery, and low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes made with roasted garlic and cauliflower. This comforting side dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6 cups or 900 g)
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (use ghee for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
- Drizzle of olive oil or melted butter, for garnish (optional)
- Extra cracked pepper, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice about 1/4 inch off the top of a garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until golden and soft. Let cool slightly before squeezing out the cloves.
- While the garlic roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook until fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Transfer cooked cauliflower to a food processor. Add roasted garlic cloves, butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Add more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed for desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt or butter if desired. For a tangier flavor, blend in cream cheese or sour cream.
- Spoon mashed cauliflower into a serving bowl, garnish with parsley or melted butter, and serve warm.
Notes
For the best texture, drain the cauliflower thoroughly after cooking to prevent a watery mash. You can make this ahead and reheat gently with a splash of cream or butter. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil and unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Avoid over-blending to keep the mash light and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: mashed cauliflower, roasted garlic, low carb, keto, side dish, gluten free, healthy comfort food