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- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into evenly sized florets - 4 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/4 cup sour cream - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature These main ingredients form the base of our creamy garlic mashed cauliflower. The cauliflower provides a light and fluffy texture. Garlic adds a savory flavor that makes this dish shine. Cream cheese, sour cream, and butter bring a rich creaminess that elevates the dish. - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnishing Adding grated Parmesan gives a nice depth to the flavor. Fresh chives not only look great but also add a fresh, onion-like taste. These ingredients are not needed, but they can enhance your dish. - Salt and black pepper Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the flavors in this dish. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. A pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper can make a big difference. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by cutting the cauliflower into small, even florets. This helps them cook evenly. Next, put enough salted water in a large pot to cover the florets. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the cauliflower and garlic cloves. Cook for 10-12 minutes. You want the cauliflower to be fork-tender and the garlic soft. Once cooked, pour the cauliflower and garlic into a colander. Make sure to drain all the water. After draining, return them to the pot. Let them sit for about one minute. This step helps any extra moisture escape. Now, it’s time to mash! You can use a potato masher for a rustic texture. If you prefer smooth, use an immersion blender. Blend the cauliflower and garlic until creamy. Then, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and room temperature butter. Mix well until all ingredients blend together. For added flavor, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese if you want. This step is optional but gives a rich taste. Now, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning until it's just right for you. Scoop the creamy mashed cauliflower into a serving bowl. For a beautiful finish, top it with finely chopped fresh chives. This adds a nice touch and a pop of color. You can also create a small well in the center and drizzle olive oil or melted butter for extra richness. Enjoy this delightful side dish! To get that smooth, creamy texture, start with warm ingredients. Cold cream cheese or butter can cause lumps. I recommend letting your cream cheese and butter sit out before you begin. This trick makes mixing easy and quick. When you blend, keep mashing until you see no lumps. To elevate your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, think beyond garlic. You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a new twist. A pinch of nutmeg also brings warmth. If you like some heat, consider a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These spices add depth to the dish, making every bite exciting. Serving this dish can be fun and creative. For a beautiful look, use a serving bowl that contrasts with the cauliflower's color. Create a small well in the center of the mash. Drizzle some olive oil or melted butter in this well. Top with extra chives or Parmesan to impress your guests. A simple touch makes it elegant and inviting. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cauliflower: Opt for a large, firm head of cauliflower with tightly packed florets for the best texture and flavor. Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream cheese and sour cream based on your preference for creaminess and tanginess. Enhance the Garlic Flavor: For a stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the cauliflower for a sweeter, more mellow taste. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or dill for garnishing to add a fresh twist to the dish. {{image_4}} To make this dish dairy-free, swap out the cream cheese and sour cream. You can use cashew cream or coconut cream instead. Both options give a rich, creamy flavor that works well. You can blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This change keeps the texture and taste amazing while making it dairy-free. Want to boost nutrition? Add other veggies! Spinach and broccoli are great choices. For spinach, just stir it in after mashing. It wilts down quickly, adding color and health benefits. For broccoli, steam it separately and mix it in with the cauliflower. This adds a fun crunch and extra flavor. If you enjoy heat, you can spice it up! Add red pepper flakes to the mix. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add jalapeños or hot sauce for more kick. A little spice brings a new depth to the creamy garlic flavor. Store your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Let it cool before sealing to avoid steam buildup. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, use it sooner rather than later. When reheating, make sure to add a splash of cream or milk. This helps keep it creamy and smooth. Stir it often over low heat. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly without drying out. To freeze mashed cauliflower, let it cool completely first. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above to restore its creamy texture. Yes, you can prepare creamy garlic mashed cauliflower ahead of time. To do this, follow these tips: - Cook and Mash: Make the mashed cauliflower as usual. Let it cool slightly. - Store: Place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. - Reheat: Warm it in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of cream or butter to keep it creamy. This recipe saves well and allows you to enjoy it later. Yes, creamy garlic mashed cauliflower is low in carbs. Here’s why: - Cauliflower: This vegetable has fewer carbs than potatoes. A cup of cauliflower has about 5 grams of carbs. - Creamy Add-ins: The cream cheese and sour cream add richness but keep the carb count low. This dish is perfect if you're watching your carb intake. You can pair this dish with many main courses. Here are some great options: - Grilled Chicken: The creamy texture balances the flavors of grilled chicken. - Steak: Mashed cauliflower complements the richness of steak. - Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with seasonal roasted veggies for a colorful plate. Feel free to mix and match your favorite dishes for a complete meal! In this post, we explored how to make creamy garlic mashed cauliflower. We covered key ingredients like cauliflower, garlic, and cream cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, mashing, and seasoning. Helpful tips showed how to get the best texture and flavor. I also shared options for variations and storage advice. Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower is a tasty and versatile dish. Feel free to experiment with flavors and serve it however you like!

Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A rich 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 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into evenly sized florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
  • 0.25 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
  • for garnishing fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, add enough salted water to completely submerge the cauliflower florets. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the cauliflower florets and whole garlic cloves to the boiling water. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender and the garlic is soft.
  • Once cooked, pour the contents into a colander to drain. Return the drained cauliflower and garlic to the pot. Allow them to sit for about one minute to let any excess moisture evaporate.
  • Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, proceed to mash or blend the cauliflower and garlic until they reach a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and room temperature butter to the cauliflower mixture. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) for added flavor depth. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  • Transfer the smooth mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl. Finish by generously topping with chopped fresh chives for an aromatic garnish.

Notes

For an elegant touch, create a small well in the center of the mashed cauliflower and drizzle with a little olive oil or melted butter before serving.
Keyword creamy, garlic, mashed cauliflower, vegetarian