Garlic Mashed Cauliflower may be healthier than mashed potatoes, but I promise it tastes just as good! You won’t regret making this garlic mashed cauliflower–missing out on calories and gaining all the flavor! This healthy side dish will be your new favorite recipe.
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What’s in this Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower Recipe?
You’re probably wondering how to make cauliflower into mashed potatoes… Because that sounds crazy, right? A healthy vegetable turned into a creamy mash with the taste and texture of potatoes? It is so possible and so good. And of course, it’s easy too, so that’s a win.
- Cauliflower: The magic ingredient that blends up into a creamy mash!
- Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Helps create a creamy texture that more closely resembles classic mashed potatoes.
- Salted Butter: Adds that rich buttery taste we love!
- Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor and a pungent aroma.
- Rosemary: Adds a fresh herbal flavor that balances the garlic.
Pro Tip: Make sure to cut the cauliflower into equal-sized pieces so it all cooks through completely. This will help create the creamiest mash.
Variations on Mashed Cauliflower
This cauliflower mash recipe is so versatile! You can swap out the rosemary for any fresh herb, like parsley, sage, or thyme. Plus, you can add cheese, and you know how much I love cheese! Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, provolone, or Swiss are all great cheeses to add. Simply grate them into the warm mash and stir until melted!
Cauliflower has an earthy and nutty flavor that’s slightly more complex than potatoes, but it’s pretty darn close!
It’s certainly a healthier alternative! It’s lower in calories and carbohydrates.
It’s important to drain the cauliflower well before blending it to remove excess water. But if it’s still watery, try adding a slurry made from 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1-2 tablespoons of cold water and cook for a few minutes to thicken.
We add cream cheese to this recipe to make it nice and thick, but if you find that you’d like your mash even thicker, try adding the cornstarch slurry from above.
If your cauliflower is grainy, it’s likely that some of the florets were undercooked. Be sure to cut the cauliflower into equal-sized florets to ensure it all cooks at the same rate. This will ensure a smooth final result.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover mashed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pot set over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze this cauliflower in individual portions in Ziplock bags for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this garlic mashed cauliflower with anything you’d serve traditional potatoes with! Beef tenderloin, honey baked ham, baked Caesar chicken, herb crusted salmon, Parmesan crusted tilapia, and smoked turkey breast are some of my favorites! Add a side of roasted vegetables or a spinach berry salad for a rounded meal.
5-Star Review
“Oh my goodness these came out amazing! I’ve been looking for a way to make cauliflower mashed with a creamier texture and this was it! Thank you!” – Lisa R.
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower chopped into small florets
- 3 ounces low-fat cream cheese (⅜ brick)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic sautéed if you aren't buying it already prepared
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary optional
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Once boiling, cook the cauliflower for 8-10 minutes or until fork tender. Remove and drain cauliflower.1 head cauliflower
- Place cauliflower along with all other ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy.3 ounces low-fat cream cheese, 2 tablespoons salted butter, 1½ teaspoons minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Video
Becky’s Tips
- Cut the cauliflower as evenly as possible so that all of the florets cook at the same rate.
- Be sure to let the cauliflower fully drain before blending.
- If you want to make them even lower in calories and healthier, you can sub in Greek yogurt or vegan butter. Lots of options to make these your own.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
I love cauliflower and I’m about to try this recipe now, thanks for that!
Also, this is very good opportunity to ask: these are very good photos but why on earth, as in so many other food blogs there are photos of same thing just from different angles? One would have been enough. All the best.
Thanks for stopping by Ulla! Sometimes pictures are used by online magazines when the recipe is reprinted…so sometimes the more pictures the better. And honestly the pictures are kind of a creative outlet for me and I enjoy taking/editing them. But I do understand where you’re coming from. I really appreciate the feedback :)
you may know how many kcal it got?:)
it tastes really good
So glad you liked it!
Try subbing chicken broth and sliced almonds instead of cream cheese and boiling in plain water… don’t drain all the broth, use some in the puree process.
Sounds delicious!
Mine didn’t turn out as fluffy as your pictures (maybe I over puréed) but holy moly that’s freaking delish! I had my mom try some without telling her what it was and she thought it was potatoes. I served it more like a soup and crumbled some bacon on top.
That sounds so yummy!!! I might have to try it that way next time!
Wow, these look so delicious, I’m such a fan of cauliflower…throw some garlic in and omg, I’m soooold!
Cauliflower is so awesome, I had no idea! Thanks (as always) for stopping by! I hope we get to hang out again soon!
We LOVE mashed cauliflower at our house! This looks delicious! I hope you had a fantastic weekend!
You too Ashley!
I’ve really grown to appreciate the versatility of cauliflower- I’ve used it to make “bread” and also in a healthier mac & cheese, but I’ve never had it like this before. I’m definitely looking forward to trying your recipe, it looks so good and such a great alternative to potatoes!
The bread and mac and cheese both sound awesome! I had no idea it was that versatile either!!
Wow, I’ve never made a mashed cauliflower. It’s an amazing recipe to impress your guests :)
Thanks Zaza! So glad you stopped by :)
STOP. I absolutely adore mashed potatoes but avoid them because they are so dang bad for you! This might be the perfect fix!
I agree Kelly! Thanks so much for stopping by, love your site!
Awww, thanks so much! The feeling is mutual! :)
Moderation is, the only way to go I remember thanksgiving after dinner to much to eat so I learned prescription me some years but got after 35 years
Would love to know carb count and calorie count