Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

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Experience the delightful flavors of our Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes – a keto-friendly twist on a classic side dish. Creamy, zesty, and low-carb, it's the perfect addition to your keto journey. Try it today!

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🍋🧄Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes" - Keto, Gluten-Free, and Kid-Friendly🧄🍋

Oh, my fellow food enthusiasts, today I'm thrilled to share one of the easiest yet most delightful recipes. Say hello to my new favorite side dish – Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes." As you may know, I've developed a profound love for cauliflower, and this recipe showcases its versatility.

From Cheesy Cauliflower Tots to Loaded Cauliflower Casserole, I've ventured into the world of cauliflower creations, turning this once-dreaded veggie into a newfound favorite. As a Midwest native with a deep-rooted love for steak and potatoes, I can genuinely say I now prefer cauliflower over traditional mashed potatoes. It's a bit crazy, I admit.

But here's the secret: these Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes" taste remarkably similar to the real deal. The texture is on point, the flavor is wonderfully buttery, and the addition of garlic and lemon adds a refreshing twist.

Now, let's talk about the magic of this recipe. With a touch of garlic, a hint of lemon, a smidge of cream cheese, and a dab of butter, these "fauxtatoes" have the power to convert even the pickiest eaters. I can vouch for it – when my Mr. eagerly anticipates this dish, I know we've hit culinary gold.

The only time he still craves regular potatoes is when we're having steak. So, I'm on a mission to find a way to replace the classic baked potato with cauliflower. Stay tuned for that culinary experiment!

🥘Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes" Ingredients

These are the ingredients necessary to make Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes".

• Cauliflower - You want a large firm head (about 3 pounds) with no dark spots on it.
• Lemon Zest - I know you might be tempted to omit this but trust me, DON'T!
• Cream Cheese - This is a MUST as well. Feel free to use a garlic herb cream cheese if you would like to boost the garlic flavor.

A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Helpful Hint: 💡: When selecting cauliflower, look for heads that are firm, heavy for their size, and have tightly packed florets. Avoid cauliflower with brown spots or discoloration. Fresh cauliflower should have a clean, crisp scent, and the leaves should be green and vibrant.

Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: If you're lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, replace the cream cheese and heavy whipping cream with dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut milk, and use vegan butter or olive oil.
• Vegan: To make this recipe completely vegan, opt for dairy-free cream cheese and butter, and replace the heavy whipping cream with vegetable broth for a creamy texture.
• Garlic Variations: Adjust the garlic to your preference. If you love a stronger garlic flavor, add more cloves. For a milder taste, use roasted garlic instead of raw cloves.
• Lemon Zest: You can experiment with different citrus flavors by using lime or orange zest instead of lemon for a unique twist.
• Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor with herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of paprika can also add depth to the dish.

📖Variations

• Roasted Garlic and Parmesan: Instead of plain garlic, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the cauliflower mash. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese for a savory flavor boost.
• Crispy Topping: For some textural contrast, consider topping your mashed cauliflower with toasted keto breadcrumbs, crushed almonds, or fried shallots.
• Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
• Pesto Infusion: Mix in your favorite pesto sauce for a vibrant and herbal flavor.

🍽Equipment

This is the equipment you will need to make Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes".

• large pot
• measuring cups and spoons
• food processor

Storage

Refrigeration:

1. Allow the mashed cauliflower to cool to room temperature.
2. Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container, ensuring there's minimal air exposure.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

1. If you intend to freeze the mashed cauliflower, it's best to do so in portion-sized servings for easier reheating.
2. Place the servings in airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags.
3. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label the containers with the date for reference.
5. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating from the Refrigerator:

1. To reheat from the refrigerator, simply scoop out the desired amount of mashed cauliflower into a microwave-safe dish or a saucepan.
2. Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain an even consistency.

Reheating from the Freezer:

1. If reheating from frozen, allow the mashed cauliflower to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Reheat it following the same instructions as for refrigerated leftovers. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven for a more uniform result.
3. To reheat in the oven, place the thawed or partially thawed mashed cauliflower in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally for even heating.
4. If reheating in the microwave, use the defrost setting to thaw partially, then heat in shorter increments, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Note: When reheating from frozen, the texture may change slightly, but the flavor should remain intact. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the cauliflower to become watery.

With these storage and reheating instructions, you can enjoy your Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes" at your convenience, whether you're serving them fresh or enjoying them from the freezer.

FAQ about Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes"

Related Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

• Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice with Bacon
• Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower
• Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
• Easy Cauliflower Cheese Soup
• Deviled Egg Cauliflower Salad
• Low Carb Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes":

• Pan Seared Cod with White Wine Sauce
• Keto Grilled Marinated Chicken
• Keto Salmon
• Pork Tenderloin with a Creamy Herb Mustard Sauce
• Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)
• Keto Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes"

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower 'Potatoes,' a keto-friendly take on a beloved classic side. Creamy, zesty, and low-carb, it's an ideal addition to your keto lifestyle. Give it a try today!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 153 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• measuring cups and spoons
• food processor

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 large head cauliflower 3 pounds or so, separated into florets
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 lemon zested
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
• Pink salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the cauliflower and garlic cloves and cook until the cauliflower is very tender (when you pierce it with a knife it goes in easily), about 7 to 10 minutes.
• Drain well.
• Transfer cauliflower, garlic, lemon zest, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream to a food processor and secure the lid. Process the cauliflower mixture until there are no lumps and it's smooth like mashed potatoes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Disclaimer

Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 112mgPotassium: 707mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 362IUVitamin C: 117mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Keyword 10 ingredients or less, 30 minutes or less, american, cauliflower, easy, easy recipes, gluten-free, Keto, keto recipes, kid friendly, lemon, Low Carb, side dish

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Food safety

• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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