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    Home > Recipes > Easy recipes

    Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

    February 18, 2018 by bobbiskozykitchen Leave a Comment

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    Pinterest graphic that shows and overhead view of lemon garlic mashed cauliflower potatoes in a white serving dish on a wooden table.

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Doing so allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you.

    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!

    Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes in a white bowl on a wooden table.

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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!

    In This Post
    • 🥘Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes" Ingredients
    • Substitutions
    • 📖Variations
    • 🍽Equipment
    • Storage
    • 💭Top tip
    • FAQ about Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes"
    • Related Recipes
    • Pairing
    • Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes"
    • Food safety

    🥘Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes" Ingredients

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

    Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes topped with a pat of butter in a white bowl on a wooden background. Lemon and zester with a green towel on the side.
    • 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.

    💭Top tip

    To achieve an even smoother texture in your Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes," consider pressing the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or using a potato ricer after processing in the food processor. This extra step can eliminate any remaining lumps and result in a velvety, potato-like consistency.

    Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes in a white serving bowl on a wooden table.

    FAQ about Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower "Potatoes"

    Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower if you're in a pinch. Be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before proceeding with the recipe.

    How can I adjust the consistency of the mashed cauliflower?

    To make the mashed cauliflower thicker, you can use less heavy whipping cream or add more cauliflower. To make it thinner, you can add a bit more cream or keto-friendly milk.

    How do I prevent the mashed cauliflower from becoming watery when reheating?

    To avoid excess moisture, ensure that you don't overheat the mashed cauliflower when reheating. Stirring occasionally while reheating and allowing it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating can help maintain the consistency.

    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
    Overhead view of lemon garlic mashed cauliflower potatoes in a white serving dish on a wooden table with a green and white kitchen towel to the right and a lemon and lemon zester to the top of the bowl.

    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
      

    • 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
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    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.

    If you like this recipe please leave a comment!

    If you make this recipe, take a photo and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #BobbisKozyKtchn I love to see what you make. You might even make it into our newsletter!!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah Bailey

      February 18, 2018 at 3:06 pm

      Oh my goodness I bet this tastes absolutely delicious - I would never have though of using lemon with mash! I need to try this now.

      Reply
    2. Esse D

      February 18, 2018 at 3:17 pm

      I want to try this because as of now, I have to "bury" my 2-year-old's rice or starch to trick him into eating it. This seems like a perfect way to get him to eat cauliflower! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Unknown

      February 18, 2018 at 3:33 pm

      I love cauliflower( I know said no one) but I do and your recipe sounds incredible. Thanks for passing it on

      Reply
    4. Unknown

      February 18, 2018 at 3:59 pm

      I love thos combo, lemon in cauli mash is SO good. I wonder if I could use dairy free subs in this to make it dairy free.

      Reply
    5. Holly Hood

      February 18, 2018 at 9:53 pm

      Wow, I love mash potatoes and now you are introducing me to garlicky butter cauli mash, yum yum. I will have to try your recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    6. Unknown

      February 18, 2018 at 9:59 pm

      Can you say yummy one more time?? This looks so darn good. Love the garlic addition too.

      Reply
    7. Kiwi

      February 19, 2018 at 12:43 am

      This sounds amazing. I would love to try califlower mash!

      Reply
    8. Unknown

      February 19, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      i love all the califlower hacks! it makes m life so much easier because im not a big veggie person

      Reply
    9. Cathleen

      February 19, 2018 at 3:51 pm

      I have heard about this, but have never made it. This looks SO GOOD!! I definitely need to try this soon!

      Reply
    10. Tala Valino

      February 19, 2018 at 7:36 pm

      What a great alternative to my usual steamed cauliflower. Plus love the design of your blog! 🙂

      Reply
    11. David Elliott

      February 20, 2018 at 2:19 am

      I know Cauliflower is a much healthier option than the potato. I just don't know whether I could deal with the taste the same way. It does look like the potato and I am sure you could get the consistency down. Just not sure about everything else. Worth a try for the health benefits though for sure.

      Reply
    12. mail4rosey

      February 20, 2018 at 5:05 am

      I have just fallen in love with cauliflower as an adult. Now if I could get my kids to eat it!

      Reply
    13. Holly B

      February 20, 2018 at 5:45 am

      I've always wanted to include cauliflower in my diet but have never been a fan. This looks so appetizing and may be the answer I was looking for. Thanks for the recipe

      Reply
    14. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      February 20, 2018 at 10:16 am

      OH yes, it is perfect. My granddaughter never knows ?

      Reply
    15. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      February 20, 2018 at 10:17 am

      I actually do love cauliflower, which is SO weird because I used to hate it, and am having so much fun coming up with new recipes to use it in.

      Reply
    16. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      February 20, 2018 at 10:17 am

      Oh I am sure you could. You could use chicken or vegetable stock in the place of milk if you want. Do they make a dairy free cream cheese and butter?

      Reply
    17. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      February 20, 2018 at 10:18 am

      Thanks so much Kristel ?

      Reply
    18. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      February 20, 2018 at 10:19 am

      My guy was very hesitant to try the switch too, and can be uber picky, but he loves it. He just adds more butter than I do ?

      Reply
    19. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      February 20, 2018 at 10:20 am

      Give this a try! You can add more butter, or cream cheese.

      Reply
    20. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      February 20, 2018 at 10:21 am

      I hope you give it a try Holly! Or, try the Loaded Cauliflower Casserole I just posted. I can guarantee that you will love that!

      Reply
    21. Lavanda Michelle

      February 20, 2018 at 1:46 pm

      I'm not a big fan of cauliflower, but WOW this looks amazing. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
    22. Flora the Sweaterist

      February 20, 2018 at 2:18 pm

      This dish contains things I really like: cauliflower, garlic, cheese - and it takes only 15 minutes to prepare it?! I need to give this a try.

      Reply
    23. Liz Cleland

      February 20, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      What a great idea to spruce up a dish everyone has had for so many years! I just cant wait to try this out!

      Reply
    24. Unknown

      February 20, 2018 at 7:15 pm

      I have to admit that I turned my nose up quite a bit when you said you were putting lemon in this but color me intrigued! I love cauliflower as a lighter fewer carb version of potato and mashed is my favorite way to have it so I just might have to try this with the lemon anyway!

      Reply
    25. Heather

      February 21, 2018 at 1:23 pm

      I have always wanted to try cauliflower mash, but never thought that it would look like real mashed potatoes, but you have proved me wrong. These look incredible and so creamy. Yum! Also, I had no idea just how sprayed potato crops are...yikes! Thanks for the knowledge 🙂

      Reply
    26. Jordan @ The Fitchen

      February 21, 2018 at 3:41 pm

      Oh yes. So much yes! I would never have thought to add lemon to mashed potatoes... let alone mashed cauliflower. Can't wait to try!

      Reply
    27. Windy City Dinner Fairy

      February 21, 2018 at 5:40 pm

      My new years resolution is to play around with cauliflower more in recipes, and this recipe sounds delish! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    28. sproutingzen

      February 21, 2018 at 6:22 pm

      Your pictures of this cauliflower mashed potatoes has me drooling!!! I've never had cauli mash but have heard great things.

      Reply
    29. Unknown

      February 21, 2018 at 7:02 pm

      This looks so yummy! I wonder if I can trick my hubby into thinking it's really potatoes - haha!

      Reply
    30. Unknown

      March 03, 2018 at 7:11 am

      I turned my nose up quite a bit when you said you were putting lemon in this but color me intrigued!

      Savan vegas

      Reply

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