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    Home > Recipes > Easy recipes

    Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

    November 2, 2020 by bobbiskozykitchen Leave a Comment

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    Pinterest pin for Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower.

    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.

    Transform your dinner table with this Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower! Creamy, buttery, and infused with sweet roasted garlic, this low-carb side dish delivers all the comfort of traditional mashed potatoes with just 4 net carbs per serving. Whether you're making a holiday feast or a quick weeknight dinner, this easy recipe proves that cauliflower can be absolutely crave-worthy. Even potato lovers won't believe it's not the real thing!

    Overhead view of Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower in a bowl with chopped chives.

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    Why You'll Love This Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

    • Better Than Mashed Potatoes: Experience the ultimate comfort food upgrade! Sweet roasted garlic and creamy cream cheese transform simple cauliflower into a dish that rivals traditional mashed potatoes. Even non-keto family members request this version over the original!
    • Perfect Make-Ahead Side: This mashed cauliflower reheats beautifully, unlike traditional mashed potatoes that can get gummy when stored. Make a big batch and freeze portions for easy weeknight sides, or prep ahead for stress-free holiday entertaining.
    • Budget-Friendly and Versatile: Create a restaurant-worthy side dish using simple ingredients you probably already have. The neutral canvas of cauliflower takes on whatever flavors you add, making it perfect for customizing to your taste while keeping carbs in check.
    In This Post
    • 🥘Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Ingredient Notes
    • 🔪How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
    • Storing and Reheating Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
    • 💭My Recipe Tips
    • FAQ about Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
    • 🍽️Serving Suggestions
    • More Delicious Cauliflower Recipes...
    • Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
    • Food safety

    Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: The Side Dish That Makes You Forget About Potatoes! 🥔

    Let's address the elephant in the room right away - yes, this is cauliflower, not potatoes. But before you scroll past, let me tell you why this Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower might just become your new favorite side dish. I could literally face-plant into this creamy bowl of goodness - that's how amazing it is!

    As someone who cooks for a family that isn't strictly low-carb, I understand the skepticism. They go along with my keto cooking adventures mainly because I'm the one doing the cooking! While they usually enjoy my low-carb creations, there's often a lingering desire for the traditional carb-heavy version. But this recipe? It's different. They actually look forward to it and request it specifically!

    The secret to this Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower lies in two game-changing ingredients. First, sweet roasted garlic transforms the entire dish with its rich, mellow flavor. Yes, it takes a little time to roast, but it's completely hands-off and absolutely worth the wait. Second, a touch of cream cheese adds that perfect creamy richness that makes this dish irresistible.

    The best part? This cauliflower freezes beautifully unlike traditional mashed potatoes, which can get lumpy and strange when stored. I always make a full batch, even though I'm only cooking for two, and freeze portions in individual containers. Just pop them in the microwave when needed for an easy weeknight side that tastes freshly made.

    🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸

    🥘Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Ingredient Notes

    Here, I explain the best ingredients for my Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact measurements, see the recipe card below.

    Ingredients for Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower on a wooden cutting board.
    • Fresh Cauliflower: Choose firm, white heads without brown spots. Substitution: Frozen cauliflower can work but may be a bit watery.
    • Roasted Garlic: Creates sweet, mellow garlic flavor throughout. Substitution: Garlic powder in a pinch, but roasted garlic gives the best flavor.
    • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps with texture. Substitution: Mascarpone for extra richness, or omit for a dairy-free version.
    • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, buttery flavor. Substitution: Salted butter works. Adjust added salt.
    • Heavy Cream: Helps achieve perfect mashed potato consistency. Substitution: Half and half works but increases carbs slightly.
    • Pink Salt: Enhances flavors while providing minerals needed on keto. Substitution: Regular sea salt works but lacks mineral benefits.
    • Fresh Chives: Adds color and fresh flavor. Substitution: Green onions or parsley work well too.

    The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.

    🔪How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

    I have included a few step-by-step photos to help you visualize the recipe. The recipe card below provides the full instructions, including amounts and temperatures.

    Overhead view of chopped cauliflower in a large pot with salted water on a wooden table.

    Place cauliflower florets in a large pot of salted water.

    Chopped cauliflower that has been boiled and drained in a colander on a wooden table surrounded by all of the other ingredients for the recipe.

    Drain cauliflower well.

    Overhead view of the boiled cauliflower, roasted garlic, cream cheese, and butter in the bowl of a food processor sitting on a wooden table.

    Place the ingredients in a food processor.

    Overhead view of boiled cauliflower, roasted garlic, cream cheese, butter, and salt and pepper after it has been processed to a smooth consitancy in a food processor.

    Process until smooth.

    Storing and Reheating Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

    Storage Instructions:

    1. Refrigerator Storage:
      • Keep it in an airtight container
      • Lasts 4-5 days
      • Store any extra butter/chives separately
    2. Freezer Storage:
      • Portion into freezer-safe containers
      • Freezes up to 3 months
      • Label with date
      • Leave room for expansion

    Reheating Instructions:

    1. From Refrigerated:
      • Microwave: Heat 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway
      • Stovetop: Heat in a pan with a splash of cream
      • Add fresh butter when serving
    2. From Frozen:
      • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
      • Remove lid and microwave for 5 minutes
      • Stir well
      • Heat additional 1-2 minutes if needed
    A glass serving bowl with silver handles containing roasted garlic mashed cauliflower sitting on a wooden table with silverware and salt and pepper shakers next to the bowl. There is a white serving spoon holding a scoop of the mashed cauliflower above the bowl.

    💭My Recipe Tips

    1. Perfect Cauliflower Prep: Cut florets to uniform size for even cooking. Don't skip salting the water - it flavors from within.

    2. Prevent Watery Results: Drain cauliflower extremely well. Let it sit in a colander for a few extra minutes to release steam.

    3. Roasted Garlic Success: Make roasted garlic ahead - it keeps well in the fridge. Roast extra heads for other recipes.

    4. Temperature Matters: Let cream cheese and butter come to room temperature for the smoothest results.

    5. Smooth Success: For the silkiest results, make sure cauliflower is fork-tender before processing and all ingredients are at room temperature.

    FAQ about Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

    Why is my mashed cauliflower watery?

    This usually happens if cauliflower isn't drained well enough. After boiling, drain thoroughly and let steam evaporate for a few minutes. You can also return drained cauliflower to the hot pot for 1-2 minutes to help remove excess moisture.

    Can I make this mashed cauliflower ahead for the holidays?

    Absolutely! Make up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze for longer storage. It reheats beautifully - better than traditional mashed potatoes. Perfect for stress-free holiday prep.

    My family hates cauliflower - will they really eat this?

    Most people who "hate" cauliflower love this dish! The roasted garlic and cream cheese transform it completely. Many readers report their families prefer it to regular mashed potatoes.

    🍽️Serving Suggestions

    Holiday Meals

    Perfect alongside turkey, ham, or prime rib. The roasted garlic complements any protein while keeping carbs low.

    Weeknight Dinners

    Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. The make-ahead option makes this perfect for busy nights.

    Gravy Vessel

    Use as a base for any keto gravy. The flavors complement without overwhelming.

    Customization Ideas

    Add extra cheese, different herbs, or roasted vegetables for variety. The neutral base works with many flavors.

    Overhead view of roasted garlic mashed cauliflower on a white plate smothered in keto turkey gravy.

    More Delicious Cauliflower Recipes...

    • German Cauliflower Salad in a glass bowl on a white counter with a red and white gingham towel next to it and fresh parsley in the background.
      German Cauliflower Salad
    • Ham fried cauliflower rice in a white bowl with wooden chopsticks.
      Ham Fried Cauliflower Rice
    • Deviled egg cauliflower salad in white ramekins on a wooden table.
      Deviled Egg Cauliflower Salad
    • Easy keto cauliflower cheese soup being poured from a silver ladle into a white bowl on a wooden table.
      Easy Cauliflower Cheese Soup
    Overhead view of a glass serving bowl with silver handles full of roasted garlic mashed cauliflower on a wooden table.

    Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

    Transform your dinner table with this Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower! Creamy, buttery, and infused with sweet roasted garlic, this low-carb side dish delivers all the comfort of traditional mashed potatoes with just 4 net carbs per serving.
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    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Draining/Steaming 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10
    Calories 194 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large pot
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • colander
    • food processor

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 medium cauliflower cut into florets
    • 1 head roasted garlic
    • 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
    • 1 stick unsalted butter cubed
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • pink salt
    • cracked black pepper
    • Fresh chopped chives optional
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Place cauliflower florets in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 7 minutes, or until fork-tender.
    • Drain cauliflower well.
    • Place the remaining ingredients in a food processor (can do in batches) and process until smooth.
    • Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
    • Top mashed cauliflower with a pat of butter and chopped chives.

    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: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 384mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 610IUVitamin C: 56mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword 10 ingredients or less, 30 minutes or less, american, cauliflower, Christmas, easy recipes, freezer friendly, gluten-free, grain-free, Holiday, Keto, kid friendly, Low Carb, meal prep, side dish, Sugar-Free, Thanksgiving, vegetarian
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food safety

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • 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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    Welcome! It is so nice to meet you. My name is Bobbi. I am the Mom of 2 great kids, and Nana to 3 amazing littles. I share my home in the beautiful PNW with my husband Kevin, and 2 furbabies, a Pyrador named Sia, and a Boxer/GSD Mix named Hawk..

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