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!
Join my newsletter and never miss a recipe!
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.
- 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.
Place cauliflower florets in a large pot of salted water.
Drain cauliflower well.
Place the ingredients in a food processor.
Process until smooth.
Storing and Reheating Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator Storage:
- Keep it in an airtight container
- Lasts 4-5 days
- Store any extra butter/chives separately
- Freezer Storage:
- Portion into freezer-safe containers
- Freezes up to 3 months
- Label with date
- Leave room for expansion
Reheating Instructions:
- From Refrigerated:
- Microwave: Heat 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan with a splash of cream
- Add fresh butter when serving
- From Frozen:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Remove lid and microwave for 5 minutes
- Stir well
- Heat additional 1-2 minutes if needed
💭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
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.
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.
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.
More Delicious Cauliflower Recipes...
Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
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
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
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.
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!!
Thank you for reading and supporting the companies I partner with. Doing so allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you.
Leave a Reply