Looking for a creamy, delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes? Try this creamy garlic mashed cauliflower recipe! It’s simple to make with just a few ingredients like cauliflower, garlic, and cream cheese. This dish is not only comforting but also healthy and perfect for any meal.
1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ cup cream cheese (or your preferred dairy-free alternative)
¼ cup unsalted butter (or plant-based butter for a vegan option)
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, or substitute with vegan cheese)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for added depth of flavor
Fresh chives or parsley for an aromatic garnish
![To make creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, you will need: - 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - ½ cup cream cheese (or your preferred dairy-free alternative) - ¼ cup unsalted butter (or plant-based butter for a vegan option) - ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, or substitute with vegan cheese) - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for added depth of flavor - Fresh chives or parsley for an aromatic garnish Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. You can add: - Extra garlic for a stronger flavor - Other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist - Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for added aroma - Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy - Cauliflower florets can be replaced with other veggies like broccoli Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower is not just tasty; it also has some great nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving: - Calories: Approximately 180 - Protein: 4g - Fat: 15g - Carbohydrates: 8g - Fiber: 3g This dish is lower in carbs than traditional mashed potatoes, making it a smart choice for many diets. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals from the cauliflower. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. First, gather your ingredients. You will need 1 large head of cauliflower, 4 cloves of garlic, ½ cup cream cheese, ¼ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (if desired), salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Next, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully add the cauliflower florets. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want them to be fork-tender. Once the cauliflower is tender, drain it using a colander. Return the drained cauliflower to the pot you used to cook it. While the cauliflower cooks, prepare the garlic butter. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it melts, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. You want it fragrant and golden but not burnt. This step is key. The garlic adds a rich flavor that makes the dish special. After draining the cauliflower, pour the garlic butter mixture over it. Then, add the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. To achieve a creamy texture, use an immersion blender. Blend until it is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can use a food processor for a silkier finish. Taste your mashed cauliflower. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. For the full recipe, refer to the beginning of this article. When preparing cauliflower, freshness matters. Look for a large head with firm florets. Avoid any spots or soft areas. Start by cutting it into small, even florets. This helps it cook evenly. Always rinse the florets under cold water to remove dirt. If you want a quicker cook time, you can steam them instead of boiling. To get a creamy texture, draining is key. After boiling, make sure to drain the cauliflower well. Excess water can make it watery. Using an immersion blender gives you control. It helps you reach the desired smoothness without over-blending. If you prefer a richer flavor, add more cream cheese or butter during blending. Garlic is the star here, so use fresh cloves. Sauté them carefully to avoid burning. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for more depth. For a twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice. This brightens the dish nicely. Finally, don’t skip the smoked paprika; it adds a unique flavor that sets this dish apart. Remember, for the full recipe, check out the complete details to create this creamy garlic mashed cauliflower. {{image_4}} You can easily make creamy garlic mashed cauliflower vegan. Instead of cream cheese, use a dairy-free cream cheese. This option keeps the dish rich and smooth. For butter, try plant-based butter. Both swaps help maintain flavor and texture. You can boost flavor in many ways. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary gives a nice touch. For a spicy kick, try a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you want cheesy goodness, sprinkle in nutritional yeast. You can also use vegan cheese to keep it plant-based. Each addition changes the taste without losing the creamy base. Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside roasted chicken or a hearty steak. It also works great with grilled vegetables for a lighter meal. For a cozy night in, add it to a warm bowl of soup. You can enjoy it as a side or make it the star of your meal. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, let it cool down. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. Store the container in the fridge. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. To reheat, scoop the mashed cauliflower into a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it moist. Heat in the microwave for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just place it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often until it’s warmed through. If you want to freeze your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand when frozen. It can stay good in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned before. This way, you’ll have a tasty dish ready whenever you want! For the full recipe, check out the recipe section. What is creamy garlic mashed cauliflower? Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower is a smooth, flavorful side dish. It uses cauliflower instead of potatoes. This dish is lower in carbs, making it a great alternative. How do I make it taste more garlicky? Add extra minced garlic during cooking. You can also roast the garlic for a sweeter taste. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes! Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese. You can also skip the cheese or use vegan cheese. Why is my mashed cauliflower watery? This happens if you do not drain the cauliflower well. Make sure to drain it fully before blending. What if my mixture is too thick? If it is too thick, add a bit of milk or vegetable broth. Blend again until you reach the desired creaminess. How do I fix lumpy mashed cauliflower? If you see lumps, blend it longer. An immersion blender works well for this. This recipe serves four people. Each serving is about one cup. If you have leftovers, they make a great side for lunch or dinner. Enjoy creamy garlic mashed cauliflower warm for the best flavor. You can find the full recipe in the previous section. Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower is a great dish. It uses simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make it easy. I shared tips to get the creamiest texture and added flavor ideas. You can even find vegan options! Proper storage and reheating are key for leftovers too. Try this recipe and enjoy its smooth texture and rich flavor. With a few tweaks and tips, you can make it just right. Now, get cooking and impress your friends and family with this tasty side dish!](https://sweetsavorysaga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/df9aefd4-ec61-4bd1-8127-1e6fde09d000-300x300.webp)