Go Back
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/4 cup sour cream, for tanginess - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces The main ingredients create a creamy base. Cauliflower serves as a low-carb alternative to potatoes. The garlic adds a pleasant zest, while cream cheese and sour cream give the dish its rich texture. Unsalted butter helps to enhance the flavor without making it too salty. - 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, for extra flavor - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish) Seasoning is key for flavor. Use salt and pepper to bring out the best in the cauliflower. Garlic powder adds a bit more punch. Chives not only add a pop of color but also a fresh taste. You can adjust salt and pepper to suit your palate. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Place a steamer basket over the pot and add the cauliflower florets. Cover with a lid and steam for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the florets to be fork-tender, which means they should break apart easily when you poke them with a fork. Avoid overcooking, as that can make the cauliflower mushy. While the cauliflower is steaming, melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir it often to keep it from burning. When it turns fragrant and slightly golden, you know it’s ready. Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so watch it closely. Once the cauliflower is tender, move it to a food processor. Add the sautéed garlic and butter, cream cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times for even mixing. If your mashed cauliflower is too thick, add a splash of milk or vegetable broth. Blend again until it reaches your desired creaminess. This step is key to getting the right texture, so don’t skip it! After blending, taste the mashed cauliflower. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to enhance the flavor. To serve, transfer the dish to a shallow bowl. For a nice touch, add a pat of butter on top and sprinkle with fresh chives. This not only looks great but adds a fresh flavor too. How to steam cauliflower perfectly To steam cauliflower well, start with a large pot of water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Place a steamer basket above the pot. Add the cauliflower florets. Cover it tightly with a lid. Steam the florets for 10-12 minutes. They should be fork-tender, not mushy. This method keeps the flavors and nutrients intact. Avoiding common mistakes A common mistake is overcooking cauliflower. This can make it soggy and lose flavor. Always check for doneness with a fork. If you find it too soft, it’s overcooked. Another mistake is not using enough water. Ensure there’s enough water in the pot to create steam. Suggested additional spices You can add spices to boost flavor. Consider adding smoked paprika for a nice twist. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also work well. Combining with other flavors for variety Mix in sautéed onions or mushrooms for depth. You can also fold in cooked bacon bits for a savory touch. Try adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness. These additions can take your dish to another level. Pairing ideas with main dishes Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower pairs well with many meals. It complements grilled chicken or fish nicely. You can serve it alongside beef or pork dishes too. Creative presentation techniques For a beautiful presentation, use a shallow bowl. Add a pat of butter that melts on top. Sprinkle chives for a pop of color. You can also use a decorative spoon for serving. This makes the dish more inviting and fun. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic, making your mashed cauliflower even more delicious. Don't Oversteam: Keep an eye on the cauliflower while steaming; overcooking can lead to a watery texture. Aim for fork-tender florets for the best results. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the flavors by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. {{image_4}} For a dairy-free version, swap out the cream cheese and sour cream with cashew cream or coconut cream. These give a nice texture without the dairy. You can also use plant-based butter to keep it vegan. For flavor, add nutritional yeast. It brings a cheesy taste that enhances the dish. For a keto-friendly dish, keep the cauliflower as the main ingredient. Replace sour cream with heavy cream. This keeps it low in carbs. You can also add more butter for richness, but watch your portion sizes. Stay mindful of your carb intake while enjoying this creamy dish. To mix things up, try adding cheese like Parmesan or cheddar. This adds a rich flavor that many love. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the taste. You can roast the cauliflower for a smoky flavor before mashing. This small change makes a big difference in taste. After you make creamy garlic mashed cauliflower, store it well for later. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Use containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials help preserve taste and texture. To freeze mashed cauliflower, let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. For best quality, use it within three months. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in a pot over low heat, stirring often. You can add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess. Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower stays fresh in the fridge for about three to five days. Look for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or odd texture. If you see any mold or it looks off, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! How do I make creamy mashed cauliflower without dairy? You can use a plant-based cream cheese. Look for brands that use cashews or soy. You can also try coconut milk or almond milk. These options keep it creamy and tasty. Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Yes! You can make creamy garlic mashed cauliflower ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. What can I use instead of cream cheese? You can try Greek yogurt or silken tofu. Both options add creaminess and a nice texture. They also bring some tang to the dish. Why is my mashed cauliflower watery? If it’s watery, you may have added too much liquid. Try blending less liquid or letting it cook longer to remove excess moisture. You can also add a little more cream cheese to thicken it up. How do I enhance the flavor if it tastes bland? Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can make a big difference, too. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the taste. Caloric content and health benefits Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower is lower in calories than mashed potatoes. One serving has about 100 calories. Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C and K. It also has fiber, which helps digestion. Comparing mashed cauliflower to traditional mashed potatoes Mashed cauliflower has fewer carbs than mashed potatoes. This makes it a great option for low-carb diets. Both dishes can be creamy and delicious, but cauliflower has more nutrients. This recipe for mashed cauliflower offers a tasty, healthy twist on a classic dish. We covered the essential ingredients like cauliflower, garlic, and cream cheese, plus tips for cooking and flavor adjustments. Consider variations for vegan or keto diets to suit your needs. Remember, storage and reheating can help you enjoy your leftovers. With these easy steps, you’ll create a delicious meal every time. Enjoy your cooking journey and share this recipe with friends!

Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A smooth and creamy alternative to mashed potatoes, infused with garlic and topped with fresh chives.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sour cream, for tanginess
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, for extra flavor
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, place a steamer basket over the pot and carefully add the cauliflower florets. Cover with a lid and steam for 10-12 minutes, or until the florets are fork-tender but not mushy.
  • While the cauliflower steams, melt the unsalted butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
  • Once the cauliflower is tender, transfer it directly into a food processor. To the cauliflower, add the sautéed garlic (including the butter), softened cream cheese, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Process the mixture until it reaches a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture. You may need to pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even blending.
  • If you find the mashed cauliflower too thick for your preference, simply add a splash of milk or vegetable broth. Blend again until the mixture is creamy and reaches your desired consistency.
  • After blending, taste the creamy garlic mashed cauliflower. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed to enhance the flavors.
  • Transfer the soft, velvety garlic mashed cauliflower to a beautifully shaped serving bowl. Top it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the dish in a shallow bowl and add a small pat of butter melting on top.
Keyword cauliflower, creamy, garlic, mashed, vegetarian