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- 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets - 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk) - 2 tablespoons butter - Salt & pepper - Fresh chives or parsley for garnish - Olive oil - Additional herbs or spices Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for your creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower. Start with a large head of cauliflower. Cut it into florets. This gives you a nice base for your dish. Next, grab six cloves of garlic. Leave them unpeeled for roasting; this keeps the flavor rich and sweet. You’ll also need 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese to add creaminess. Almond milk, or regular milk, helps blend everything together. Use 1/2 cup. Butter brings an extra layer of richness. You’ll want salt and pepper for seasoning. Fresh chives or parsley make a lovely garnish. They add color and a fresh taste. For extra flavor, think about optional add-ins. A drizzle of olive oil can enhance the taste. You can also use different herbs or spices to make it your own. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a delightful, creamy texture. Enjoy the process of gathering them! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the garlic become soft and sweet. Take six unpeeled garlic cloves and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over the cloves. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they smell amazing and feel soft. While the garlic roasts, grab a large pot. Fill it with salted water and bring it to a boil. Next, chop your large head of cauliflower into florets. Once the water is boiling, add the cauliflower. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want the florets to be tender. Use a fork to check for doneness. If it’s easy to poke through, it’s ready. After draining the cauliflower, return it to the pot. Now, peel the roasted garlic cloves and add them to the pot with the cauliflower. Add 1/4 cup of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of almond milk, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash everything together. Keep mashing until you get a creamy texture. If it feels too thick, add more almond milk. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, topped with fresh chives or parsley. To get creamy mashed cauliflower, the right milk is key. You can use unsweetened almond milk or regular milk. Start with half a cup and add more if you need. This helps reach your desired smoothness. I like to use an immersion blender for a super creamy texture. A potato masher works too, but it may take longer. Adding spices can make this dish pop. Try a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. You can also mix in some herbs like thyme or rosemary. Want to add more veggies? Try blending in steamed carrots or broccoli for a colorful twist. Serve your creamy mashed cauliflower hot and fluffy. It pairs well with roasted chicken or grilled steak. You can even use it as a base for a savory mushroom sauce. For a pretty finish, top with fresh chives or parsley. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Always select a firm, unblemished head of cauliflower for the best flavor and texture. Roast Garlic for Depth: Roasting the garlic adds a sweeter, more complex flavor compared to raw garlic. Adjust Creaminess: Modify the amount of almond milk or cream cheese based on your desired consistency; start with less and add more as needed. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh herbs like chives or parsley not only enhance the dish visually but also add a burst of flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish dairy-free. Instead of cream cheese and butter, try using vegan cream cheese and coconut oil. Both options give it a creamy texture. You can also explore nut-based creams for more flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount of almond milk. You want it creamy but not too runny. Want to change things up? Add roasted red peppers to the mix. They give a beautiful color and a sweet taste. You can also use different herbs. Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can add a nice twist. Experiment with what you love. Each herb adds its unique flavor. If you want a smoother finish, blend the cauliflower longer. An immersion blender works great for this. For even more flavor, mix in nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy taste without dairy. Adjust the texture with more almond milk if needed. The key is to find what you enjoy best. To store leftovers, place the mashed cauliflower in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it first. This helps keep it fresh. The shelf life in the fridge is about three days. The best way to reheat is on the stove. This keeps the texture creamy. Use low heat and stir often. A microwave works too, but it may dry out the dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to help keep moisture. For freezing, pack the mashed cauliflower in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It will stay good for about two months. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave, but heat it gently to avoid losing texture. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the mashed cauliflower and store it in a tight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, reheat it on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of almond milk to keep it creamy. This makes meal prep easy and saves time. To prevent watery mashed cauliflower, use these tips: - Drain the cauliflower well after cooking. - Avoid adding too much milk at once. - Use a potato masher instead of a blender, which can add air and moisture. These steps will help you achieve a thick and creamy texture without excess water. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, consider these options: - Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. - Silken tofu for a dairy-free choice. - Cashew cream for a nut-based option. These alternatives work well and still give you that creamy texture. This article shared how to make delicious mashed cauliflower. We covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Mashed cauliflower is a tasty, healthy choice. It fits well with many meals. Use this guide to make your mash smooth and flavorful. Enjoy your cooking!

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A delicious and creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, infused with roasted garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh chives or parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place the unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet, and drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
  • While the garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until tender.
  • Drain the cauliflower and then return it to the pot. Peel the roasted garlic cloves and add them to the cauliflower.
  • Add the cream cheese, almond milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the cauliflower and garlic mixture.
  • Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash the cauliflower until it reaches a creamy consistency. Adjust the texture with more almond milk if needed.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh chives or parsley.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Keyword cauliflower, garlic, mashed, vegetarian