Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Garlic Mashed Cauliflower may be healthier than mashed potatoes, but I promise it tastes just as good! You won’t regret making this garlic mashed cauliflower–missing out on calories and gaining all the flavor! This healthy side dish will be your new favorite recipe.

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

What’s in this Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower Recipe?

You’re probably wondering how to make cauliflower into mashed potatoes… Because that sounds crazy, right? A healthy vegetable turned into a creamy mash with the taste and texture of potatoes? It is so possible and so good. And of course, it’s easy too, so that’s a win.

  • Cauliflower: The magic ingredient that blends up into a creamy mash!
  • Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Helps create a creamy texture that more closely resembles classic mashed potatoes.
  • Salted Butter: Adds that rich buttery taste we love!
  • Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor and a pungent aroma.
  • Rosemary: Adds a fresh herbal flavor that balances the garlic.

Pro Tip: Make sure to cut the cauliflower into equal-sized pieces so it all cooks through completely. This will help create the creamiest mash.

Variations on Mashed Cauliflower

This cauliflower mash recipe is so versatile! You can swap out the rosemary for any fresh herb, like parsley, sage, or thyme. Plus, you can add cheese, and you know how much I love cheese! Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, provolone, or Swiss are all great cheeses to add. Simply grate them into the warm mash and stir until melted!

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

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Does mashed cauliflower really taste like mashed potatoes?

Cauliflower has an earthy and nutty flavor that’s slightly more complex than potatoes, but it’s pretty darn close!

How do you keep mashed cauliflower from being watery?

It’s important to drain the cauliflower well before blending it to remove excess water. But if it’s still watery, try adding a slurry made from 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1-2 tablespoons of cold water and cook for a few minutes to thicken.

What do you add to cauliflower to thicken mash?

We add cream cheese to this recipe to make it nice and thick, but if you find that you’d like your mash even thicker, try adding the cornstarch slurry from above.

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy?

If your cauliflower is grainy, it’s likely that some of the florets were undercooked. Be sure to cut the cauliflower into equal-sized florets to ensure it all cooks at the same rate. This will ensure a smooth final result.

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover mashed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pot set over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring frequently, until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze this cauliflower in individual portions in Ziplock bags for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this garlic mashed cauliflower with anything you’d serve traditional potatoes with! Beef tenderloin, honey baked ham, baked Caesar chicken, herb crusted salmon, Parmesan crusted tilapia, and smoked turkey breast are some of my favorites! Add a side of roasted vegetables or a spinach berry salad for a rounded meal.

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5-Star Review

“Oh my goodness these came out amazing! I’ve been looking for a way to make cauliflower mashed with a creamier texture and this was it! Thank you!” – Lisa R.

Recipe

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

4.59 from 81 votes

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 2 minutes minutes

Total: 22 minutes minutes

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Serves4

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Learn how to make cauliflower "mashed potatoes" for a healthier side with all the flavor. This Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe won't disappoint!

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Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower chopped into small florets
  • 3 ounces low-fat cream cheese (⅜ brick)
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
  • teaspoons minced garlic sautéed if you aren't buying it already prepared
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary optional

Instructions

  • Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Once boiling, cook the cauliflower for 8-10 minutes or until fork tender. Remove and drain cauliflower.

    1 head cauliflower

    Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

  • Place cauliflower along with all other ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy.

    3 ounces low-fat cream cheese, 2 tablespoons salted butter, 1½ teaspoons minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

    Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Cut the cauliflower as evenly as possible so that all of the florets cook at the same rate.
  • Be sure to let the cauliflower fully drain before blending.
  • If you want to make them even lower in calories and healthier, you can sub in Greek yogurt or vegan butter. Lots of options to make these your own.

Storage:Store mashed cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 148kcal (7%) Carbohydrates: 13g (4%) Protein: 6g (12%) Fat: 10g (15%) Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.2g Cholesterol: 27mg (9%) Sodium: 185mg (8%) Potassium: 690mg (20%) Fiber: 4g (17%) Sugar: 5g (6%) Vitamin A: 307IU (6%) Vitamin C: 102mg (124%) Calcium: 83mg (8%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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More Cauliflower Recipes We Love

  • Cheesy Cauliflower au Gratin
  • Cauliflower Fried Rice
  • Loaded Cauliflower Bake
  • Roasted Cauliflower with Chimichurri

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Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep mashed cauliflower from being watery? ›

Using less water prevents the cauliflower from getting waterlogged. Boil until tender. This will take about 10 minutes or so. Sautéeing the cauliflower first helps it cook faster once the water is added to the pot.

How to make cauliflower puree Gordon Ramsay? ›

Remove the cauliflower stalks and cut them into small pieces. Heat the butter and milk in a pan and stew the cauliflower in it until softened. Add the cream and return to a high temperature. Immediately strain and liquidise the cauliflower then season and pass through a fine chinois.

What do you add to cauliflower to thicken mash? ›

You can add a litle softened cream cheese to the pot in the final step and stir until melted. Or you can add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. Be sure to whisk it in well when the mashed cauliflower is hot. You don't need more than about ¼ teaspoon per head of cauliflower.

Does Bob Evans make cauliflower mashed potatoes? ›

Whether you are looking for a side dish, center-of-the-plate item or simply an alternative to starch replacement, Bob Evans Mashed Cauliflower is a perfect choice each time. Bob Evans Parmesan & Chives Mashed Cauliflower is easily prepared in the microwave - ready to eat in 5-6 minutes.

Why do you soak cauliflower in salt water? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

Why do you add milk to boiled cauliflower? ›

Adding milk to the water will help the cauliflower keep its white color and will sweeten the flavor of the cauliflower. Bring water to a boil and add the cauliflower pieces. Allow the water to return to a boil and gently boil for 3 to 5 minutes.

How do you firm up mashed cauliflower? ›

Here are some popular options:
  1. Cream or Milk: Incorporate heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk to add creaminess to mashed cauliflower. Gradually add small amounts until you achieve the desired thickness.
  2. Butter: Butter contributes richness and helps achieve a smoother texture. ...
  3. Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream:
Apr 11, 2023

Why is my baked cauliflower mushy? ›

If you cut all the way through the floret, you're cutting through the cell structure of the curd — and when you cook it, that part will get mushy. Easier still: Place the larger florets on a baking sheet, sprinkle with a little olive oil and roast them.

How do you make cauliflower not gross? ›

What can I do to make cauliflower taste better? boil in vegetable broth and herbs you like,or make a cheddar cheese sauce or any other cheese you like to pour on the cauliflower. try roasting in oven with barbecue sauce.

Why is my cauliflower mash grainy? ›

Recipe Tips and Tricks

When you're cooking your cauliflower florets, make sure they're fork-tender before removing them from the pot. If the cauliflower isn't cooked long enough, it can make your mashed cauliflower grainy.

How long is mashed cauliflower good for? ›

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat perfectly in the microwave! You could also reheat them in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven. Tip: Because this mashed cauliflower reheats so well, it's a great recipe to make ahead for Thanksgiving.

Why does cauliflower fill you up? ›

As a good source of fiber, cauliflower slows digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. This may help reduce the number of calories you eat throughout the day, an important factor in weight control ( 2 , 9 ). High water content is another weight loss-friendly aspect of cauliflower.

Why is mashed cauliflower good for you? ›

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower is a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Primarily due to the carbs. 1 cup of raw cauliflower has 5g of carbohydrates; where 1 cup of raw white potatoes has 12g.

What is the liquid in Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes? ›

Made with fresh real potatoes, butter, and milk, Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes tastes like homemade.

Does mashed cauliflower taste like potatoes? ›

Cauliflower is a fairly bland vegetable and so it easily replaces the classic mashed potato. It's not as starchy but it has a similar thick consistency. The added garlic powder and cheese makes this such a tasty side everyone will love!

How do you get water out of riced cauliflower? ›

The best way to deal with the liquid is to put the riced cauliflower in a covered microwave-safe dish, heat it thoroughly to get all the liquid out of it you can, then drain it. If you have to cook it on the stovetop, add as little water as possible and stir frequently to keep it from sticking to the pan.

How do you make runny mashed thicker? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

How do you puree cauliflower to thicken soup? ›

But how can you achieve an indulgent, thick texture using only vegetables? Frugal Cooking recommends adding cauliflower, which provides a silky texture without all the fat found in cream. Just blend cooked cauliflower with your broth and add the mixture to your soup.

How can I thicken my cauliflower soup? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

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