Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Mash: Low-Carb Comfort Food in Minutes
Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Mash – A Perfect Low-Carb Side Dish
Looking for a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes? This creamy cauliflower mash is the perfect solution! With rich garlic flavors and a velvety texture, you won’t believe you’re eating vegetables instead of potatoes.
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Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Mash Recipe
This cauliflower purée is not just a healthy alternative—it’s a star side dish in its own right! Perfect for keto and low-carb diets, this buttery cauliflower side dish delivers all the comfort of traditional mashed potatoes with a fraction of the carbs.
- Low-carb: Only 8g of carbs per serving (4g net carbs)
- Quick to make: Ready in just 25 minutes
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with chicken, beef, or fish
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this creamy side
Ingredients for the Perfect Cauliflower Mash
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot with steamer insert or steamer basket
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
How to Make the Best Cauliflower Mash
- Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly and cut it into small, even florets for faster cooking.
- Set up your steamer by placing the steamer insert into a saucepan and filling with water just below the bottom of the steamer.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then add the cauliflower florets to the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the cauliflower steams, melt the butter in a small pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown it.
- Transfer the steamed cauliflower to a food processor or blender. Add the garlic-butter mixture, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream.
- Process until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and garnish with fresh chives.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cauliflower Mash
- Dry your cauliflower: After steaming, let the cauliflower sit in the colander for a minute to release excess moisture. This prevents watery mash!
- Roasted garlic option: For deeper flavor, use roasted garlic instead of sautéed.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute the butter with more olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Texture control: For chunkier mash, pulse rather than puree continuously.
Variations on Classic Cauliflower Mash
Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Transform this into a loaded side dish by topping with crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, and green onions!
Herb-Infused Cauliflower Purée
Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic twist on the classic recipe.
Spicy Cauliflower Mash
Mix in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of horseradish for a dish with some heat.
Storing and Reheating Your Cauliflower Mash
This cauliflower side dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or butter to refresh the texture.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 98 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
What to Serve with Cauliflower Mash
This versatile side pairs beautifully with almost any main dish:
- Grilled steak or roast beef
- Baked or roasted chicken
- Seared salmon or white fish
- Lamb chops or roast
- As a base for hearty stews or gravy
FAQs About Cauliflower Mash
Can I make cauliflower mash ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Why is my cauliflower mash watery?
This typically happens when the cauliflower retains too much moisture. Make sure to drain it well after steaming, or try roasting the cauliflower instead.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Thaw and drain thoroughly before steaming to remove excess water.
Is cauliflower mash keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 4g net carbs per serving, this is a perfect keto side dish.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this garlic cauliflower mash is sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying that you might just prefer it to traditional mashed potatoes!
Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Mash
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly and cut it into small, even florets for faster cooking.
- Set up your steamer by placing the steamer insert into a saucepan and filling with water just below the bottom of the steamer.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then add the cauliflower florets to the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the cauliflower steams, melt the butter in a small pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown it.
- Transfer the steamed cauliflower to a food processor or blender. Add the garlic-butter mixture, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream.
- Process until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and garnish with fresh chives.
Nutrition
Recipe inspired by: Allrecipes – Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
