Imagine having a nice big serving of mashed potatoes but with a quarter of the calories. Now you can with creamy garlic mashed cauliflower! That’s right, cauliflower.
I had heard and read about cauliflower mashed potatoes for a while before I decided to attempt to make it myself. And believe me, I was the biggest skeptic of all! How is it possible that a boring vegetable such as a cauliflower can live up to the delicious potato in its amazing creamy mashed form? Well, it does. It just does.
I mean just look at it! It looks identical to mashed potatoes. But the main question is what about the taste? Well, you will be pleasantly surprised that when taking a bite, you can barely tell the difference in both texture and taste. Of course, it is slightly different but the difference is minuscule enough to pass for the real thing!
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So what is the point of using cauliflower instead of potatoes? Well cauliflower is way healthier for you! Potatoes are starchy and full of carbs and contain 4 times the amount of calories than that in the same serving of cauliflower. That is enough for me to make the switch! Also, unlike potatoes, cauliflower cooks fast! That means, you can have this side dish ready to serve in about 20 minutes!
So what has to be done in those 20 minutes. Let’s break it down. All you need to do is add the cauliflower to a pot of boiling salted water. Turn down the heat to medium, cover and cook for 15 minutes. In the meantime, you can heat the butter and sauté the garlic for a couple of minutes. This is optional. You could skip the sautéing and add the butter and raw garlic directly into your food processor in the next step. However, I highly recommend doing this step. When you sauté the garlic, it brings out an amazing flavour that you just don’t get when it is raw. It also infuses the garlic flavour into the butter which takes it to a whole ‘nother level.
Once the cauliflower is cooked, simply drain and add it to your food processor, along with the rest of the ingredients. Puree for a minute or two and voila! You have yourself some delicious and healthy creamy garlic cauliflower mash. Serve it hot and garnish with some chives or rosemary on top.
I will definitely be making this regularly but I seriously can’t wait until next Thanksgiving! I know it is so far away but I am excited to see if I can fool my guests 🙂
Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Prep Time: 5 mins- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Imagine having a nice big serving of mashed potatoes but with a quarter of the calories. Now you can with creamy garlic mashed cauliflower!
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped into quarters
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- chives or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the cauliflower florets and turn the heat down to medium. Cook covered for 15 minutes until cauliflower is soft and tender.
- Meanwhile, heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Saute the garlic for about 2 minutes until soft. Set aside.
- When the cauliflower is cooked, remove from heat and drain.
- In a food processor, add the cooked cauliflower, sautéed garlic and the butter it was cooked in, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Puree until smooth.
- Serve hot and sprinkle some chives or rosemary on top.
I have become the Cauliflower Mash Pro and my low-carbers at work love when I make it! I always roast frozen cauliflower with some fresh minced garlic and seasoning. Therefore, no need to drain or strain out the water with a cheesecloth. Add a little bit of cream or milk at a time while blending for your desired thickness and creaminess. Don’t have to worry about a soupy mash with this method. I think cauliflower mash is one of the best low-carb discoveries ever!
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I didn’t think cauliflower could make me say wow, but … Wow. This was seriously good as written. Excellent recipe, thank you for sharing!
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This was awesome! I looked at dozens of recipes before deciding on this one; boy did I make a good choice. Followed the recipe with the exception of using half and half instead of the skim milk I had on hand. I had mashed cauliflower at a friend’s home and was pretty unimpressed, she obviously did not use this recipe. This is a keeper!!
Can this be made ahead and reheated next day?
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Hi Sharon, this recipe does taste best if made on the day, but yes you can make this a day in advance. On the day, however, you may need to re-puree the ingredients with a touch of melted butter to get it to the right consistency again. Enjoy!
Ok, thanks!
Tried this recipe once and the whole family loved it!! Wondering how it would be if prepared one day in advance and reheated in oven or microwave? (Trying to cut down on last minute prep for Easter dinner). Thx!
I’m officially obsessed. I’m not a cauliflower lover and don’t care for my veggies cooked but these were out of this world. I challenge you to pass these off as mashed potatoes to your loved ones! Your picky eaters will be asking, “More potatoes please!”
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Made this for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised with how good it was! I even had my husband try it and he said “If you wouldn’t have told me this was cauliflower I wouldn’t have known”. Thats a win in my book 🙂
I LOVE mashed cauliflower! This could easily be made vegan so yay I’ll have to try it soon 🙂
Yum mashed cauliflower has never been on my radar. Until now 🙂 Thanks for posting your recipe!
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That sounds like the best idea ever! I’ll definitely try 🙂
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From these photos, you’d never guess that wasn’t a delicious bowl of mashed potatoes! I’m always looking for tasty ways to cut carbs, so I’m definitely going to give this recipe a try.
These look so much like mashed potatoes it’s incredible. I’m trying to watch my carbs, and this recipe looks like the perfect potato alternative. Thanks for sharing!
Just made this dish for dinner tonight…they are unbelievable! I was definitely one of the skeptics, but they are fluffy and flavorful; virtually indistinguishable from potatoes. Thanks so much for the recipe! We are cali-converts ?
You are most welcome, Natasha!! So happy to have converted you 🙂
WOW! i made this and it was so yummy!
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That looks delish. I’ve done cauli rice, cauli cous cous and cauli pizza base. Mash has always been soggy but I will give this recipe a whirl. thanks.
Thanks, Shelly! Let me know how you like the recipe!
Utterly delicious, can’t wait to try this!
Thanks, Jo! Enjoy!
my husband and I just tried this tonight. he was skeptical…but then he tried a bite. we were both amazed! literally tasted just like real mashed potatoes! 🙂 so so good. just had to say thanks for the recipe! definitely will become a weekly staple at our house.
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You are most welcome, Keegan! I am so glad you guys like it! I wasn’t lying when I said they taste like the real thing 😀
YUM!
I have heard of this and I bet it tastes very good… wonderful, thank you 🙂
Thank you! And thanks for dropping by 🙂
Such an easy recipe and looks like the perfect replacement for mashed potatoes.
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Thanks, Ali! It is so good, you will love it 🙂
My wife did a little dance when I made this dish for her 🙂
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Hahaha that’s awesome! LOVED the photo on instagram, it turned out amazing! 🙂
I don’t eat too much cauliflower but have always been curious about it’s versality. Would definitely want to give it a try . Thanks for sharing!!!
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No problem! I am glad you like the recipe 🙂
Seriously, this looks so good. My kids may even try this!
I’ve got to try this since I no longer eat white potatoes, This looks easy and delicious!
Yes! It is an amazing alternative to potatoes 🙂
One of our favorites! Started making this when my husband and I went on the South Beach Diet and now it’s one of our favorites. Don’t even miss the mashed potatoes!
I know, right?! 🙂
I love mashed cauliflower! It tastes so much like potatoes and is always a nice change!
I know, right? 🙂
I’ve heard of mashed cauliflower but never tried it. I see so many cauliflower recipes too. Definitely printing this one.
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Thanks for the share, Maggie! Enjoy 🙂
I love cauliflower mash, and this one sounds amazing! I actually served mine at Thanksgiving just gone, and it was a huge hit 🙂 Delicious!
Thanks, Donna! I can’t wait to serve it this Thanksgiving 🙂
I love this idea. We absolutely love roared garlic and I think it would complement it perfectly!
Thanks, Christy! Enjoy 🙂
Cauliflower mash is my jam! Seriously, I could live off the stuff. And you’re so right, adding garlic is amazing.
Hahah me too!!! 🙂
I love how diverse cauliflower is. I’m quite partial to some cauliflower rice but nothing beats creamy mashed cauliflower, nice recipe Sam 😉
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Thanks, Charla! I’m glad you like the recipe 🙂
I’m going to have to attempt these. Growing up, cauliflower and broccoli were ALWAYS on the dinner table (that’s what happens when your father is in the farming industry), so needless to say, I am incredibly picky about how I’ll consume cauliflower (usually I don’t), so I’m curious if it being mashed will trick my brain into thinking it’s something else?? Thanks for sharing!
I am sure it will do the trick! You’ve got to give it a try 🙂
I love cauliflower, and can’t wait to give this a go! It looks so tasty!
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Thanks, Debi! 🙂
These sound really tasty and now we’re going to make them for dinner tonight (replace the butter/cream with vegan substitutes)!
Great idea! Let me know how it turns out 🙂
Lovely pics..I made mashed cauliflower before..but yours seems interesting too. Thanks for sharing
Thanks! I am glad you like it 🙂
What a creative and fun way to use cauliflower!! I love the flavours!
Thanks, Kaitie! 🙂
What a phenomenal idea – to use cauliflower instead of potatoes! I love it!
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Thanks, Sarah!
What a great idea! Instead of potatoes we can use cauliflower. Very delicious recipe. Pinning!
Thanks, Ilona! I am glad you like it! 🙂
I’m so excited to try this, and I can’t believe how CREAMY it looks!
Thanks, Sue! 🙂
I’ve made this dish once before and my family loved it. Never thought of including Parmesan cheese, but it sounds like an amazing idea! Pinned!
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You’ve got to try it with the Parmesan! It’s amazing! 🙂
I’m yet to jump on the cauliflower masquerading as potatoes bandwagon. But I just might have to give it a try – if you think it’s good, I’ll try it!
You should!! Enjoy!! 🙂
I’ve always been shy about experimenting with cauliflower mash. I’ve used it in place of rice a few times but I so need to try it this way! Saving for later!
No need to be shy! You’ll love it! 🙂
Looks delicious!
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Thanks, Sheila! 🙂
This looks great. Cauliflower is so versatile!
I know, right? It’s my new favourite vegetable!
Cauliflower is such a versatile vegetable, don’t you think? I’m lucky it’s one of my favorite vegetables. 🙂
I totally agree! And it’s one of my new favourites! 🙂
this looks so delish, and healthy!
Thanks, Desi! 🙂
I dont know if you have heard of the Banting diet? It is similar to LCHF and your mash falls perfectly in their plan. I will share on Pinterest too
I have never heard of that diet but I’m so glad that it works! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Looks awesome! Would love to try it.
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Thanks, Ityqual!
Cauliflower mash is my absolute favourite! Yours looks lovely and creamy – will have to try adding garlic butter!
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Thanks, Grace! Once you try garlic butter, you may never go back! 🙂
Yum, yum and YUM! I love cauliflower mash and this recipe looks like a great one!! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
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You are most welcome, Sarah!
I love cauliflower puree, it tastes amazingly not healthy for you even though it is.
I know, right? It’s perfect! 🙂
I’m loving all these cauliflower recipes I’ve been noticing on the web. This looks so good. I have to try it one day!
Thanks, April! You will love it!
That’s a great alternative for mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for people who are trying to avoid carbs. Thanks for the idea! It looks delicious!
Any time, Elizabeth! I am glad that you like the recipe 🙂
I have made this for my family before and it was a hit. What a healthy alternative than mashed potato.
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I know! I don’t know if I will go back to the regular mashed potato anytime soon!
oh wow easy why had I never thought of this earlier sure going to give it a try
So easy, right? Enjoy! 🙂
I’m always looking for a way to reduce my guilt around potatoes (and sweet potatoes are not my favorite). These look so good and super flavorful! Pinning for later — thanks for sharing!! Love the flavor profile in these!! 🙂
Thanks, Nicole! Well then you have found your recipe! 🙂
Love how easy this recipe is and how pretty the photos are! Would love to try mashed cauliflower!
Thanks, Shadi! I am glad you like the recipe and photos 🙂
I love cauliflower mash!! BUT I have never added parmesan… that is going to change, probably tonight because I really want this now! Yours looks so creamy… I just want to grab a spoon!!
Hahaha, thanks Kirsten! The Parmesan cheese gives it amazing flavour but you can easily leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.
I love Cauliflower Mash and this version looks amazing!! Will definitely have to try ASAP! Woo!
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Thanks, Sarah! I hope you love it! 🙂
Wow, I have not tried this mixture yet. My kids love mash potatoes so I will give this a try and see if the like it. I love garlic, so let see how this works.
That’s great! I hope your kids love it! And if they are not a fan of garlic, you could easily leave it out.
I love subbing cauliflower for potatoes! I like to add a whole head of roasted garlic, and sometimes I add some mascarpone cheese. With all of the calories you save by using cauliflower, you can be a little bad with some cheese right?
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I agree!! Even with all the cheese, I still think there may be a less calories than with a regular mashed potato! Your version does sound amazing! I will have to try it 🙂
Oh my gosh, so easy! This looks fantastic, Sam! I am totally pinning this to try later.
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Thanks, Tracy! Enjoy! 🙂
Sometimes I have to remind myself that you can mash things other than potatos.
I know! And it turns out amazing! 🙂
This is definitely something that I can make and something that even my son would eat. Thanks for this.
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You’re most welcome, Kathy! I’m glad this recipe works for the whole family 🙂
I had an easy way to make this years ago but apparently don’t remember it. This looks like a great reminder. Pinning.
Thanks, Carol! I am glad I could remind you! 🙂
We have been so hesitant to try mashed cauliflower, mostly my husband! This might just be the recipe to try because we LOVE garlic anything!
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Don’t hesitate! You will be pleasantly surprised! 🙂
I totally agree with you. This is such a great calorie swap and still has all the flavor.
🙂
Wow, I’ve never tried mashing cauliflower in this way. Gotta give this a go. Thanks for the wonderfully simple yet tasty sounding recipe!
You are most welcome, Levan! Enjoy! 🙂
Such a pretty photo! I want to find my spoon and some cauliflower….
yummed and stumbled
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Thanks, Noel! I am glad that you like the recipe and photos 🙂
This reminds me how easy this can be, so why am I not doing it. Thanks for the inspiration.
You’re welcome, Suzi! I am glad I could inspire you in the kitchen 🙂
I love cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes!! I think your garlicky version is just want I need in my life!! 🙂
I think so too! Enjoy 🙂