Easy recipe for Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower (in 20m)
Craving a healthy side? This easy Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is the perfect low-carb and keto recipe. Discover how simple it is to make
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower ~2.5 lbs, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup cream cheese softened, or heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated, (optional)
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper or to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower and carefully cut it into small, uniform florets. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Cook Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large pot with about 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and steam for 8-10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain Thoroughly: Carefully drain the cooked cauliflower using a colander. It is crucial to remove as much water as possible to prevent a watery mash. You can even press gently on the cauliflower in the colander to extract excess moisture.
- Mash and Season: Return the thoroughly drained cauliflower to the empty pot. Add the unsalted butter, minced garlic, softened cream cheese (or heavy cream), grated Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Blend Until Creamy: Using a potato masher, an immersion blender, or a food processor, mash or blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If using a food processor, work in batches to avoid overfilling. Taste the mashed cauliflower and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy garlic mashed cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped chives, if desired, and serve warm as a delicious low-carb side.
Notes
For an extra smooth mash, use an immersion blender or food processor after steaming. Ensure the cauliflower is thoroughly drained; excess water will result in a watery mash. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or add a pinch of onion powder for extra flavor.
