This Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is so simple and so good! It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s healthy, low carb and gluten-free. You can have it ready in 10 minutes!
I must admit that I love mashed potatoes, but I do not love the starchy carbs. I also loathe peeling potatoes. So, I use cauliflower in place of the potatoes. Cauliflower is much lower in carbohydrates and calories while it is much higher in nutrients… I’m sold! Cauliflower is very versatile and it’s an amazing substitute for so many dishes.
I think this garlic mashed cauliflower can actually pass for garlic mashed potatoes. This recipe is also super quick and easy, and no peeling potatoes! It’s the perfect quick and easy side dish for a weeknight dinner. It’s also a great recipe to get kids to eat their veggies. Try it, see if anyone notices that it’s not mashed potatoes. If they do, I bet they won’t even care since it tastes so good!
Here are a few more low carb cauliflower recipes that you might enjoy:
- Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Cauliflower Pizza Crust
- Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
- Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
- Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic and Rosemary
- Sheet Pan Roasted Cauliflower Rice
Note: The printable recipe is located at the end of this post. Please visit The Scoop for my latest posts or you can search or browse my Recipe Index to find more yummy recipes.
Ingredients needed to make Garlic Mashed Cauliflower:
- 20 ounces of fresh cauliflower or 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets – To keep it easy, you can use (2) 10 oz. bags of pre-cut cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese
How to make Garlic Mashed Cauliflower:
First, steam the cauliflower until soft and tender.
Quick Tip: The quick and easy way is to put the chopped cauliflower into a microwave-safe container with a lid. Add 1 tablespoon of water. Place it in the microwave and cook on high for about 6 minutes, check half way. If you get the bags of fresh precut cauliflower you can just pierce the bag and cook them in the microwave as well.
While the cauliflower is in the microwave, add the olive oil to a small pan over medium heat and saute the minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute. No longer than a minute or it will burn. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the cauliflower is cooked and tender, drain then add to the food processor or mixing bowl.
Put all ingredients, including the cooked oil and garlic, into a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. (If you do not have a food processor, add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl use a potato masher. I used to use the masher before I bought a food processor.)
Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a dish and serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container to save for later. This recipe is great reheated!
I hope you enjoy!
| Prep Time | 4 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 minutes |
| Servings |
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- 20 ounces fresh cauliflower 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt add more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper add more to taste
Ingredients
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- First, steam the cauliflower until soft and tender. Quick Tip: The quick and easy way is to put the chopped cauliflower in a microwave-safe container with a lid. Add 1 tablespoon of water. Place it in the microwave and cook on high for about 6 minutes.*
- While the cauliflower is in the microwave, add the olive oil to a small pan over medium heat and saute the minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute. No longer than a minute or it will burn. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked and tender, drain any excess liquid, then add to the food processor or mixing bowl.
- Put all ingredients, including the cooked oil and garlic, into a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. *See note.
- Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a dish and serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container to save for later. This recipe is great reheated!
- If you get the bags of fresh pre-cut cauliflower you can just pierce the bag and cook them in the microwave as well.
- If you do not have a food processor, add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl use a potato masher. I used to use the masher before I bought a food processor.