Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

$To make this dish, you need: - 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets - 6 cloves of garlic, unpeeled - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped for garnish These ingredients work together to create a creamy, flavorful side dish that everyone will love. You can add some extra flavors to your mashed cauliflower. Consider these options: - A dash of garlic powder for more garlic flavor - A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist - A pinch of nutmeg for warmth - A drizzle of olive oil for richness These additions can elevate your dish and impress your guests. If you have dietary needs, there are great substitutes. Try these: - Use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option - Swap almond milk for oat or soy milk - Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil These substitutes keep the dish tasty while fitting different diets. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the garlic roast evenly. Next, take 6 unpeeled garlic cloves and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over them. Make sure they are well coated. Roast the garlic for about 20 minutes. You will know it's done when the garlic is soft and smells great. You can easily squeeze the cloves from their skins when they are ready. While the garlic roasts, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add 1 large head of chopped cauliflower florets. Cook the florets for about 10-15 minutes. They should be tender enough to pierce with a fork. Once they are done, drain the water completely. This step is key to avoid a watery mash later. Now it's time to combine all the flavors. Return the drained cauliflower to the pot. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the pot, discarding the skins. Add in 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of almond milk, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use a potato masher for a rustic mash or an immersion blender for a smooth texture. If you want it creamier, add more almond milk. Taste the mash and tweak the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors! To get a creamy texture, start with the right cauliflower. Choose a large head that is fresh and firm. Cook the florets until they are very tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the cauliflower well to remove excess water. Add softened cream cheese and unsweetened almond milk. Use a potato masher for a rustic feel or an immersion blender for smoothness. If it’s still thick, add more almond milk a little at a time. Seasoning is key to a tasty dish. Start with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The roasted garlic adds a sweet and savory kick. For more flavor, add fresh herbs like chives or parsley. You can also mix in some grated cheese for a richer taste. Don’t forget to taste your mash before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed for the best flavor. To avoid a watery mash, drain your cauliflower well after boiling. Return it to the pot. This helps steam evaporate. Also, when adding almond milk, start with less. You can always add more later. Lastly, avoid overcooking the cauliflower. If overcooked, it releases more water. Following these tips will ensure a perfect, creamy texture every time. Pro Tips Choosing the Right Cauliflower: Opt for a cauliflower that feels heavy for its size with tightly packed florets and no brown spots for the best flavor and texture. Roasting Garlic Perfectly: Ensure you don’t over-roast the garlic; it should be soft and sweet, not burnt. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of roasting. Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier mash, gradually add more almond milk or cream cheese until you reach your desired consistency. Flavor Enhancements: For added flavor, consider mixing in a splash of lemon juice or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy. {{image_4}} To make this recipe vegan, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese. Use coconut milk or any nut milk instead of almond milk. For extra richness, add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can add cheese for a richer taste. Try sharp cheddar or grated Parmesan. For herbs, mix in fresh thyme or rosemary to add depth. You could also add garlic powder for an extra garlic kick. This creamy dish fits many meals. Serve it as a side for holiday dinners or barbecues. Pair it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can even use it as a base for a hearty stew on chilly nights. Let your creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower cool first. Once cooled, put it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, the flavors stay fresh and tasty. To reheat, place the cauliflower mash in a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of almond milk for creaminess as it warms. Heat until it's just hot enough to serve. This keeps the texture smooth and creamy. You can freeze the leftover mash for up to three months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove with a bit of milk for the best texture. Enjoy your delicious dish again! If you want a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream. Just soak raw cashews in water for a few hours. Blend them until smooth for a creamy texture. You can also use silken tofu or a non-dairy cream cheese. Both will add creaminess to your mashed cauliflower. Yes, you can prepare the mashed cauliflower in advance. Just follow the recipe and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir in a splash of almond milk to restore creaminess. Roasted garlic is done when it feels soft and smells sweet. After about 20 minutes in the oven, squeeze a clove. If it comes out easily from the skin, it’s ready. The color should be golden brown, not burnt. This gives the garlic a rich and mellow flavor perfect for your dish. In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower. We covered key ingredients, from basics to optional add-ins for flavor. I shared detailed steps, along with tips for a perfect texture and ways to avoid watery mash. We also looked at variations, storage tips, and frequently asked questions. Remember, this dish is versatile and easy to adapt. Enjoy your cooking journey, and have fun creating this tasty side!$

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A delicious and creamy side dish made with roasted garlic and cauliflower.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets
6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will create a perfect environment for roasting the garlic.
Arrange the unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil, ensuring they're evenly coated. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant. You should be able to easily squeeze them from their skins when they’re done.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
Once the cauliflower is tender, drain it thoroughly and return it to the pot. This step is important to avoid a watery mash.
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the pot with the cauliflower. The roasted garlic will bring a sweet and savory flavor to your dish.
Incorporate the softened cream cheese, almond milk, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper into the cauliflower mixture. This will enhance the creaminess.
Using a potato masher for a rustic texture or an immersion blender for an ultra-smooth finish, mash the cauliflower mixture until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. If you're looking for a smoother texture, feel free to add a bit more almond milk.
Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
Serve your creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower hot, elegantly garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For a smoother texture, add more almond milk as needed.

Keyword cauliflower, creamy, garlic, mashed, vegetarian