Description
A creamy, garlicky, low-carb side dish that replaces traditional mashed potatoes with cauliflower. Quick, comforting, and perfect for weeknights or guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds / 900g), fresh or frozen
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45g)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons cream cheese, roasted garlic
Instructions
- Cut cauliflower into medium-sized florets, rinse and drain well.
- Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Place cauliflower in a steamer basket and cover. Steam until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- While cauliflower steams, melt butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft but not browned.
- Transfer steamed cauliflower to a food processor. Add sautéed garlic and butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, mash with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. If mash is too thick, add a splash more cream or a teaspoon of cauliflower cooking water and mix again.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives or parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Do not oversteam cauliflower to avoid watery mash. Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Food processor yields smooth mash; potato masher yields chunkier texture. Can prepare a day ahead and reheat gently with cream. Frozen cauliflower can be used but thaw and drain excess water first.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
Keywords: mashed cauliflower, low-carb side dish, creamy garlic cauliflower, keto side dish, healthy mashed potatoes alternative