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Easy Low-Carb Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

low-carb roasted garlic mashed cauliflower - featured image

This quick and easy low-carb mashed cauliflower is creamy, buttery, and packed with the sweet flavor of roasted garlic. It’s the perfect side dish for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, and it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds / 900g), cut into florets
  • 1 whole head of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 2 ounces (56g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Optional: Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Slice off the top quarter-inch of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, wrap tightly, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.
  2. While the garlic roasts, wash the cauliflower and cut into 1-2 inch florets. Steam in a steamer basket over boiling water for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender. Do not overcook.
  3. Drain the cauliflower well and spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels for a few minutes to dry thoroughly.
  4. Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the bottom of the head to release the soft cloves. Mash with a fork into a paste.
  5. In a food processor, combine the dried cauliflower, roasted garlic paste, butter, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few times, then process continuously for 30-45 seconds. Scrape down the sides and process for another 15-20 seconds until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the cauliflower after steamingβ€”it’s key to a creamy, not watery, mash. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and full-fat canned coconut milk. Add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb, keto, roasted garlic, mashed cauliflower, quick, easy, side dish, gluten-free, vegetarian