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Creamy Cauliflower Mash with Garlic and Herbs

creamy cauliflower mash - featured image

A lighter, creamy alternative to mashed potatoes made with roasted garlic and fresh herbs for a flavorful, comforting side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6 cups or 600g)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and roasted or sautéed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (60 ml), or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter twist
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place peeled garlic cloves on a small roasting pan or wrap in foil with a drizzle of olive oil. Roast for 15–20 minutes until soft and golden.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 8–10 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain well.
  3. Transfer cooked cauliflower to a food processor. Add roasted garlic, butter, and cream. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Add more cream or milk if too thick.
  4. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Fold in nutmeg and lemon juice if using. Pulse or stir to combine evenly.
  5. Adjust consistency by adding more cream or a tablespoon of olive oil for a looser mash, or blend longer/add Parmesan for thicker mash.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or cracked black pepper. Optionally, add a pat of butter on top.

Notes

Use fresh cauliflower for best texture; if using frozen, thaw and drain well to avoid watery mash. Roasting garlic mellows flavor and adds depth. Add cream gradually to control texture. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and cream with unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Can be made ahead and reheated gently with added cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower mash, creamy cauliflower, garlic mash, herb mashed cauliflower, low carb side dish, healthy mashed potatoes alternative