Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

$- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 6 cloves of garlic, unpeeled - 3 tablespoons olive oil - ½ cup cream cheese, softened - ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish) The main star of this dish is the cauliflower. When you choose your cauliflower, look for firm florets. A large head gives you enough for a lovely side dish. Next, the roasted garlic adds depth. Six cloves might seem like a lot, but roasting sweetens the flavor and makes it creamy. You will need olive oil to coat the vegetables. It helps with roasting and adds richness. Cream cheese is key for that velvety texture. You can use dairy or plant-based milk to adjust creaminess. Don't forget salt and pepper for flavor! Lastly, fresh chives make a bright garnish. They add color and a mild onion taste. These ingredients work together to create a dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Each bite of creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower is a delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the vegetables roast well. Next, take your large head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. Place them on a baking sheet. Add 6 unpeeled garlic cloves to the same sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top. Toss the cauliflower and garlic to coat them evenly. Season with salt and pepper to make them tasty. Now, roast the vegetables in the hot oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the cauliflower is tender and has a nice caramel color. The garlic should be soft and golden. This roasting time brings out sweet flavors and makes them perfect for mashing. After roasting, take the baking sheet out and let it cool a bit. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins into a bowl. In a food processor, combine the roasted cauliflower, garlic, ½ cup of cream cheese, ½ cup of milk, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Blend it all together until smooth and creamy. If you like, taste it and add more salt and pepper. This step helps you get the perfect flavor. Transfer your creamy mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl. Enjoy this fluffy delight! To make this dish creamy, use the right mix of cream cheese and milk. I suggest using half a cup of each. This balance gives you a rich and smooth texture. If you want to mix in more flavors, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Roasting your garlic and cauliflower just right makes all the difference. Roast them at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for golden edges on the cauliflower. The garlic should feel soft when you squeeze it. This timing ensures rich flavors and the best texture. To keep your mashed cauliflower fresh, store it in an airtight container. The fridge works well for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, put it in a freezer-safe container. Just remember to leave space for expansion. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Pro Tips Roasting for Flavor: Roast the cauliflower and garlic until they are deeply caramelized for a richer, sweeter flavor. Texture Matters: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend the cauliflower and garlic while they are still warm. Season Gradually: Taste the mashed cauliflower as you mix in salt and pepper to ensure balanced seasoning. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different herbs or toppings, such as parsley or crispy bacon bits, for added flavor and visual appeal. {{image_2}} You can swap the cream cheese and milk for plant-based options. Use vegan cream cheese and almond, soy, or oat milk. This change keeps the taste creamy and rich. You can still enjoy a tasty dish without dairy. These swaps work well for many diets. To boost the flavor, think about adding herbs or spices. Fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley can give a nice touch. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth, while chili flakes bring heat. Taste as you mix until you find your favorite combo. These additions make your mash unique and fun. Mixing in other veggies can change up the flavor. Try adding steamed carrots or broccoli for color and nutrition. Sweet potatoes or butternut squash add sweetness and depth. Just steam or roast them first, then blend them in. You can create a mash that fits your taste and mood. To keep your creamy mashed cauliflower fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge and use it within three to four days. This helps maintain its taste and texture. If you need to reheat, you can do it straight from the fridge. You can freeze mashed cauliflower for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container or a bag. Leave some space for expansion as it freezes. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps to preserve flavors and textures when you reheat it. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For the stovetop, place it in a pan and add a splash of milk. Stir gently over low heat until warm. This keeps it creamy and smooth, just like when you first made it. Yes, you can make this dish early. Prepare it, then store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry. To make this dish vegan, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based version. You can use cashew cream or coconut cream instead. For milk, choose almond, soy, or oat milk. These changes keep the taste creamy and delicious. Mashed cauliflower is often lower in carbs and calories than mashed potatoes. It has more fiber and vitamins too, such as vitamin C and K. This makes it a great choice for a lighter meal. You can use fresh garlic, but the flavor will be stronger. If you prefer, sauté the fresh garlic in olive oil until soft before blending it in. This will give a nice, rich taste without overpowering the dish. Creamy mashed cauliflower is a tasty, healthy twist on traditional mashed potatoes. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step prep, and clever storage tips. Remember, the right mix of cream cheese and milk makes all the difference. You can customize it with herbs or other veggies for fun flavors. Enjoy making this dish not just today, but also as a meal prep staple. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your skills while serving a nutritious side that everyone will love.$

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A delicious and creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, made with roasted garlic and cauliflower.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets and unpeeled garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and slightly caramelized, and the garlic cloves are soft.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins into a bowl.
In a food processor, combine the roasted cauliflower, roasted garlic, cream cheese, milk, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl.

Notes

Garnish with chopped chives and drizzle with olive oil before serving for added flavor.

Keyword cauliflower, creamy, garlic, mashed, side dish