Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

$- 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets - 6 cloves of garlic, unpeeled - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or whole milk) - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste) - Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish) For cream cheese, I like using Philadelphia. It has a great taste and blends well. For almond milk, I recommend the unsweetened version from Almond Breeze. It keeps the flavor light and smooth. Both of these brands deliver quality that enhances your dish. If you want a dairy-free option, swap cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese. Brands like Tofutti work well. For the almond milk, you can use oat milk or soy milk. If you're not a fan of almond milk, regular whole milk is also a good choice. These substitutions keep the dish tasty, while meeting different dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing the cauliflower. Cut it into small florets. This helps them cook evenly. Next, grab six cloves of garlic. Keep them unpeeled for now. Place both the cauliflower and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over them. Toss everything well. Make sure the oil coats the veggies nicely. This helps bring out their flavors when roasting. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roasting at this high heat gives the cauliflower a nice, golden color. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Roast the cauliflower and garlic for about 25-30 minutes. You want the cauliflower to be tender and the garlic to be soft. Check them halfway through. If needed, give them a quick stir for even cooking. Once roasted, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the garlic cool for a bit. Carefully squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skins into a large mixing bowl. Now, add the tender cauliflower to the bowl. For creaminess, include half a cup of softened cream cheese and a quarter cup of almond milk. You can use whole milk if you prefer. Add half a teaspoon of onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mix everything. Keep blending until smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, add a little more almond milk. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. To make creamy mashed cauliflower, you need a few key tools. A potato masher works well for this. It gives you control over the texture. If you want it super smooth, try an immersion blender. A large mixing bowl is also a must. This allows you to combine all ingredients easily. You can add more flavor to your mashed cauliflower. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten it up. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth. For a kick, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in some grated cheese for extra richness. Experiment with these flavors to find your favorite. One common mistake is overcooking the cauliflower. This can make it watery. Keep an eye on the roasting time. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your mixture before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, avoid skipping the cream cheese. It’s key for that creamy texture you want. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cauliflower: Select a fresh, firm head of cauliflower with tightly packed florets for the best texture and flavor. Roasting Garlic: Roasting garlic brings out its sweetness. Make sure to roast it until it's soft and caramelized for a rich flavor. Adjusting Creaminess: For a creamier texture, add more almond milk or cream cheese gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Garnishing: Fresh chives not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor profile, making your dish visually appealing and delicious. {{image_2}} To make this dish vegan, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free option. You can use cashew cream or silken tofu for a smooth texture. Almond milk works well, too. When you roast the garlic, it becomes sweet and creamy. That flavor really shines in the vegan version! You might want to add extra flavors to your mashed cauliflower. Try mixing in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also stir in steamed spinach or kale for a boost of nutrients. If you love cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar can take it to the next level. This dish fits many meals. Serve it as a side with roasted chicken or fish for dinner. For a cozy lunch, pair it with a fresh salad. At a party, dish it up with crunchy veggies or whole-grain crackers. You can even use it as a base for a hearty stew or curry. Each occasion brings a new twist to this creamy delight! After enjoying creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, you may have some leftovers. To store them, place the mashed cauliflower in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is simple. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, place the mashed cauliflower in a safe dish. Heat it on high for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. For the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir gently until hot. If it seems too thick, add a splash of almond milk for a creamier texture. To freeze the mashed cauliflower, first let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label each bag with the date. Frozen mashed cauliflower can last up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat as mentioned earlier for that creamy goodness again. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Make sure to thaw it first. Drain any excess water. This helps keep your mash creamy and thick. To add heat, try adding red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some hot sauce. For a twist, add jalapeños or chili powder. Adjust the amount to your taste. Cauliflower is low in calories but high in fiber. It provides vitamin C, K, and B vitamins. This veggie also has antioxidants that help fight disease. Eating cauliflower can improve digestion and support heart health. Plus, it’s a great low-carb alternative! This post covered how to make roasted garlic mashed cauliflower. We discussed the best ingredients, brands, and substitutes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and roasting with tips for creaminess. We explored tools, flavor enhancements, and common mistakes to avoid. You can also find vegan variations and smart serving ideas. Finally, I explained how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy this tasty dish, and feel free to make it yours!$

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A delicious and creamy alternative to 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 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets
6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or whole milk)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
to taste Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets and unpeeled garlic cloves with olive oil, ensuring they're well coated.
Roast the cauliflower and garlic in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and slightly golden, and the garlic is soft.
Once roasted, remove from the oven and allow the garlic to cool slightly. Carefully squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skins and into a large mixing bowl with the cauliflower.
Add the cream cheese, almond milk, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the bowl.
Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash and blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more almond milk if necessary.
Taste and adjust salt and seasoning to your preference.
Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh chives.

Notes

Adjust the consistency with more almond milk if necessary.

Keyword cauliflower, creamy, garlic, mashed, vegetarian