Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower (Print Version)

Creamy mashed cauliflower blended with sweet roasted garlic for a rich, smooth side dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 1 whole bulb garlic

→ Dairy & Fats

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/4 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)

→ Seasonings

06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

→ Oils

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Set oven to 400°F and prepare to roast garlic.
02 - Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose cloves; drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 to 35 minutes until soft and golden. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - Steam cauliflower florets over simmering water for 12 to 15 minutes until fork-tender.
04 - Squeeze softened garlic cloves from their skins.
05 - In a food processor or with a potato masher, blend steamed cauliflower, roasted garlic, butter, cream cheese, and milk until smooth and creamy.
06 - Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
07 - Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent but keeps you feeling light, no heavy post-dinner slump.
  • Roasting the garlic turns it mellow and almost caramelized, adding a depth you cant get any other way.
  • You can make it dairy-free or keep it classic, and either version disappears fast.
02 -
  • Drain the cauliflower really well after steaming, extra water will turn your mash soupy and dull the flavor.
  • Dont skip roasting the garlic, raw garlic is too sharp and will overpower the whole dish.
  • Taste before you serve, cauliflower can be mild and needs more salt than you think.
03 -
  • Roast two bulbs of garlic if you really love it, the extra cloves store well in olive oil and make everything better.
  • Use a ricer instead of a food processor for an impossibly airy, cloud-like texture that feels almost fancy.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or white pepper for a subtle warmth that makes people ask what your secret is.

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