Dreamy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe You’ll Love

Comfort meets innovation with these easy creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes that redefine classic side dishes.

Smooth textures blend perfectly with rich, velvety goodness.

Nutritious ingredients transform an ordinary vegetable into something spectacular.

Health-conscious cooks appreciate this delightful alternative to traditional potato recipes.

Each spoonful offers a guilt-free indulgence packed with incredible flavor.

Subtle hints of garlic and herbs elevate this simple yet remarkable dish.

Creamy Cauliflower Mash Directions

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Garlic

Crank your oven to 400°F.

Chop off the garlic head’s top to expose the cloves.

Drizzle olive oil over the exposed garlic and wrap completely in aluminum foil.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until cloves turn soft and golden brown.

After removing from oven, let it cool briefly before gently squeezing out the caramelized garlic goodness.

Step 2: Boil Cauliflower Florets

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop in cauliflower florets and cook for 10-12 minutes until they become tender when pierced with a fork.

Drain thoroughly and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Remove Excess Moisture

Grab a clean kitchen towel and transfer the cooked cauliflower onto it.

Firmly squeeze out all excess water, which helps create a thicker and creamier final texture.

This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.

Step 4: Blend Creamy Mixture

Toss the following ingredients into a food processor:
  • Cooked cauliflower
  • Roasted garlic
  • Cottage cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend until ultra-smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Adjust Texture

If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some almond milk and blend until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to a serving dish and top with delicious accompaniments like:
  • Melted butter
  • Fresh chopped herbs
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Enjoy your luxurious, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes!

Mashed Cauliflower Tips for a Smooth, Creamy Result

  • Slice off the top of the garlic head and drizzle with olive oil to create a rich, mellow flavor that transforms the entire dish.
  • Use a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water from cauliflower, ensuring a creamy and thick texture without wateriness.
  • Incorporate cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to add extra protein and create a luxurious, smooth consistency for the mashed cauliflower.
  • Add almond milk gradually to achieve your ideal texture, making the dish adaptable to personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs, melted butter, or grated parmesan to add depth and personalize the mashed cauliflower for a gourmet touch.

Store Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

  • Store leftover cauliflower mash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled mashed cauliflower to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Warm refrigerated mash in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of almond milk to restore creamy texture. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Classic Sides

Savor Perfect Pairings with Cauliflower Mash:

Roasted Herb Chicken: Tender, juicy roasted chicken with rosemary and thyme complements the creamy cauliflower’s smooth texture, creating a balanced main course with subtle garlic undertones.

Wine Companion – Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that provides refreshing acidity and buttery notes, enhancing the cauliflower’s delicate flavor profile and cutting through the dish’s richness.

Crunchy Almond Green Salad: Prepare a light green salad with toasted almonds and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, offering a crisp contrast to the mashed cauliflower’s velvety consistency and adding nutritional variety to the meal.

Herb-Infused Grilled Salmon: Prepare a perfectly grilled salmon fillet with fresh dill and lemon, which provides a delicate protein option that pairs beautifully with the cauliflower’s creamy texture and roasted garlic hints.

Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potato Alterations

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cottage cheese with full-fat cream cheese and add extra butter for increased fat content. Garnish with crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cottage cheese with silken tofu or cashew cream. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil to maintain richness while keeping the recipe plant-based.
  • Herbed Mediterranean Style: Mix in fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme. Top with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend for an authentic Mediterranean profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add roasted green chiles, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Finish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a zesty southwestern kick.

FAQs

  • Is cauliflower mash healthier than traditional mashed potatoes?

Cauliflower mash is lower in carbohydrates, calories, and higher in nutrients compared to traditional potato mash. It’s an excellent alternative for those watching their weight or following low-carb diets.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut yogurt. These substitutions maintain the creamy texture while keeping the dish dairy-free.

  • How can I enhance the flavor of this cauliflower mash?

Roasting garlic adds depth and richness. You can also experiment with additional herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives, or add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without extra calories.

  • What if I don't have a food processor?

You can use a blender or potato masher. A hand mixer works well too, though the texture might be slightly less smooth. Just ensure you’ve removed as much moisture from the cauliflower as possible.

Cauliflower Mash That’s Creamy and Low-Carb

  • Quick and Effortless Preparation: This recipe transforms complex cooking into a simple process with minimal steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Healthier Comfort Food Alternative: By replacing traditional mashed potatoes with cauliflower, you're creating a nutritious dish that's lower in carbs and calories while maintaining a creamy, satisfying texture that everyone will love.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The recipe adapts easily to different dietary needs, allowing substitutions like Greek yogurt or almond milk, and can be customized with various toppings to suit individual preferences and make each serving unique.
  • Nutrient-Packed Meal Enhancer: Roasted garlic and cauliflower combine to deliver a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, transforming a classic side dish into a genuinely nourishing component of any meal.

Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Ingredient Set

Main Ingredients:
  • Cauliflower: Fresh vegetable with a mild taste, perfect for low-carb mashed potato alternative. Choose a firm, white head with tight, compact florets.
  • Garlic: Roasted for rich, sweet, mellow flavor. Select fresh, firm bulbs without soft spots or sprouts.
  • Creamy Ingredients
  • Cottage Cheese, Greek Yogurt: Provides smooth, tangy creaminess. Low-fat options work well for lighter texture.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps blend ingredients smoothly. Extra virgin preferred for best flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance overall taste. Kosher or sea salt recommended.
Optional Enhancing Ingredients:
  • Almond Milk: Helps adjust consistency if mixture is too thick. Unsweetened version works best.
  • Butter: Optional topping for extra richness. Adds golden color and classic flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs, Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnishes for additional flavor and visual appeal.
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Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky smooth “Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes” blend comfort and nutrition for a guilt-free side dish that delights taste buds. Guests will crave these lighter, healthier potatoes that bring pure culinary satisfaction to any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets

Dairy:

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 head garlic
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 tsp) ground black pepper
  • Unsweetened almond milk (optional, as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic garlic by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the top off the garlic head, exposing the delicate cloves. Generously coat with olive oil and envelop the bulb in aluminum foil, creating a protective packet.
  2. Roast the garlic for 35-40 minutes until the cloves transform into a soft, golden-brown delicacy. Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly, then gently squeeze out the caramelized cloves from their papery skin.
  3. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully add cauliflower florets and simmer for 10-12 minutes until they yield easily to a fork’s gentle pressure. Thoroughly drain the cooked cauliflower.
  4. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and perform a moisture-removing technique by firmly squeezing out excess liquid, ensuring a rich and creamy final texture.
  5. Combine the drained cauliflower, roasted garlic cloves, cottage cheese, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse and blend until the mixture reaches a velvety smooth consistency, periodically scraping down the sides to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  6. Assess the texture and add a splash of almond milk if the mixture appears too dense, creating the perfect creamy consistency.
  7. Elevate the dish with optional garnishes such as a golden drizzle of melted butter, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a generous dusting of grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the mashed cauliflower remains warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Roast garlic slowly and carefully to develop a rich, sweet flavor without burning, which can turn bitter and unpleasant.
  • Squeeze cauliflower thoroughly to remove excess water, ensuring a creamy and thick texture similar to traditional mashed potatoes.
  • Use low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to heavy cream, maintaining the luxurious mouthfeel while reducing calories.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to enhance the overall flavor profile and add a fresh, aromatic dimension to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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