Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

$- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 6 cloves of garlic, unpeeled - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) - Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish) To make creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, gather these fresh ingredients. Start with a large head of cauliflower. This veggie is the star of the dish. Use six cloves of garlic for a rich flavor. The garlic will roast and turn sweet as it cooks. You will need three tablespoons of olive oil. This adds healthy fat and helps with roasting. Next, grab half a cup of cream cheese. It gives the mash a smooth and creamy texture. Almond milk, or regular milk, is also needed. Use half a cup to adjust the creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add nutmeg for a warm flavor. Finally, chop some fresh chives to garnish. They add a nice pop of color and taste. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish rich and delicious. Enjoy the process of creating this tasty side! 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps cook the cauliflower and garlic evenly. 2. Preparing the cauliflower and garlic: Cut one large head of cauliflower into florets. Place these florets on a large baking sheet. For garlic, take six cloves and leave them unpeeled. This keeps the garlic sweet during roasting. 3. Seasoning tips: Drizzle three tablespoons of olive oil over the cauliflower and garlic. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to coat evenly. This adds flavor and helps with roasting. - Timing and temperature details: Roast the cauliflower and garlic in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Check if the cauliflower is fork-tender and the garlic is soft. This means they are ready to come out of the oven. 1. Mixing roasted garlic and cauliflower: Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Squeeze the roasted garlic from the skins into a mixing bowl. Add the cauliflower florets to that bowl. 2. Using an immersion blender vs. potato masher: Add half a cup of softened cream cheese and half a cup of unsweetened almond milk to the bowl. You can use either an immersion blender or a potato masher to mix this. Puree until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add more almond milk to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. To boost the taste, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also sprinkle in spices such as paprika or garlic powder. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish too. Experiment to find your perfect blend! If your mashed cauliflower is too thick, stir in more almond milk. Start with a tablespoon at a time. For a thicker mash, use less almond milk. Adjust until you reach the creamy texture you love. For a smooth finish, I recommend using an immersion blender. It blends quickly and easily right in the bowl. A good potato masher works well too if you prefer a chunkier texture. Both tools help you achieve a delightful dish! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish dairy-free. Instead of cream cheese, try using cashew cream. Blend soaked cashews with a bit of water to create a smooth mix. For milk, unsweetened almond milk works well. You can also use oat milk or coconut milk. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious without dairy. Want to change the flavor? Add fresh herbs or spices! Try mixing in thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. You can also stir in some fresh lemon juice for brightness. Each of these options brings a new twist to your creamy dish. Busy days call for make-ahead meals. You can roast the cauliflower and garlic the night before. Just store them in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, blend and heat them up. You can also store the finished mash in the fridge for up to three days. This makes mealtime easy and stress-free! To store your creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, let it cool first. Transfer it into an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying. You can also use plastic wrap over a bowl. Make sure it touches the surface to reduce air exposure. When reheating, use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, heat on medium power. Stir every minute to keep it even. If you use a stovetop, add a splash of almond milk. Stir gently to maintain a creamy texture. Avoid high heat to prevent sticking. In the fridge, your mashed cauliflower lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label your container for easy tracking. Yes, you can freeze mashed cauliflower. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into an airtight container. You can also use freezer bags. Press out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date before putting it in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it seems dry, add a splash of almond milk for creaminess. Mashed cauliflower is lower in carbs and calories than mashed potatoes. A cup of mashed cauliflower has about 140 calories, while mashed potatoes have around 210 calories. Cauliflower also has more fiber and vitamins. It’s rich in Vitamin C and K. This makes it a great choice if you want to eat healthier. Plus, it is easier on the digestive system. If you want to cut calories, mashed cauliflower is an excellent option. To make vegan mashed cauliflower, swap out the cream cheese and milk. Use vegan cream cheese or cashew cream in place of cream cheese. For milk, you can use any plant-based milk. Almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk works well. Just ensure that the plant-based options are unsweetened. This keeps the taste savory. Follow the same steps in the recipe for a creamy, vegan delight. Enjoy the same rich flavors without the dairy! In this article, we explored how to make delicious mashed cauliflower. We covered key ingredients like cauliflower, garlic, and cream cheese. You learned clear steps for prep and roasting. I also shared tips for flavor and consistency, plus variations for everyone. Remember, you can store leftovers easily and reheat them well. Mashed cauliflower is a tasty, healthier option. It can fit any meal and satisfy your cravings. Now, it’s time for you to try it! Enjoy cooking!$

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Discover the delight of creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, a healthier twist on classic comfort food! This easy recipe combines tender cauliflower, rich cream cheese, and savory roasted garlic to create a decadent, creamy side dish that's perfect for any meal. Follow simple steps to whip up this delicious dish in just 40 minutes.

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Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets

6 cloves of garlic, unpeeled

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Spread the cauliflower florets and unpeeled garlic cloves on a large baking sheet.

Drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower and garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender and the garlic is soft.

Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Squeeze the roasted garlic from the skins into a mixing bowl.

Add the cauliflower florets to the mixing bowl with the roasted garlic, cream cheese, almond milk, and nutmeg if using.

Using an immersion blender or a potato masher, puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more almond milk if needed.

Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4