Go Back
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened Cauliflower is the star of this dish. It has a light flavor and a great texture. When cooked, it becomes soft and fluffy. Garlic adds a nice kick and wonderful aroma. Cream cheese gives the dish its creamy base. Together, these ingredients create a rich and satisfying meal without the carbs of traditional mashed potatoes. - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Cheddar cheese brings a bold flavor. It melts well, making the dish extra cheesy. Parmesan cheese adds a touch of nuttiness. Both cheeses blend perfectly in this recipe, giving you a delicious cheesy garlic mashed cauliflower. The combination offers depth and richness. - 1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional) Milk makes the mashed cauliflower extra creamy. You can adjust how much you use for your taste. Butter adds a smooth finish. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Finally, using chives or parsley gives a fresh look and taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! Boiling the Cauliflower To start, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Cut the cauliflower into florets. Once the water boils, add the florets. Boil them for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. When finished, drain the cauliflower well. Adding Garlic Before draining, add three minced garlic cloves to the pot. The garlic will cook and soften, adding flavor. This step is key for that tasty garlic punch. Mixing garlic with cauliflower makes a great base for your dish. Combining Cheese and Cream Return the drained cauliflower and garlic to the pot. Add half a cup of softened cream cheese. Next, toss in half a cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses create a rich, cheesy flavor. Don’t forget to add two tablespoons of unsalted butter for extra creaminess. Achieving Desired Texture Now, use an immersion blender or a potato masher. Blend or mash until you reach your desired texture. If you like it smooth, blend longer. For a chunkier texture, mash it a bit less. You can also add a quarter cup of milk here. This helps adjust the creaminess to your taste. Seasoning to Taste Once blended, it’s time to season. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and taste as you go. This step is important for balancing the flavors. Serving Suggestions Transfer your cheesy garlic mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl. You can add more cheese on top for a special touch. For a pop of color, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy delight! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To avoid watery cauliflower, you need to drain it well. After boiling, let it sit in the pot for a minute. This helps any extra moisture escape. You can also pat the cauliflower with a towel to soak up water. For blending techniques, use an immersion blender for a smooth mix. If you want a chunkier texture, a potato masher works great. Blend just until creamy, not too long. Garlic variations can change your dish. You can roast garlic for a sweet, rich flavor. Or try garlic powder if you're short on fresh garlic. Both options work well in this recipe. For cheese alternatives, you can swap sharp cheddar for a milder cheese. Try gouda or mozzarella for a different taste. Nutritional yeast is a great option for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Pair cheesy garlic mashed cauliflower with grilled chicken or steak. It also goes well with roasted vegetables. For presentation tips, use a large bowl and sprinkle herbs on top. Chopped chives or parsley add a nice touch. You can even add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for a gourmet look. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_2}} Cauliflower Variants You can use different types of cauliflower. Try purple or romanesco for fun colors. These options taste great and add a nice twist. You can even mix in some broccoli for extra nutrients. Healthy Add-ins Add cooked spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. You can also throw in some roasted garlic for deeper flavor. If you want a protein punch, mix in shredded chicken or turkey. Spicy Versions Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This gives your dish a nice kick. You can also try a dash of hot sauce for extra spice. Herb Infusions Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can brighten the flavor. Chop them finely and mix them in just before serving. This adds freshness and makes it feel gourmet. Vegan Options To make this dish vegan, swap the cream cheese for cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor. This keeps it rich while being plant-based. Dairy-Free Choices For a dairy-free option, choose almond or soy milk. Use plant-based butter for creaminess. These swaps still give you a deliciously smooth texture without any dairy. After you make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the moisture in check. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you avoid hot spots and keep the texture smooth. You can also freeze Cheesy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower for future meals. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out the air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. For a quicker method, you can use the microwave. After thawing, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk if needed. How long will it last? If stored correctly, you can enjoy your Cheesy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower for up to three days in the fridge or three months in the freezer. What are the signs of spoilage? Check for any off smells or changes in color. If it looks watery or has a strange texture, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower, follow this simple recipe overview: 1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. 2. Add 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. 3. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the cauliflower is tender. 4. Drain the cauliflower and garlic, then return them to the pot. 5. Mix in 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of butter. 6. Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or potato masher. 7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the creaminess with more milk if needed. 8. Serve and enjoy! You can find the full recipe at the beginning of this article. Yes, you can use different cheeses for this dish. Here are some options: - Monterey Jack cheese for a mild flavor. - Gouda cheese for a smoky taste. - Cream cheese, if you want a creamier texture without the other cheeses. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite cheesy blend! Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. The main ingredients, like cauliflower, garlic, and cheese, do not contain gluten. Always check labels on cream cheese and milk to ensure they are gluten-free, especially if you are cooking for someone with a gluten allergy. To make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower healthier, consider these tips: - Use low-fat cream cheese and skim milk. - Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for added protein. - Use less butter or opt for olive oil. - Add steamed vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients. These changes will lower calories and fat while keeping the dish tasty! In this post, we explored how to create delicious Cheesy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower. We covered the main ingredients, from cauliflower to cheeses, and shared step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for texture, flavor enhancements, and fun variations. Plus, we included storage tips to keep your dish fresh. As you try this recipe, remember to get creative with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy making this tasty, low-carb dish for any meal!

Cheesy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Dive into this delicious Cheesy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe that’s perfect for any meal! This creamy, cheesy dish is a healthier twist on traditional mashed potatoes, packed with flavor from garlic and a blend of cheeses. With easy ingredients and simple steps, you'll have a comforting side dish ready in just 25 minutes. Click through to discover how to make this delightful recipe and bring a new favorite to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and minced garlic. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender.

    Drain the cauliflower and garlic well, then return them to the pot.

      Add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, and butter to the pot.

        Using an immersion blender or a potato masher, blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash to your liking.

          Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the creaminess by adding more milk if desired.

            Transfer the cheesy garlic mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl and top with additional cheese or herbs if you like.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4