If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, delicious side dish that feels indulgent but is actually packed with nutrition, this Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It offers all the rich creaminess and garlicky warmth of classic mashed potatoes, but with a light, fresh twist that highlights the subtle sweetness of roasted cauliflower. Whether you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, cutting down on carbs, or just eager to sneak more veggies onto your plate, this recipe delivers every time with simple ingredients and a luscious texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building up the luscious texture, vibrant flavor, and wholesome goodness of this dish. From the roasted garlic adding a mellow depth to the cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt) ensuring a creamy finish, everything here works in harmony.
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets: The star of the show, providing smooth, subtle flavor and natural creaminess when cooked.
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt: Adds tangy creaminess and a boost of protein for richness without heaviness.
- 1 head of garlic: Roasted to mellow sweetness that enhances every bite with gentle warmth.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Gives a silky mouthfeel and helps carry the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or more to taste): Essential for balancing all the natural flavors and making them pop.
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle spice without overpowering.
- Unsweetened almond milk (optional): Perfect for thinning out the mash if you want it extra creamy and smooth.
How to Make Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a whole head of garlic and slice off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over it, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Roast this for about 35 to 40 minutes until the cloves are soft, golden, and irresistibly fragrant. This roasting process takes the sharpness out and brings out a mellow, caramelized flavor that will elevate your mash to a whole new level.
Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower
While your garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they become fork-tender. This ensures the cauliflower will blend smoothly without any unpleasant crunch or graininess. Once softened, drain thoroughly and let them cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Drain the Cauliflower
Here’s a key tip for achieving the perfect creamy texture: place your cooked cauliflower into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. Removing that extra water prevents the mash from becoming soupy and helps keep it thick and velvety.
Step 4: Blend Everything Together
Into your food processor go the drained cauliflower, squeezes of roasted garlic, half a cup of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Blend everything until ultra-smooth, scraping down the sides as needed so nothing gets left behind. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference — don’t be shy with the salt here, it really brings those flavors alive.
Step 5: Adjust Texture with Almond Milk
If your mash feels a bit too thick or stiff, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk and pulse again. This little addition makes the Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe extra silky and spreadable — perfect for serving up that cozy comfort food vibe without any heaviness.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are an easy way to add visual appeal and an extra punch of flavor. Fresh chopped chives, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil all complement the subtle flavors beautifully. For a touch of indulgence, a pat of herb-infused butter or crispy fried shallots on top goes a long way toward making each bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or seared fish—adding a creamy, comforting contrast that balances richer mains. It’s also fabulous alongside roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or even a hearty lentil stew for plant-based meals that don’t skimp on taste.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this mash in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or fresh herbs, or spread it out in a shallow dish and create little swirls with the back of a spoon, finishing with a drizzle of truffle oil. The possibilities are endless and ever so inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cauliflower mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s packed with moisture, make sure the container is sealed tightly to preserve that creamy texture and prevent any fridge odors from seeping in.
Freezing
You can freeze this Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty plastic bag. It stays good for up to 2 months. When freezing, lay the container flat for quicker thawing and to maintain smooth texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to restore creaminess. You can add a splash of almond milk or a bit more olive oil if it has thickened too much. Microwave works too – just cover loosely and stir every 30 seconds to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese?
Yes! Regular yogurt works fine, especially if it’s thick and creamy. Just drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid a runny texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Absolutely. Cauliflower is a popular low-carb alternative to potatoes, and using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese keeps it high in protein while low in carbs.
What if I don’t have almond milk? Can I substitute?
Of course! You can use any milk you prefer, like regular dairy milk, oat milk, or even vegetable broth to thin out the mash if needed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Swap out the cottage cheese or yogurt for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or vegan yogurt, and make sure to use olive oil instead of butter for extra richness.
How do I make sure my cauliflower mash isn’t watery?
Squeezing out as much moisture as possible after cooking the cauliflower is the secret. Using a clean kitchen towel to press out water results in a thick, creamy mash rather than a watery one.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With every bite, you get that creamy texture and gentle garlic flavor without the heaviness that sometimes drags down classic mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want something both nourishing and delicious. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Roasted garlic adds a rich depth of flavor, while cottage cheese or Greek yogurt brings creaminess and protein. Perfect as a comforting side dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 head of garlic
Dairy
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Optional
- Unsweetened almond milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden. Once roasted, let it cool slightly, then squeeze out the softened garlic cloves from their skins and set aside.
- Cook the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the cauliflower well and allow it to cool slightly to make handling easier.
- Remove excess moisture: Place the cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is essential for achieving a thick and creamy mashed texture without excess water.
- Blend the ingredients: In a food processor, combine the drained cauliflower, roasted garlic, cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl as needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Adjust consistency: If the mashed cauliflower is thicker than you prefer, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk and blend again until it reaches your desired texture. Serve warm as a satisfying and nutritious side dish.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor, giving the mash a rich depth without overpowering.
- Squeezing out moisture from cooked cauliflower prevents watery mash and ensures creaminess.
- Use Greek yogurt as a protein-rich alternative to cottage cheese if preferred.
- Unsweetened almond milk is optional and can be added to customize the mash’s creaminess.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and can easily be adapted for vegetarian diets.
