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- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 1 whole bulb of garlic - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice) - 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or regular butter) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish To make roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, you need fresh ingredients. The star is the cauliflower. Choose a large head that feels heavy and firm. Cut it into small florets for even cooking. Garlic adds a deep, sweet flavor. You will roast a whole bulb. Olive oil helps the garlic caramelize and adds richness. Almond milk makes this dish creamy. You can use regular milk if you prefer. Vegan butter gives a buttery taste. You can use regular butter too. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Lastly, fresh chives add a pop of color and taste. Gather these ingredients before you start. This ensures a smooth cooking process. Stay organized for the best results. With these items, you are ready to create a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Remove the outer layers of the garlic bulb, but keep the cloves together. Slice off the top to expose the garlic. - Boil the cauliflower florets in salted water. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes. They should be tender when you pierce them with a fork. - Drain the cauliflower and return it to the pot. - Once your garlic is roasted, let it cool a bit. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the pot with the cauliflower. - Now, pour in the remaining olive oil, almond milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper. - Use a potato masher, fork, or immersion blender to mash the mixture. Go for the consistency you like best, whether smooth or chunky. - Taste your mash and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Transfer your roasted garlic mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl. Top with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor. To ensure your garlic is perfectly caramelized, choose a full, firm bulb. Remove the outer layers but keep the cloves intact. Slice off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast at 400°F for 30-35 minutes. This process brings out the sweet flavor of garlic, making it soft and golden. Choose a large head of cauliflower for the best flavor. Look for bright white florets with no brown spots. Cut it into even florets for uniform cooking. Boil the florets in salted water for 10-12 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. For texture, you can adjust the consistency of your mash. For a smooth finish, use an immersion blender. If you prefer it chunky, a potato masher works well. Mix until you hit that sweet spot! To elevate the flavor, get creative with herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like chives add a bright note. A pinch of nutmeg can bring warmth. You can even sprinkle some smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Taste as you go to find your favorite blend! Pro Tips Roasting Garlic: For a sweeter and more mellow flavor, roast the garlic until it's deeply caramelized. It adds a rich depth to the mashed cauliflower. Texture Preference: Adjust the texture of your mashed cauliflower by mashing it to your liking. For a creamier consistency, blend longer; for a chunkier feel, mash less. Seasoning: Taste your mixture before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor further. Garnishing: For added color and freshness, consider garnishing with not just chives but also a sprinkle of paprika or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. {{image_2}} To make this dish dairy-free, swap out butter and milk. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. For milk, unsweetened almond milk works well. You could also use soy or oat milk. These options keep the dish creamy and rich. Get creative with flavors by adding cheese or herbs. Try mixing in grated Parmesan for a salty bite. Or, add a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add a lovely aroma. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also works great with roasted veggies or as a base for stews. You can even put it in a bowl and top it with sautéed greens for a light lunch. Enjoy experimenting with different ways to serve this dish! To store leftovers, let the mashed cauliflower cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. The best method is to use a stovetop. Place the mashed cauliflower in a pot, and add a splash of almond milk. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. This keeps the texture creamy and prevents it from drying out. You may also use a microwave. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze roasted garlic mashed cauliflower! First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for about two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, it stays tasty and flavorful. Yes, roasted garlic mashed cauliflower is a healthy choice. It has fewer calories than mashed potatoes. One cup of mashed cauliflower has about 70 calories, while mashed potatoes have around 230 calories. Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C and K. It also has fiber, which helps digestion. This dish is low in carbs and can fit many diets. Using almond milk and vegan butter makes it dairy-free and lighter. You enjoy great flavor without extra fat or calories. Yes, you can use other vegetables instead of cauliflower. Broccoli works well for a similar taste. You can also try butternut squash for a sweeter flavor. Sweet potatoes provide a rich, creamy option. Carrots can add a nice color and sweetness, too. Each vegetable changes the taste but keeps the creamy texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! Making roasted garlic mashed cauliflower takes about 50 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of the time: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Roasting garlic: 30-35 minutes - Cooking cauliflower: 10-12 minutes This timing helps you plan your meal. You can enjoy a delicious side dish without a long wait! This blog covered how to make roasted garlic mashed cauliflower step by step. You learned about key ingredients, cooking methods, and useful tips. I shared ways to customize this dish and provided storage tips. Roasted garlic adds a rich flavor, while cauliflower keeps it light and healthy. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs or dairy-free options for a twist. Now, you have all the tools to create a tasty dish that pairs well with many meals. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

A creamy and flavorful alternative to mashed potatoes, featuring roasted garlic and cauliflower.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 whole bulb garlic
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or regular butter)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Remove the outer layers of the garlic bulb, leaving the individual cloves intact. Slice off the top of the bulb to expose the garlic.
  • Place the garlic bulb on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and wrap it tightly. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until soft and caramelized.
  • Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the cauliflower florets for about 10-12 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Drain the cauliflower and return it to the pot.
  • Once the garlic is done roasting, let it cool for a few minutes, then squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the pot with cauliflower.
  • Add the remaining olive oil, almond milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper.
  • Use an immersion blender, potato masher, or fork to mash the cauliflower mixture until it reaches your desired consistency (smooth or chunky).
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  • Transfer your roasted garlic mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh chives.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use regular butter instead of vegan butter.
Keyword cauliflower, garlic, mashed, vegan