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- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 6 cloves of garlic, skin left on - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk - Sea salt - Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for extra warmth) - Fresh chives, finely chopped When making creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, I focus on fresh and tasty ingredients. The large head of cauliflower gives us a nice base. I love the flavor of garlic, so I use six cloves. I leave the skins on while roasting. It makes the garlic soft and sweet. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps with roasting. The cream cheese makes the dish creamy and smooth. Almond milk is my choice for a lighter touch, but regular milk works too. For seasoning, I use sea salt and black pepper. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth if you like. Finally, I finish the dish with fresh chives. They add a nice pop of color and flavor. This combination makes for a delightful side dish or a healthy main course. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for roasting. While the oven heats, cut a large head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Also, grab six cloves of garlic and leave the skins on. This keeps the garlic sweet and mellow as it roasts. Now, let's get those veggies ready to roast. On a large baking sheet, spread out your cauliflower florets and the unpeeled garlic cloves. Drizzle three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over them. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the cauliflower and garlic in the oil and spices. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Check for fork-tender cauliflower and soft, caramelized garlic. This roasting brings out deep flavors that make your dish shine. After roasting, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. Next, squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins into a mixing bowl. Discard the skins. Add the tender cauliflower florets to the bowl with the garlic. Now, mix in a half cup of softened cream cheese and a half cup of unsweetened almond milk. If you want a little warmth, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Then, use an immersion blender or a potato masher to blend until smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, drizzle in more almond milk to reach your desired texture. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Transfer your creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl. Garnish with finely chopped chives for a fresh touch. Enjoy every creamy bite! To get the best creamy texture, you can choose between two methods for blending. - Immersion Blender: This tool gives you a smooth and silky finish. It’s easy and convenient. - Potato Masher: This method gives a chunkier texture. It adds a rustic feel to the dish. If your mixture seems too thick, just add more milk. Start with a tablespoon at a time. Mix well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. Roasting garlic is simple but key to flavor. - Best Practices: Roast the garlic with the skin on. This helps keep it moist and sweet. Place it with the cauliflower on the baking sheet. - Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle olive oil over both the garlic and cauliflower. This helps caramelization and adds depth. You can also sprinkle a little more sea salt or pepper before roasting. A beautiful presentation can elevate your dish. - Serving Suggestions: Use a decorative bowl for the mashed cauliflower. It makes the dish look special. - Decorative Garnishes: Top with finely chopped chives. This adds freshness and color. A light drizzle of olive oil can make it shine. {{image_4}} You can make this dish lighter by swapping the cream cheese. Try using Greek yogurt instead. It adds creaminess without the extra fat. Another option is silken tofu. It blends well and keeps the texture smooth. For milk, there are many alternatives. Almond milk works great, but you can also use oat or soy milk. These choices keep it dairy-free and lower in calories. Adding herbs can boost flavor. Fresh thyme or rosemary makes a lovely touch. Just chop them finely and mix them in before blending. You’ll enjoy a fresh taste with each bite. Cheese lovers can also get creative. Try adding Parmesan for a nutty flavor. Or go for sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. Just remember to blend it in well so it melts into the cauliflower. If you follow a vegan diet, you can easily adjust this recipe. Replace the cream cheese with cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese. These options keep it creamy and rich. For gluten-free needs, this recipe is already safe! All the ingredients are gluten-free. Just make sure any added seasonings or cheese are also gluten-free. To store your leftover creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. In the fridge, it stays good for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can freeze mashed cauliflower for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, spoon it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date. It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. You can add a splash of almond milk to help it become creamy again. Enjoy your creamy mashed treat! Roasted garlic has a sweet, mild flavor. It loses its sharpness and becomes creamy. The roasting brings out its natural sugars, making it rich and buttery. This makes it perfect for adding depth to mashed cauliflower. The taste is nutty and aromatic, enhancing any dish. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just thaw it first for even cooking. Drain any excess water after thawing. This helps avoid a watery mash. Use the same roasting method, but check for tenderness earlier. Frozen cauliflower can still result in creamy goodness. To cut calories, swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt. This adds creaminess with fewer calories. You can also use less oil or skip it altogether. Consider using skim almond milk instead of regular. These small changes keep the dish flavorful and light. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the mashed cauliflower and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of almond milk if it thickens. This makes it easy for busy days or gatherings. Creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. It also complements roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a vegetarian option, serve it with stuffed peppers or sautéed greens. In this blog post, we explored a delicious recipe for Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower. We covered key ingredients like cauliflower, garlic, and cream cheese. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, roast, and blend your ingredients. We shared tips for texture and presentation, offering healthful variations and storage methods. This dish is tasty, versatile, and easy to make. Try it out and enjoy its creamy goodness. Your meals will feel special, and your guests will love it.

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Elevate your side dish game with this creamy roasted garlic mashed cauliflower! This healthy and flavorful recipe combines tender cauliflower, rich cream cheese, and roasted garlic for a comforting twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Perfect for any meal, it's quick to prepare and sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

6 cloves of garlic, skin left on

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk for a dairy option)

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)

Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    On a large baking sheet, spread out the cauliflower florets and the unpeeled garlic cloves in a single layer.

      Drizzle the olive oil generously over the cauliflower and garlic. Then sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss everything together until the cauliflower is well-coated in the oil and seasonings.

        Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. You're looking for the cauliflower to be fork-tender and the garlic to be soft and slightly caramelized.

          After roasting, remove the sheet from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Carefully squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins into a mixing bowl, discarding the skins.

            Add the tender cauliflower florets to the bowl with the roasted garlic. Then incorporate the softened cream cheese, almond milk, and if you choose to use it, the ground nutmeg.

              Using an immersion blender, or a potato masher for a more rustic texture, blend the mixture until it's smooth and creamy. If it appears too thick, drizzle in more almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.

                Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

                  Transfer the velvety mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl and generously garnish with finely chopped chives for a fresh finish.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy mashed cauliflower in a decorative bowl, and for a pop of color, sprinkle some additional chives on top along with a light drizzle of olive oil.