Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is a yummy alternative to mashed potatoes. It has great flavor, fewer carbs, and it takes less time to make than mashed potatoes.
If you’re looking for an easy alternative to mashed potatoes, look at making this mashed cauliflower recipe. It is lower in carbs than potatoes, and it goes with all the meals that potatoes go with.
Switching out the potatoes with this recipe will help with getting more vitamins and fiber into your diet. And another thing that I love about this recipe is how quickly it comes together.
Helpful tips
- Choose a head of cauliflower that is firm and does not have dark spots. This will make for a better-tasting dish.
- Cook until the cauliflower is soft. The time may vary depending on the size of the florets. Cooking the florets will make it easier to mash.
- Drain all of the water after the cooking process.
- Use a potato masher, mixer, blender, or food processor. A masher or blender will leave the cauliflower less smooth. If you are looking for a silky smooth dish, then use a blender or food processor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- To reheat leftovers, use the microwave or stove. For the microwave, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between. Once it is heated, add a little cream or milk with a little butter and stir it in, if desired. For the stovetop, heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or scorching. Add a little milk and butter if desired.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower
- Garlic
- Salt
- Water
- Sour Cream
- Butter
- Parmesan Cheese
- Pepper
Steps for making this mashed cauliflower
Steps one and two
Break down the cauliflower into small pieces. Place in a saucepan with salt and water. Cook until the cauliflower is soft.
Steps three and four
Once the cauliflower is soft, drain the water and add the sour cream, parmesan cheese, butter, and pepper. Mash the ingredients together with a potato masher, mixer, or food processor.
More side dish recipes
- Vinegar Based Coleslaw
- Roasted Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Easy Mashed Potatoes
- Chicken Flavored Egg Noodles with Butter and Garlic
If you make this garlic mashed cauliflower, I would love to hear about it! Please leave me a comment and a rating.
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Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower florets about 4 to 5 cups
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic
- salt to taste
- water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Break down the cauliflower into bite-size florets. In a medium saucepan, add about an inch of water, salt, cauliflower, and garlic. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat
- Once the water starts to boil, turn it down to medium and continue to cook until the cauliflower is soft. Remove from the heat and drain the water.
- Add the sour cream, parmesan cheese, butter, and pepper to the cooked cauliflower. With a potato masher, mixer, or food processor, mash the cauliflower with the other ingredients until all is combined and mashed well.
Notes
- Choose a head of cauliflower that is firm and does not have dark spots. This will make for a better-tasting dish.
- Cook until the cauliflower is soft. The time may vary depending on the size of the florets. Cooking the florets will make it easier to mash.
- Drain all of the water after the cooking process.
- Use a potato masher, mixer, blender, or food processor. A masher or blender will leave the cauliflower less smooth. If you are looking for a silky smooth dish, then use a blender or food processor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- To reheat leftovers, use the microwave or stove. For the microwave, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between. Once it is heated, add a little cream or milk with a little butter and stir it in, if desired. For the stovetop, heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or scorching. Add a little milk and butter if desired.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on July 22, 2015. It has been updated with new content and pictures on July 3, 2025.
I love cauliflower Dawn and this salad with garlic sounds delicious!
Love this as a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes!!
I think mashed cauliflower is so much better than mashed potatoes. This is a great recipe.
Always looking for good cauliflower recipes, this one is in!
This sounds fantastic. Personally, I’m not a big cauliflower fan but this looks so tempting, that I may just give it a try 🙂
I love cauliflowers! Simple and flavourful dish!
Easy recipe to make, and it is a great alternative to mashed potatoes when you are looking for low carb side dish.