Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

I absolutely HATE cauliflower! What possessed me to try this recipe I have no idea, but I am glad I did! Creamy and delicious and definitely not overpowering on the cauliflower flavor. A few hints to make it stand out: Be sure you drain the cauliflower after steaming. You may even find a way to squeeze excess water from it. Once everything is blended, it is very thin. It holds it's shape and "acts" like mashed potatoes, but still very thin. I felt the salt was actually lacking so I doubled the amount. Keep the food processor running the whole time while you add stuff. You want to really process the heck out of it to get that creamy consistency. HERE IS THE BIG HINT!!! Once you are done and ready to scoop it out of the food processor to serve it - DON'T! Scoop it out and put it back in the pot you used to steam the cauliflower (after draining and drying the pot). Heat it until piping hot. On medium, this will only take a minute or two while you stir constantly. Because the cauliflower is whirring around in the processor and you're adding cold cream cheese and cold parmesan cheese, it really brings the temperature way down. I ate it immediately (it was good) and then tried a 2nd batch after heating it and the difference was dramatic. HEAT!

From a healthy standpoint this recipe is great. It is low carb, has fiber, low fat, and low calories. To top, it is super easy to make. The garlic flavor is prominent, so you must like garlic. I had a 16oz bag of cauliflower in the freezer, I wanted to use up. I defrosted it and steamed it in the microwave for 5 minutes. For the tablespoon of cream cheese I had to use regular, as it was all I had from another recipe. The salt seemed like a lot, so I did use the Kosher salt suggested. It wasn't too salty. I don't have a food processor, so I put it in my Vitamix blender on medium speed. I tried to cream half of it, but it moved to the sides of the container. So, I added the rest of the ingredients minus the other half of the cauliflower. When I did that it all blended. After it was creamed I added the other half of the cauliflower and blended it until it was a good consistency. I like the way this looks like mashed potatoes, but doesn't give that heavy belly filling. I got about 3 small servings.

I love cauli, so I knew I would like this recipe. However, please try next time to roast the cauli first; sprinkle evoo, garlic salt/pepper on 400d til it turns brown/crispy...then mash it and add the cream cheese and parm cheese to make it really creamy. You'll never eat cauli any other way! Yum!

Oh. My. Goodness. This is unbelievable! I have tried mashed cauliflower before and it was terrible. I don't know if this is so good because of steaming it or using the food processor instead of a mixer or adding cream cheese and parm. But whatever it is, I'm not messing with it! My husband even thought he was eating mashed potatoes (just not my usual ones :) I will definitely make this again. ***7/31/13 - I made this again and messed with it :) I used Laughing Cow Light Garlic and Herb Cheese Wedges and refrigerated minced garlic. I also used my immersion blender which worked very well. Came out great and was even easier to make with less clean up.

This is a great variation to use cauliflower. I grow my own and have been looking for some tasty recopies. I did modify the recipe slightly by topping with butter which melted on the top. Additionally I added some spices for more flavor. Otherwise the method of mashing the vegetable is awesome. My husband had two large helping. Thanks for sharing.

Delicious. I used my immersion blender to puree. I added a bit more fresh herbs (right in the steamer) and used non dairy cream cheese as well as Parm cheese. I am going to stock up on cauliflower when it goes on sale because my family really enjoyed this. **5/14/13 update. I roasted my cauliflower with garlic and onions I tossed in a little olive oil with some salt and pepper. I added fresh herbs the last 5 minutes of cooking then pureed everything in a bowl using my stick blender. Took the flavor to another level; soooo good! I sprinkled with Parmesan cheese to serve. Even my one son - who never eats cauliflower- ate this and asked for seconds!

A hint for those who found it to be too runny. Try cooking the cauliflower less, so that it is still a little firm rather than mushy. Also, fresh cauliflower, trimmed then soaked in cold water for a half hour or more will improve both texture and flavor. (True for most fresh veggies!). Enjoy!

This is another good healthy recipe that I found under the MyPlate recipes collection that I really enjoyed. I have tried cauliflower a couple times in my life and I could not stand it. But I kept hearing about how good mashed cauliflower is so I decided to go ahead and give it another chance..and I'm so glad I did! I used fresh cauliflower and used minced garlic. I overdid it with the garlic but that was my fault. Next time I will use much less garlic and more parmesan cheese. I just love being able to prepare a healthy dish that also tastes great! thanks for sharing your recipe!

This is a good base recipe, but as is it is very bland. I used 4 tbs cream cheese and 1 cup parmesan. I got 6 good-sized servings.

I switched to a low g.i. diet, and I love this recipe. Tastes great, and nice to have with a grilled steak. The only thing I do differently is roast a few cloves of garlic in the oven (toss in olive oil) rather than sauteing it., and using some butter (not much) instead of cream cheese. I have made this several times, and have found that the food processor makes a big difference. I've tried mashing with potato masher as well as hand mixer, but the texture comes out best with the food processor.

This dish saved my diet! I've been struggling with my love of all things potatoes, especially mashed potatoes. After eating this dish, I will never make mashed potatoes again! My husband didn't even know he was eating Cauliflower until I told him. I used a little extra parm, and didn't need the salt. Thank you so much for posting this recipe!!

I could not say enough good things ! I always read reviews before making a dish and I noticed the complaint that they came out soupy a bunch of times. So I decided to roast the cauliflower with salt and pepper in the over on 450d for 20 min. then followed the recipe completely, except adding more garlic since we love it. The texture was PERFECT. The taste was right on.

These were delicious. I totally modified the instructions though. I'm a college student without a stove or food processor. So I steamed the cauliflower in the microwave with my pampered chef steamer bowls, used a potato masher to mash, used already minced garlic, and just added the rest of the ingredients, microwaved for about 20 second and stirred. Not quite smooth...but I really enjoy it that way.

I. Loved. These. What more can I say. I had tried mashed cauliflower in a restaurant once and really did not care for it. This, however, was delicious. I will make this alot now. I substituted full fat sour cream for the cream cheese because that's what I had on hand and it worked great. I also used butter to saute the garlic. Yum!

Delicious. this will become a regular with our dinners. We never eat mashed potatoes due to the starch and carbs. But THIS . . . well this is so good! I whipped it until smooth in my vitamix. I also added a bit more cream cheese, maybe another tablespoon, and a bit of cream. I used shaved parmesan as well as grated. The grated really brought out the parmesan flavor, so I'm not sure that using the shaved added anything. I just had some in my refrigerator and thought I'd use it. The grated is much stronger. Bottom line, I am making this regularly from now on!! YAY!! it's like we get mashed potatoes again! NO starches or carbs!

Wow- I used a small head of cauli, so mine ended up pretty creamy. Rather then enjoying this dish as a mashed potato substitute I boiled some pasta and used it as an amazing white sauce side dish. My family LOVED it!!! A very serendipitous outcome!! Thanks for sharing.

I absolutely loved this! I was too lazy to bring out the food processor so I used my immersion blender. It worked beautifully!!

Pretty good, considering I dont like cauliflower at all. I dont have a food processor, so I had to improvise with a hand mixer. It wasn't bad, not great either, but I added some butter to it and pretended it was mashed potatoes and it tasted better lol

This is a great recipe. I have made one very similar except instead of the cream cheese I add 1 cube of laughing cow garlic & herb cheese and a tsp. of light butter.

My kids love roasted cauliflower so I thought I'd give this a try. They all liked it but we all felt we would prefer a thicker texture. Made as directed, it is very thin. Good flavor and definitely a healthy choice

This was my first time making mashed cauliflower. I really wasn't expecting it to taste anything like mashed potatoes. WOW! This stuff was delicious! I found that the consistency was a bit dry (I steamed my cauliflower and let it cool/drain in a colander prior to processing), so I added a splash of milk just to smooth it out. Besides that, I followed the recipe as is and it was fantastic! My boyfriend was a bit disappointed when I came home and told him we were having mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes, but he ended up loving this. This will definitely be a staple in my house. Healthy comfort food!

I used 2 tbs of butter instead of olive oil. I doubled the garlic and I did not pre cook it, I chopped it raw in the food processor with the other ingredients. I also added 1-3 tsp of horseradish.

Fabulous faux mashed spuds! Making only one serving, I started with 1/4 head of cauliflower florets. I used whipped cream cheese with chives, added butter, non-dairy creamer (Mocha Mix), about 1/8 c. instant spud flakes, chopped garlic and chopped shallots, and a little shredded parm. Blended to a creamy consistency with my immersion blender, then reheated on the stove. Served as a side to my chicken fried steak with country gravy, green beans, and corn bread. Perfecto!

I just made this to go with my pork tender loin that is in the slow cooker and gravy. I have a tough time finding veggies my fiance will eat so I have started disguising them as his favourite foods. These taste just like mashed potatoes and I can't wait to see if he notices! I don't know how other people got a thin and running consistency but mine turned out fluffy and exactly looking like mashed potatoes! I did add the cream cheese a little bit at a time and I also used at least double the amount (fat free of course) and half of the salt. I also let them sit in the fridge then heated them up and the flavour was even better! I took a great suggestion from one reviewer and really made sure all the water was drained from the cauliflower after I steamed them. Great, yummy recipe and I will for sure use this for Thanksgivings dinner and see if I can trick my whole family! Thank you for this!

I made this for dinner tonight. They are amazing! I didn't have cream cheese so I used a tablespoon of butter and also added a little 1% milk to help with the blending process. They taste just like garlic mashed potatoes!!

I didn't have cream cheese, used non-fat Greek yogurt. It was very good, though a bit thin compared to mashed potatoes. Even my non-cheese eating, meat and potatoes husband liked it. Make sure to drain the cauliflower well before putting in food processor. Can then reheat prepared food in teflon pan if needed.

really good, better than mashed potatos

Holy cow!! This is the bomb. So easy, nummy, and low carb! A keeper.

This is definitely the most creamy and mashed-potato-like mashed cauliflower I've made! Like another reviewer suggested, I used a Laughing Cow Garlic Herb wedge instead of the cream cheese (I'll get more use out of the wedges than the rest of a cream cheese package), and roasted the cauli instead of steaming it. The only bummer was that it doesn't make as much as I thought a whole head of cauli would make. Loved it, though!

I thought the recipe was supposed to be reviewed on how it was made. So how do you know whether it was any good or not if you "tweak" it. Try it the way it says, if you don't like it, then tweak it.

This was wonderful! I cut up the cauliflower and cooked in the microwave with some water in the bottom of the bowl for 10-20 minutes. I doubled the recipe, added more Parmesan cheese, and a full 8 oz. box of cream cheese. The texture was crumbly from using my small food processor but after running it through my Montel Williams emulsifier, the texture was creamy. It was better than mashed potatoes, with no starchy residue on my spoon. We loved it. This recipe is a keeper!

This is great when you can almost whip the califlower in the blender. I love using lots of garlic and herbs to add flavor. I used 3 cloves garlic and a hand full of basil and oregano. Good Parmesan is key as well!

I've been making this for years, just omitting the cream cheese. My husband would rather eat mashed cauliflower than mashed potatoes! The only other thing I do differently is use an immersion blender to mix it instead of the food processor...it's easier. Love it.

Family liked the flavor but not the consistency. The heating in the saucepan after it is all together is definitely a great idea.

My husband and I love this recipes!!!

My family is not crazy about mashed cauliflower. I love it but this recipe wasn't the greatest. I made it as written, tasted, then added garlic powder for more garlic flavor and 2 T. butter. I don't have a food processor so just used the potato masher (which doesn't give it a smooth consistency).

I definitely recommend using a food processor to get the right consistency.

I love cauliflower so I'm always looking for ideas. This turned out great. I may try it next time with roasted cauliflower.

This was very tasty:) I've tried all kinds of variations on the SB Diet mashed "potatoes" and this was the best so far. I'm rating 5 stars for the recipe as is, but I added some chives and cooked a package of baby spinach which I then added to the mix.

Doubled the garlic. Added sour cream instead of cream cheese... Doubled the sour cream..

We really enjoyed this. I omitted the cream cheese as I didn't have any. I don't think it needs. Hand mashed, no need to bother with a blender. Used a combination of parmesan & gruyere. Other directions, as written. Topped with chopped fresh parsley. Yummy!

This was easy and worked well. I'm calling it "Mashed Fauxtatos" I added chives and next time I will halve the garlic and double the cream cheese, but that's personal taste. 5 Stars because it's an easily adaptable recipe. Next day I heated the leftovers and put chicken gravy on it... delicious.

Loved this. The only thing I changed was I used a laughing cow wedge instead of the cream cheese and I added just a hint of onion powder and Thyme. Awesome! And I don't feel heavy after. I served it with crock pot turkey breast and roasted carrots. Delicious Thank you!!!!

I love this recipe! Rarely are recipes so extremely healthy and so delish at the same time!

Wow! Really wonderful! I used 1/8 tsp garlic powder and skipped sautéing the garlic in olive oil. I didn't have cream cheese so I used butter instead. They were just a bit dry after the first processing so I added just a splash of chicken broth for moisture so the final whirl in the food processor would make them smooth. I've got digestive issues that have removed mashed potatoes from my diet. In this recipe I have found an awesome alternative!!! Thank you SO MUCH for posting.

This was so so good that even my carb/fat loving brother couldn't believe there was no butter. I used Avocado oil instead because it has more of a buttery flavor and use extra to help with the mashing. Made with 2 cauliflower heads as a side for a dinner of 8 and the bowl was practically licked clean.

Omg!!! This is fab!! I'm a low carber and hesitant to try this.....I don't like cauliflower normally. But I needed something different to go with prime rib, and I am thrilled. The only change/addition I made was extra cream cheese and melted butter. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

What a winner! I would never have thought cauliflower could have a fluffy texture, but it does. DH thought it was potatoes. I will be doing this regularly. I did add a little more Cream Cheese and a little less Parm, but I am very pleased with recipe. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.

Absolutely loved it! I seem to always choose potatoes as a side dish and it was nice to have something different for a change (even if it's the exact same as mashed potatoes).

This is so good... the only thing I would change would be the amounts. Make sure you double it as there won't be enough- even for the nay sayers about cauliflower. ;)

I recommend ROASTING vs steaming cauliflower (most vegetables) for less mushy texture and more robust flavor.

Wow! This recipe is fabulous. It was a huge hit. I swapped out cream cheese and used plain fat free Greek yogurt. I will be making these again.

Had my doubts but read reviews and moved forward and this is recipe is DELICIOUS. Adding to my favorites and this will definitely be on the dinner rotation! Thanks for a great side for my meatloaf!

OMG this is so great! I made it for my picky eater brother and he loved it! He asked for seconds! I used chives in the mix which gave it an extra flavor. Thank you!

I unfortunately only had a Smoothie Jr blender, (thats going to change,) so it was a pain to blend, i had to add a couple splashes of skim milk, but it turned out great! and smooth, i steamed the cauliflower for 25 minutes in my steamer per steamer directions and added it the way recipe says..i liked it although i may cut the parmesan by a little, it was a little much for me, but my boyfriend like it..i left dinner for him and came home and said how was the cauliflower? he said "what cauliflower? i ate mashed potatoes" i said nope it was cauliflower..SCORE!!.. which is a great substitute since he just got diagnosed with type II diabetes and was missing his mashed potatoes...it really makes about 2 healthy servings , which works out great for us... UPDATE. got a Blend-tec and made it exactly as written, loved it!

This is the best mashed cauliflower I have ever had. I followed the recipe as written except I had no cream cheese so I used about a fourth cup of low fat sour cream. I also added another clove of garlic (because I just like fresh garlic). It has the consistency of mashed potatoes. Loved it!

Nice way to serve cauliflower, but the texture is not what I would have preferred for something "mashed." Although we enjoyed this healthy side dish, I certainly wouldn't say it it's a sub for mashed potatoes.

We absolutely LOVE this recipe. The key really is to steam, not boil. Soo good!

This was absolutely the best recipe for mashed cauliflower that I have ever made! I followed the recipe exactly and I wouldn't change a thing. We were 5 people for dinner and wiped out a double recipe ....AND 2 of my guests wanted to know how to make them! Thanks for sharing

This is a "keeper"recipe...thought it may need more garlic however after sitting a bit the flavours mellowed and it is just fine.

This was super yummy and can't wait to make again. I love the touch of garlic flavor and the little bit of cream cheese adds that richness that other recipes don't use.

My husband and I both loved this recipe. I processed it quite a bit in the food processor and it was creamy and more like potatoes than any other cauliflower recipe like this that I have tried. I took it out of the food processor and heated up back up in a sauce pan so it would be hot when I served it. I will make this again and probably double the recipe.

Wow, started a low carb diet and heard about these faux potatoes and man was I surprised. Followed the recipe almost exactly and was amazed by the consistency of the cauliflower and how similar it ws to potatoes. It's not exactly like a potato but the flavor and texture is close enough for me to feel like I'm eating steak and potatoes. I didn't have a food processor but used a bullet blender and it took three pint-full containers to get all the steamed cauliflower through the blender. After each blend, I would dump in a bowl, the last blend had all the ingredients (cheese, cream cheese, salt, pepper), then just stirred everything together and perfection. Great recipe, thanks for sharing!

This recipe was delicious! I added a little more salt and cream cheese than the recipe called for. I also blended some green onions into the mix. Yum!

I whip up something similar to this, I steam cauliflower until it's soft enough to mash with a fork and add it to instant mash potatoes(quit making that face,Ok,I'm too lazy to peel the spuds) then add garlic salt to taste, a nice quick and easy way to make a healthier garlic mashed potatoes without heating up the kitchen. Try it you'll like it!! Bon Appetite, Adios n' Hasta La Bye Bye!

This is an excellent recipe. Came out great. No, in my opinion it does not replace the goodness of mashed potatoes, but i chose not to make it with the thought that it would. And for someone whos choosing to make healthier decisions, this is a great substitute. This definitely has a place in my regular recipes. Thank you so much for sharing.

Great simple and quick recipe for cauliflower and option to mashed potatoes. Can be easily adjusted with many different seasonings for varied flavors. My family loved it.

So amazing! You may want to start a little lighter on the pepper for the kiddos to start.

Thanks, Andie. I have tries a few other recipes, but this one came out tasting like Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Smooth and creamy. I have no need to continue my quest for the perfect Cauliflower Mash recipe. I have found it.

This was AWESOME!!! I didn't have parmesan cheese, so I used romano instead. I think I added a tablespoon of sour cream. I've tried to make it before and it was just okay, but this recipe is a KEEPER!!! I think I'm going to make it every week from now on. I may not ever make potatoes again!!

I used my hand-held beaters and the consistency was not like mashed potatoes. I ended up baking it with shredded cheese on top. Everyone enjoyed it, even my potato-lover, veggie-hater 17 year old. This is a keeper.

This was my first time making cauliflower mash and it was unbelievable! It really tasted like mash potatoes! I'm also not the greatest cook and I followed the recipe to the "T". The only thing was I didn't have a food processor so I used my smart stick hand blender and it pureed it so smooth! Will keep this recipe and will test the hubby next time to see if notices! ha ha ha

Sorry. I did not like this.

I love mashed potatoes and this was a great tasting low cal alternative. My husband actually likes this better than mashed potatoes.

The only thing I changed was that I came across a creamed Philadelphia herbed cream chesse & I used that. Otherwise I followed the exact recipe & it was delicious. Go very easy on adding more salt as the cream cheese (herbed version) is already salty. Wow this is a great replacement for mashed potato. Love it & will make it again.

Added 2 extra garlic cloves, and used 2 tablespoons reduced fat cream cheese with chive & onion. ‘Superb Sautéed Mushrooms’ from this site and shredded cheddar cheese were used as toppings on the mashed cauliflower. This combination created a terrific side dish.

This was the first time I’ve made mashed cauliflower and I’m happy I selected this recipe. It was smooth, creamy and flavourful. I omitted the Parmesan cheese by accident but still loved it. I will definitely be making this again but probably doubling the recipe because my family enjoyed it too. The only thing I did differently was steaming the cauliflower in my Instant Pot and using an immersion blender to purée. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

Dude, serious yummage!!! I also used my vitamix and had to baby it along, but the results were amazing!! This recipe went to my box, for sure!

Great flavor but be sure to squeeze the moisture out of the cauliflower. I had to add potato flakes to mine because they started off too runny.

I love this recipe as a sub for mashed potatoes...which are too heavy sadly....I have used both EVOO or butter, garlic or none depending on the meal, varied cheeses to accommodate as well.... but I have never used cream cheese just out of preference. I like this blended with a potato masher for texture vs machine....Thank you

Perfect for Low-Carb diet! Very yummy and I really like the texture. It's all about steaming, not boiling the cauliflower.

BEST EVER SECRET FOR "FLUFF!" I already loved mashed cauliflower but after learning this trick, took it to a whole other level of YUM! After the cauli is done, BEFORE adding to blender, use cheese cloth (or very clean, lightweight towel) to squeeze out as much water as possible. Then find the largest, most shallow dish that fits in the microwave, and nuke 'em m for a few mins (depends on how much cauli you've got, and microwave power). You will be AH-MAZED at the difference & extra fluff you get this way! Not watery, texture identical to mashed potatoes! Speaking of which, try chives & grated cheese for garnish ... delish!

not what i was expecting i'm a big cauliflower fan and i've always wanted to try it mashed. It was good but i wouldn't go to all of this trouble for it agin. I much prefer roasted cauliflower but thank you for the recipe

Simple and delicious.

Used 1/2c grated Monterey Jack Cheese instead of Parmesan and added sprinkle of granulated garlic. Used hand blender.

This was amazing! I don't really take much time in writing reviews (although I really should) but this recipe deserves it. My husband hates cauliflower, but I know how healthy it can be to substitute. I've tried several different recipes that he didn't care for. This one is the ONLY one he will eat. I swear if I didn't tell him it was cauliflower he would have never known. Thank you so much for this recipe!! Next subject, my Dad...

I have never been a fan of cauliflower but since Hubby and I are on Paleo and I miss potatoes...I had to try this! It was awesome and hubby was so surprised that there was "NO potatoes" in the bowl! I make this every week!! thank you for an awesome recipe. Because of paleo, I cannot have cream cheese or Parmesan so I subbed almond milk and butter. Still awesome!!

I made this when I had company coming for dinner instead of rice/pasta/potato and everyone loved it and the colour presentation with salmon and french string beans was eye appealing and healthy!

I pumped up the garlic and cream cheese a bit. This will become a regular at our table.

Needed to use chicken stock to thin it out a little but soooooooo good...definitely needed more salt

I made this last week, and I am making it again tonight. I followed the instructions exactly as they are posted. I love it, my family loves it, I highly recommend to anyone looking for a healthy mashed potato replacement.

Yummy! The cream cheese makes it soupy than real mashed potatoes, but they tasted great.

I don't like Cauliflower but tried this out for low-carb diet. Was pleasantly surprised! Yummy. We'll be eating this all the time. Not just for low-carb.

This was an exceptional dish. I followed the recipe exactly as written. Very tasty with the garlic infusion. My husband is not a cauliflower lover but loved this. Will definitely make this again.

Made these twice exactly as called for in the recipe. In my opinion, this tastes better than mashed potatoes and satisfies the carb craving on my low carb diet. Absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing!

Followed the recipe; can't comment on it if you don't. Wife and I enjoyed it very much. We don't think that it needs any changes. Not quite as firm as mashed potatoes, but very tasty.

Awesome! I added a bit more garlic and the oil firm the garlic. I did not have cream cheese but did have some fat free half n half someone accidentally bought. It tastes great and was easy.

This will be a regular dish in our house from now, on! We made it exactly like the recipe, baked for 1/2 hour at 350, covered in plain panko, with butter drizzled over it, broil to brown, a few minutes. Awesome!

I mashed mine with a heavy fork as my blender couldn't handle it. I left out the cream cheese. It was a hit.