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- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets - 1 whole bulb of garlic - 1 tablespoon olive oil - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can tweak this recipe to match your taste. Here are some ideas: - Use different types of cheese like cheddar or feta. - Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. - Mix in some cooked bacon for a savory kick. - Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for more flavor. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy. Here’s what you gain per serving: - Calories: About 150 - Protein: 5 grams - Carbohydrates: 10 grams - Fiber: 3 grams - Fat: 10 grams Roasted Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower is a great choice for a side dish. It gives you the comfort of mashed potatoes but is lighter and full of flavor. You can enjoy it guilt-free! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a whole bulb of garlic and slice the top off. This exposes the cloves inside. Drizzle it with olive oil. Wrap the bulb in aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes. You want the cloves to be soft and golden. Let it cool slightly after roasting. While the garlic roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets to the pot. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes. You want them to be fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the cauliflower and set it aside. Now, take the cooled garlic bulb and squeeze the soft cloves into a large mixing bowl. Add the drained cauliflower to this bowl. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mix them together. Aim for a smooth and creamy texture. Next, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, almond milk, and butter. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more almond milk if needed. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve this warm and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch. To get smooth mashed cauliflower, cook the florets until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the cauliflower well to remove excess water. For the creamiest result, use an immersion blender or potato masher. Blend until you reach your desired texture. If it feels too thick, add a splash of almond milk for creaminess. Roasted garlic adds a deep, rich flavor. Don’t skip this step! You can also mix in different cheeses, like cheddar or cream cheese, for a unique twist. A pinch of nutmeg can elevate the taste. Fresh herbs, like thyme or chives, also brighten the dish. Season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. One common mistake is not draining the cauliflower fully. Excess water makes the mash watery. Another error is over-blending, which can lead to a gummy texture. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go. Finally, don’t skip the garnish! Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to your final dish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish dairy-free easily. Replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese. Use a nut milk, like almond or cashew, instead of regular milk. You can also use a vegan butter for a perfect swap. This way, you keep the creamy texture while being dairy-free. To make your mashed cauliflower even more exciting, add herbs or spices. Fresh chives or thyme can add great flavor. If you want a kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes. Garlic powder can boost that garlic taste. Mix in your favorite herbs to make it your own. You can also try other veggies if you like. Turnips or parsnips work well for a twist. Sweet potatoes can give a lovely sweetness. Just make sure to cook them until they are soft. Mash them the same way as the cauliflower for a new favorite dish. After enjoying your Roasted Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower, let it cool. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents the dish from drying out. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat the mashed cauliflower in a few ways. The microwave is the quickest method. Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on medium power for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming. You can also reheat it on the stovetop. Pour it into a small pot over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of almond milk to help regain creaminess. If you want to keep the mashed cauliflower longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as noted above to enjoy its delicious taste again. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just cook it according to package directions. Frozen cauliflower can be soft, so watch the cooking time. Drain it well before mashing. This can help keep your dish smooth and creamy. To make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with vegan butter. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Substitute almond milk with a plant-based milk of your choice. This keeps the taste rich and satisfying without dairy. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. It also works great with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. You can even enjoy it as a base for a savory mushroom stew. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for mashed cauliflower, the step-by-step instructions for preparation, and various tips for getting it just right. I shared options for customization and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Remember, mixing flavors and textures can elevate your mashed cauliflower. Follow the advice shared here to avoid common mistakes and enjoy this healthy side dish. Now you're ready to create a tasty and versatile meal that everyone will love.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower

A creamy and flavorful alternative to mashed potatoes made with roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 whole bulb garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Take the whole bulb of garlic and slice the top off, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden.
  • While the garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 10-12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Once the garlic is roasted, carefully remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins into a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the drained cauliflower to the bowl with the roasted garlic. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to combine, until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, almond milk, and butter. Stir until combined and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more almond milk if needed.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Adjust the consistency with more almond milk if needed.
Keyword cauliflower, garlic, mashed, parmesan, vegetarian