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- 1 large head of cauliflower - 4 cloves of garlic - 1/4 cup cream cheese - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh chives or parsley Gathering the right ingredients is key to your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower. Start with a large head of cauliflower. This will be the base of your dish. You want it to be fresh and firm. Next, grab four cloves of garlic. The garlic adds that lovely flavor. You will use them whole, so no need to chop. For creaminess, you'll need a quarter cup of cream cheese. This makes the dish rich and smooth. To help blend everything, have half a cup of unsweetened almond milk ready. You can use regular milk if you prefer. Don't forget two tablespoons of unsalted butter. This adds extra creaminess and flavor. Lastly, get some salt and pepper for seasoning. These will enhance the taste of your dish. For garnish, fresh chives or parsley work great. They add a nice color and a hint of freshness. Now that you have all your ingredients, you’re ready to make this delightful side dish. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the detailed cooking instructions. Start by filling a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water boils, add the cauliflower florets and the whole garlic cloves. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes. They should be fork-tender and the garlic soft. This step is key for a rich, flavorful mash. After cooking, drain the cauliflower and garlic well. Return them to the pot, but turn off the heat. This helps any leftover moisture to escape. Now, add the softened cream cheese and butter. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash and blend the mixture. Keep blending until it becomes smooth and velvety. Next, slowly pour in the almond milk. Do this a little at a time. Keep mashing as you pour. Adjust the amount of milk to get your preferred creaminess. Finally, season your mash with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to mix in the flavors. Taste and adjust if needed. Serve this creamy garlic mashed cauliflower hot. It looks great topped with fresh chives or parsley. For the complete details, check the Full Recipe. To make your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower perfect, avoid excess moisture. After cooking, drain the cauliflower and garlic well. Let them sit in the pot for a minute to let any remaining water steam off. This step is key to a creamy texture. I recommend using an immersion blender. It blends the mixture smoothly and quickly. You can also use a potato masher, but the immersion blender gives a silkier finish. For a flavor boost, try adding garlic powder or roasted garlic. Roasted garlic provides a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the dish. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary. These fresh herbs add a delightful twist to the taste. Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite flavor combination. This dish is best served warm. It pairs well with proteins like chicken or fish. You can also use it as a side dish for veggies. Serve it in warm bowls and top with fresh chives or parsley. This adds color and a hint of freshness. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. Enjoy the creamy delight! {{image_4}} You can make this dish even lighter. Start by swapping the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. This change keeps the creaminess while cutting down on carbs. Next, use vegetable broth instead of milk. This option adds flavor without the extra calories. If you want a richer taste, consider adding cheese. Parmesan or cheddar can enhance the dish greatly. You can also spice things up. Adding a pinch of paprika or nutmeg brings warmth and depth to the flavor. These small changes make a big difference. This creamy garlic mashed cauliflower isn't just a side. You can transform it into a stuffed veggie dish. Hollow out peppers or zucchini and fill them with the mash. It makes for a fun presentation. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. It adds a creamy texture that kids and adults will love. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy these fun variations! Store your creamy garlic mashed cauliflower in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Consume it within 3-5 days for the best flavor and texture. You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to pack it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps it from getting too watery. Use a microwave or stovetop to reheat your mashed cauliflower. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk. This helps restore its creamy texture. Enjoy it warm for the best taste! Refer to the detailed recipe section for steps. This dish is easy and quick to make. Start by boiling the cauliflower and garlic. Once soft, mash them with cream cheese and butter. Mix in almond milk until creamy. Season, serve, and enjoy! Yes, you can make it vegan! Simply replace the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter for a similar texture and taste. You can also try using coconut milk for a unique twist. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Stir well to ensure even heating. This way, your mashed cauliflower stays fluffy and delicious. This blog post covers how to make creamy garlic mashed cauliflower. We discussed the main ingredients like cauliflower, garlic, and cream cheese, along with tips for mashing and enhancing flavor. You can explore various options, such as low-carb swaps or creative serving ideas. Proper storage and reheating methods will ensure your cauliflower stays fresh. Creamy garlic mashed cauliflower is a tasty side dish that is easy to enjoy. With these steps, you can impress anyone at your table.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Discover the ultimate side dish with this creamy garlic mashed cauliflower recipe! Perfectly blended with garlic and cream cheese for a velvety texture, this dish is not only delicious but also a healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Learn how to create this easy, flavorful recipe that will impress your family and guests. Click to explore the steps and elevate your meal with this delightful recipe!
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Ingredients
  

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

4 cloves of garlic, peeled and left whole

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (can substitute with regular milk if desired)

2 tablespoons butter, unsalted

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.

    Once the water is boiling, carefully add the cauliflower florets and whole garlic cloves. Cook them for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender and the garlic is soft.

      After cooking, drain the cauliflower and garlic thoroughly. Return them to the pot (off the heat) to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate, ensuring a creamy consistency.

        To the pot, add the softened cream cheese and butter. Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash and blend the mixture until it achieves a smooth, velvety texture.

          Slowly pour in the almond milk a little at a time, continuing to mash as you go. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your preferred creaminess.

            Season the mashed cauliflower with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to fully incorporate the seasonings, tasting and adjusting if necessary.

              Serve the creamy garlic mashed cauliflower immediately on warm plates or bowls. Top with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4