Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower (Print version)

Smooth mashed cauliflower blended with roasted garlic and fresh chives for a light, savory side dish.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1 bulb garlic
03 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

→ Dairy

04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1/4 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
06 - 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt

→ Pantry & Seasoning

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and golden.
03 - Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until very tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain well.
04 - In a food processor or large bowl, combine the hot cauliflower, roasted garlic cloves (squeezed from their skins), butter, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Process or mash until completely smooth and creamy.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Spoon into a serving bowl, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh chives.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • You get all the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes without the heavy post-meal slump that leaves you reaching for sweatpants and a couch.
  • The roasted garlic transforms into something sweet and mellow, making even cauliflower skeptics ask for seconds.
02 -
  • Drain the cauliflower really well after cooking—any water left behind will turn your creamy mash into a watery disappointment.
  • Don't skip roasting the garlic; raw garlic would be harsh and overwhelming here, while roasted garlic melts into the background.
03 -
  • Buy the biggest head of cauliflower you can find—it shrinks dramatically during cooking, and you don't want to end up with half a serving.
  • Don't skip the final olive oil drizzle; it adds a restaurant-style finish that makes simple food feel special.

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