This creamy, smooth, and flavorful mashed cauliflower with garlic has become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or just a fun new way to enjoy cauliflower, this dish is for you!
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If you’re new to my page, the first thing you should know is that I believe that ALL foods have value and should be enjoyed as works best for you. Which means that I am sharing this recipe not as an alternative to mashed potatoes or as a way to “trick” your mind or body into thinking it is getting something that it isn’t (although if that’s your thing, you do you!). I’m sharing it because it is absolutely delicious!
My family loves to enjoy this mashed cauliflower with garlic as a side dish for really any roasted meat (including sausages, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or salmon), but also with other, more versatile main dishes, such as grilled cheese, frittatas, and quiches.
Nutritional Benefits of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, which means it is in the same family as broccoli, cabbage, kale, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts, all nutrient-dense, fantastic additions to our diets.
In particular, cauliflower is high in antioxidants such as Vitamin C, K, and manganese which help your body to have a strong immune system, as well as prevent such illnesses as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
In addition, it’s packed with fiber, which helps to keep things regular and happy in your digestive system, and also helps you to feel full for longer.
How to Make Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic
Making mashed cauliflower with garlic is surprisingly easy as it really only involves three steps: cutting the cauliflower into florets, steaming the cauliflower, and puréeing the cauliflower into its mashed form.
Equipment Needed to Make Mashed Cauliflower
To make this mashed cauliflower you will need the following equipment:
- Chef’s knife
- Large pot with steamer insert or a large pot and a steamer basket that fits inside
- Immersion blender or a regular blender
How to Cut a Cauliflower into Florets
Cutting up the cauliflower is the most labor-intensive part of this process, but if you follow my simple steps, it should only take you about 5 minutes. If you want to skip this step, though, you can always buy your cauliflower pre-chopped.
Here is what I have found to be the most efficient way to chop cauliflower florets:
- Remove the outer leaves.
- Use a chef’s knife to cut off the stem so that you get a more or less flat bottom.
- Cut the cauliflower in half.
- Cut each half in half again to form quarters.
- Cut off the rest of the stem (I like to save this to dice and add to my florets)
- Use your fingers to break off florets in the size you want.
- If necessary, cut larger florets into smaller ones.
How to Steam Cauliflower
Once you have your cauliflower florets ready, it is time to steam them. You can do this step either with a large pot that includes a steamer basket or with a large pot and a separate steamer basket that will fit into the pot.
To steam the cauliflower florets, put about 1-1.5 inches of water in the bottom of a large pot and place the cauliflower florets, along with two cloves of mashed garlic, into a steamer basket above the water, cover and bring to a boil. Once the water has come to a boil, allow the cauliflower to steam for 8-10 minutes (the time will depend on the size of your florets), or until very soft.
How to Mash Cauliflower
Now it’s time to mash! You can do this either with an immersion blender or with a regular blender.
If using an immersion blender, remove the steamer basket from the pot, pour the water out of the bottom of the pot, and pour your cauliflower (and garlic) into the pot (the remaining heat in the pot will help to keep the cauliflower warm). Then add your sour cream, salt, and pepper, and purée until smooth.
If using a regular blender, pour your cauliflower (and garlic) into the blender, add your sour cream, salt, and pepper, and purée until smooth.
Flavor Boosters
This mashed cauliflower with garlic is absolutely wonderful as is, but if you want to boost the flavor even more you have some options:
- Like garlic? Add more! I would say 4 cloves total would be my max, but you do you
- 1 tsp of dried thyme adds a lovely, herbal quality
- Steam the cauliflower with a bay leaf (remove before mashing) for another herbal option
- Add a grating of nutmeg to the final dish for a warming and nutty addition to the mix
- Replace the sour cream and salt with Boursin cheese for a super flavorful, herbal, and garlicky version
Love Cauliflower? Make sure to check out our post on how to prepare cauliflower and recipes to get you started.
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The Best Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic mashed
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or other coarse salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cut your cauliflower into florets (see detailed instructions above).
- Put about 1-1.5inches of water in the bottom of a large pot and place the cauliflower florets, along with two cloves of mashed garlic, into a steamer basket above the water, cover and bring to a boil.
- Once the water has come to a boil, allow the cauliflower to steam for 8-10 minutes (the time will depend on the size of your florets), or until very soft.
- There are two ways to mash your cauliflower. If using an immersion blender, remove the steamer basket from the pot, pour the water out of the bottom of the pot, and pour your cauliflower (and garlic) into the pot (the remaining heat in the pot will help to keep the cauliflower warm). Then add your sour cream, salt, and pepper,and purée until smooth. If using a regular blender, pour your cauliflower (and garlic) into the blender, add your sour cream, salt, and pepper, and purée until smooth.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, microwaving to reheat when needed.