This is the simplest and most delicious recipe for mashed cauliflower (or cauliflower mashed potatoes!) Whether for a holiday dinner or anytime meal, this mashed cauliflower is super flavorful with savory garlic and fresh herbs, a side dish that will complement any main course and even steal the show! Paleo, Whole30, Keto and vegan option.
Of course I love mashed potatoes, but for those of us that want a lower carb option at their holiday dinner tables, this recipe will become your go-to!
I tested this recipe two ways – steaming the cauliflower as I’ve done in the past, and also using the microwave.
When it comes to the holidays sometimes there’s no room left on the stove to cook one more thing, so the microwave version can come in handy!
What You Need to Make This Mashed Cauliflower
The texture and flavors are great while using minimal ingredients, which I love.
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cauliflower “mashed potatoes”:
- cauliflower florets
- fresh garlic
- ghee, grass fed butter, or vegan butter
- milk of choice
- sea salt
- black pepper
- fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme)
How to Make These Easy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
For the steamed version, you’ll steam the cauliflower first.
Bring a couple of inches of water to a boil in a stockpot, and place the florets in a steamer basket set in the pot. Cover the florets and steam for until very soft. Drain the cauliflower on paper towels to remove excess water.
While the cauliflower cooks, heat one tablespoon of the ghee in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until softened, then remove from heat and set aside.
To mash the cauliflower, you can use a food processor OR an immersion stick blender.
Add the sautéed garlic, milk, salt and pepper to the cauliflower and blend until the mixture resembles mashed potatoes. You can puree them creamier if you prefer in your food processor, but I like them with some texture.
Once mashed, stir in the minced herbs and transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with more fresh herbs and a drizzle of melted ghee or butter.
How to Microwave the Cauliflower
To microwave your cauliflower, place the florets in a large microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 5 minutes, stir, then return to the microwave and repeat this process twice, until the florets are very soft.
You won’t need to squeeze out water this way either since there won’t be any.
Just remember to stir well in between heating times to make sure the cauliflower heats evenly and doesn’t start to burn. Once it’s done, simply follow the rest of the recipe as written.
I hope you’re ready for a low carb treat that everyone is going to love! Even my kiddos loved this one and that’s saying a lot.
Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving or a simple weeknight dinner it’s bound to be a hit! Enjoy!
Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower or 2 smaller ones, 2 1/2-3 lbs, cut into florets
- 3 cloves garlic minced
-
4
tablespoons
ghee
or grass fed butter, or vegan butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh herbs minced (I used 1 teaspoon rosemary and 1 teaspoon thyme)
- Additional fresh herbs for garnish
- 1 tablespoon melted ghee butter, or vegan butter, for garnish
Instructions
-
First, steam the cauliflower. My method: bring a couple of inches of water to a boil in a stockpot, and place the florets in a steamer basket set in the pot. Cover the florets and steam for about 8-10 minutes or until very soft. Drain the cauliflower in paper towels to remove excess water. See notes for a microwave option.
-
While the cauliflower cooks, heat one tablespoon of the ghee in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until softened - about 30 seconds - then remove from heat and set aside.
-
To mash the cauliflower, you can use a food processor OR an immersion stick blender. Add the sautéed garlic, milk, salt and pepper to the cauliflower and blend until the mixture resembles mashed potatoes. You can puree them creamier if you prefer in your food processor, but I like them with some texture. Once mashed to your preference, stir in the minced herbs.
-
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with more fresh herbs and a drizzle of melted ghee or butter. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*To microwave your cauliflower, place the florets in a large microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 5 minutes, stir, then return to the microwave and repeat this process twice, until the florets are very soft. You won’t need to squeeze out water this way either!
**This recipe can easily be doubled.
Nutrition
Want More Low Carb Side Dishes? Try One of These!
Garlic Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Sautéed Kale with Bacon and Almonds
Cauliflower Sausage Thanksgiving Stuffing
Cauliflower Risotto with Bacon and Mushrooms
Garlic Bacon Roasted Cauliflower with Herbed Aioli
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Excited to try this Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower recipe! Perfect alternative for a low-carb holiday side dish, especially with the microwave option. Can’t wait to see it complement our main course!
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It’s also great that it fits various dietary needs like Paleo, Whole30, Keto, and offers a vegan option.