Roasted mashed cauliflower is an easy side dish that is so creamy, fluffy, and rich, it will satisfy any major mashed potatoes craving. The cauliflower cooks until beautifully roasted and is then blended with roasted garlic, butter, a little cream, egg yolk, and Parmesan cheese. Top it off with fresh herbs and taste pure cauliflower magic!
There is SO much you can do with a head of cauliflower, whether it's cauliflower rice, creamy cauliflower soup, or even cauliflower "risotto."
It's a versatile vegetable that is basically any keto dieter's best friend. This mashed roasted cauliflower is perfect for those watching their macros but still want to enjoy the classic comfort of mashed potatoes. Because hey, you deserve it!
Serve up this side dish with roast chicken or pot roast or an elevated meal like braised beef shanks. It's great on top of my low-carb and gluten-free shepherd's pie or as a creamy base for just about any comfort food dish.
creamy cauliflower mash
There's something so comforting about creamy mashed potatoes, but let's face it — they're not always an option if you're trying to maintain a low-carb lifestyle. That's where this cauliflower mash comes!
It's similar to my dairy-free cauliflower mash recipe but instead of steaming the cauliflower, you will roast it (along with whole garlic cloves) which gives the mash a delicious depth of flavor.
Grass-fed butter and cream make it rich, velvety and buttery. You'll basically get the best of both worlds... and isn't that what we all want?
This creamy mashed cauliflower is also a great way to get in some extra veggies, whether you're trying to sneak it in for picky eaters or just looking to add more nutrition to your meal.
It'll also swoop in to save the day if you're serving at holiday parties or large gatherings where there are dietary restraints. You got to love a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone!
why this recipe works
This mashed cauliflower with roasted garlic is a must-try. It's the perfect side dish for any meal!
My goal for this recipe was to make a creamy cauliflower mash recipe that didn't have you wishing for real mashed potatoes.
When following a low-carb diet, it can be discouraging to have to forgo some of your favorite comfort foods. But with this roasted mashed cauliflower, you won't even miss the potatoes!
In fact, my family enjoys it year-round and it is certainly a staple on our Thanksgiving and Christmas Day tables.
Mashed roasted cauliflower has a smooth, velvety, and fluffy texture that will rival even your favorite mashed potatoes recipe. But this version comes with fewer carbs and more nutrients.
Even better, it's simple to make and can be easily customized with your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings.
My roasted mashed cauliflower is:
- An easy recipe that requires basic ingredients and quick prep.
- Easily customizable. Feel free to add your favorite mashed potato toppings!
- Full of flavor thanks to the roasted garlic, real butter and cream.
- A delicious side dish that is healthy and keto diet friendly and will still win over even the most skeptical eaters.
ingredients for roasted mashed cauliflower recipe
(Note: these are only the main ingredients for the recipe. To get the full list of ingredients and their measurements, please scroll down to view the recipe card!)
- Cauliflower florets. You can use pre-cut florets or cut them from two heads of cauliflower. Up to you!
- Whole head garlic. This gets roasted with the cauliflower and becomes ultra creamy and flavorful when blended in.
- Egg yolk (optional). This helps give the mash a richer flavor and texture similar to regular mashed potatoes.
- Parmesan cheese. Everything tastes better with cheese, especially when it's melted Parmesan which adds a nutty flavor.
- Heavy cream. Heavy cream makes this dish super creamy and rich.
- Chicken broth. To thin out the mash, I like to use chicken broth.
Butter substitute: If you need a vegan or dairy-free option, you can use a high-quality vegan butter instead!
Heavy cream substitute: Feel free to sub out the heavy cream with coconut cream or macadamia milk. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. I also have a completely dairy-free cauliflower mash recipe you can check out.
Chicken broth substitute: Vegetable broth also tastes just as great in this recipe! Use whichever you like.
mashed roasted cauliflower recipe
With a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience for roasting, you'll have a delicious and healthy side dish in no time!
Here's how to make the best mashed cauliflower (scroll to the bottom of the page to view the printable recipe card):
Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
Cut your cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the sheet pan and toss in avocado oil or olive oil.
Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil or parchment paper. Roast the cauliflower and garlic for 25 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl (with an immersion blender) or using a large food processor, combine the roasted cauliflower, butter, egg yolk , Parmesan, and cream. Blend well to break down the cauliflower, and add up to ¼ cup broth to thin out the mixture. Taste and add fine sea salt and black pepper.
Serve hot with extra butter or chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
tips for the best results
- The egg yolk is optional, but it will give the cauliflower mash a richer flavor. If you plan to use it, make sure to blend/process it with hot roasted cauliflower florets. The residual heat from the roasted florets will cook the egg, so don’t let the cauliflower cool for too long.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your own taste preference. I usually use a small head of garlic and find that it adds just the right amount of flavor, but you can go with half if you prefer.
- Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Sour cream, bacon bits, parsley, and chives would all taste delicious on top of this mashed cauliflower.
making ahead and storing
- If making ahead, transfer your roasted mashed cauliflower to a slow cooker preheated to the "keep warm" setting. Serve when ready to eat! Give it a stir before serving, and add more broth or cream if needed.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in a saucepan or in the microwave.
serving suggestions
This roasted mashed cauliflower was practically made for my delicious Braised Beef Shanks recipe! It would also taste fantastic with this Creamy Keto Tuscan Chicken, Smoked Chuck Roast, or Air Fryer Pork Chops.
As for sides, you'll fall in love with this Keto Green Bean Casserole, Fall Kale Salad with Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette, and Traeger Roasted Asparagus.
you might also love
- This Sheet Pan Cheesy Chicken and Cauliflower Rice recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal that is both healthy and delicious. With minimal prep work involved, this dish can be whipped up in no time. The combination of riced cauliflower, tender chicken thighs, and a cheesy topping makes for a comforting meal that you'll want to make over and over again.
- This Low-Carb Cauliflower Soup with Roasted Garlic is just what your tastebuds are imagining: deliciously savory, creamy, and filling. But what really sets this soup apart is the roasted garlic that adds an incredible depth of flavor to every spoonful. It's a keto-friendly, low-carb option that will make you feel all kinds of warm and cozy!
- If you're craving something light yet flavorful, my Roasted Cauliflower Salad + Citrus Tahini Dressing is the perfect choice. The combination of fresh ingredients, sweet and spicy flavors, and creamy tangy dressing makes this salad irresistible. It's also incredibly simple to make, making it a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Roasted Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic (Low Carb)
Creamy and buttery, roasted mashed cauliflower with garlic is the ultimate low-carb substitute for traditional mashed potatoes. With a small head of roasted garlic, cream and Parmesan cheese mixed into the mash, every bite is full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cauliflower florets (about 2 heads cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 small head of garlic
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- Garnish: extra butter, chopped chives or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
- Cut the cauliflower heads (or large florets) into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the sheet pan and toss in 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Slice a thin section off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves (it should sit flat on its base). Set it on a piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper and drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil on top, letting it seep down into the garlic head. Wrap it up in the paper or foil and set it on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and let it roast for 22-25 minutes or until the cauliflower florets can be easily pierced with a fork.
- In a large mixing bowl (with an immersion blender) or in a large food processor, combine the hot roasted cauliflower, butter, egg yolk (optional), Parmesan cheese and cream.
- Blend well to break down the cauliflower, and add up to ¼ cup chicken broth to thin out the mixture, if needed.
- Add the salt and pepper, blend again, and add more to taste.
- Transfer the roasted cauliflower mash to a serving bowl and top with more butter (or a drizzle of olive oil) and chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Notes
Egg yolk: The egg yolk is optional but it will give the cauliflower mash a richer flavor. If you plan to use it, make sure to blend/process it in with hot roasted cauliflower florets. The residual heat from the roasted florets will cook the egg so don’t let them cool for too long.
Dairy-free substitutions: You can swap in dairy-free ingredients like a high-quality vegan butter, coconut cream or macadamia milk for the heavy cream. Nutritional yeast is a good substitute for butter and Parmesan. It will add a cheesy flavor.
Make in advance: If making ahead, transfer your roasted mashed cauliflower to a slow cooker preheated to the "keep warm" setting. Serve when ready to eat! Give it a stir before serving, and add more broth if needed.
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 208Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 379mgCarbohydrates: 8gNet Carbohydrates: 4gFiber: 4gSugar: 3gProtein: 5g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!