If you are looking for a delightful way to enjoy a low-carb, comforting side dish, this Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe will quickly become your kitchen go-to. It transforms simple cauliflower into a rich, creamy mash packed with the bold flavors of garlic, fragrant herbs, and sharp parmesan, offering a nutritious yet indulgent alternative that pairs beautifully with almost any meal. Whether you’re easing into healthier eating or simply craving something fresh and delicious, this recipe is guaranteed to make mashed cauliflower a standout favorite on your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the warmth of garlic to the nutty parmesan finish, each component is simple but essential.
- 8-9 garlic cloves, smashed: Garlic adds a deep, savory aroma that infuses the entire dish with amazing flavor.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used to gently sauté the garlic for that rich, toasted garlic essence.
- 1 cup chicken broth*: Adds moisture and subtle savory notes to help steam and cook the cauliflower perfectly.
- 1 large head cauliflower, quartered: The star ingredient, providing the creamy base once mashed.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a herby, slightly lemony accent that complements the earthiness of cauliflower.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a pine-like aroma that enhances the overall depth of flavors.
- 1/3 cup parmesan, shredded: Brings a sharp, salty richness that makes the mash irresistibly creamy.
- Salt to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors and enhancing the natural taste of the ingredients.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the smashed garlic cloves and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This initial step infuses the oil with garlic’s fragrant, slightly sweet flavor, setting a delicious foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower with Herbs
Next, stir in the chicken broth, quartered cauliflower, thyme, and rosemary. It’s perfectly fine if the cauliflower is not completely submerged because this method steams the cauliflower gently, preserving its texture and flavor. Cover the pot and let everything cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the cauliflower becomes tender and ready to mash.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Once the cauliflower is tender, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can pulse the cauliflower in a food processor or blender, or even mash it by hand for a more rustic texture.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Season
Finally, sprinkle the shredded parmesan over the warm cauliflower mash and stir it in until melted and incorporated. Adjust with salt to taste, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced. Serve this creamy delight immediately to enjoy its full, fresh flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, consider garnishing your mashed cauliflower with freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of finely grated parmesan. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also elevate the dish beautifully, adding visual appeal and a burst of fresh taste that complements the creamy texture.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops. It also works well alongside roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for a fully balanced, healthy meal. Its versatility makes it a perfect companion for almost any dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, consider piping the mashed cauliflower onto plates using a large star tip for a fancy swirl. You could also serve it in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and broil briefly until golden. For a fun twist, use the mash as a base for a grain bowl or in place of mashed potatoes in traditional dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover mashed cauliflower in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds its creamy texture well but is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze mashed cauliflower, but note that the texture may change slightly after thawing. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore smoothness if it thickens after storage.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works just as well and keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly while still adding great flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, cauliflower is low in carbs and makes a fantastic keto-friendly substitute for mashed potatoes when prepared like this garlic parmesan version.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative, which adds a similar umami flavor.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
You can use a regular blender or food processor in batches, just be careful to avoid over-processing if you prefer a little texture.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like sage, basil, or a pinch of paprika for a smoky touch. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe is very flexible and adapts well to your personal tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe is truly a gem that brings comfort, flavor, and nutrition together beautifully. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve at a gathering. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cauliflower in a creamy, garlicky, cheesy delight!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower recipe offers a creamy, flavorful low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Infused with aromatic garlic, herbs like thyme and rosemary, and finished with shredded Parmesan cheese, this dish makes a perfect side for any meal. The cauliflower is gently steamed in chicken broth, then blended to a smooth and luscious texture, delivering comfort food vibes without the heaviness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8–9 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large head cauliflower, quartered
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Add olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high. Once hot, add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing their aroma without browning them.
- Steam Cauliflower: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the quartered cauliflower along with dried thyme and rosemary. It’s okay if the cauliflower isn’t fully submerged; partially steaming it yields better texture. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend to Mash: Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the cauliflower mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a food processor or blender and pulse until creamy. You can also mash the cauliflower by hand for a chunkier texture.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and season with salt to taste. Mix well and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; you can adjust the amount based on your garlic preference.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian.
- If you want a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast instead.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of butter or cream cheese if desired.
- Serve hot as a side dish to pair well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
