Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed cauliflower is a creamy, garlicky side dish and a lighter, vegetable-forward alternative to mashed potatoes. I roast the cauliflower and garlic first because that gives the mash a richer flavor than recipes that just steam the cauliflower or leave out the garlic.

This mashed cauliflower recipe gets its rich flavor from roasted cauliflower and roasted garlic, then gets blended with butter, cream cheese, and a little cream until smooth and creamy. I make it when I want a side dish that feels cozy and familiar, but still easy enough for a regular dinner. It goes especially well with mains like Pressure Cooker Roast, Pork Carnitas Recipe, Garlic Butter Steak Bites, or Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs.

Why This Mashed Cauliflower Recipe Works

This mashed cauliflower recipe keeps the ingredient list simple, but the flavor and texture still feel like a side dish worth making again.

• Roasting builds more flavor: Roasting the cauliflower and garlic gives this roasted cauliflower mash a deeper, richer flavor than versions that are simply cooked and blended.
• The texture stays creamy: Butter, cream cheese, and cream give this creamy mashed cauliflower a smooth finish.
• It’s easy to make: You only need a few simple ingredients and a blender or food processor.
• It works with all kinds of dinners: I make this with comfort food meals, holiday-style dinners, and easy weeknight mains.
• You can keep it simple or dress it up: Serve it as-is, or add cheddar and crispy Air Fryer Bacon on top.

Ingredients for Mashed Cauliflower

You’ll find the full amounts in the recipe card, but these are the ingredients that make this mashed cauliflower recipe work.

• Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower works best for the texture here.
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the mash the best garlic flavor.
• Herbes de Provence or 24 Herbs Sprinkle Seasoning: Either one works, so use whichever you already have. Sometimes, I also use poultry seasoning or rotisserie chicken seasoning since it has a mixture of herbs and other spices.
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Cream cheese: This helps give the mash its creamy texture.

How to Make Mashed Cauliflower

This garlic mashed cauliflower comes together in a few simple stages.

Roast the cauliflower and garlic

Toss the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Add it to your air fryer basket. Roast it for about 10 minute before adding the garlic cloves to the air fryer too. I prefer to roast garlic and cauliflower in the air fryer because it saves time. But, you can also roast them in the oven on a sheet pan.

Blend until smooth and creamy

Once the cauliflower is tender and the garlic is caramelized, add it to a blender or food processor with the butter, cream cheese, and cream. Blend until the mashed cauliflower reaches the texture you like.

Taste and serve

Taste and add more salt if needed. Then serve it warm while it’s smooth and creamy.

Tips for Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

These are the small things that help this recipe turn out its best.

• Roast instead of boil: This is one of the biggest flavor upgrades in the whole recipe. Roasting helps keep the mash from tasting watery and gives it a richer flavor.
• Blend while it’s warm: Warm cauliflower blends more smoothly.
• Start with less cream: You can always add more if you want to loosen it up.
• Don’t crowd the air fryer basket or sheet pan: If the cauliflower is packed in too tightly, it will steam instead of roast.
• Use softened cream cheese: It blends in more easily and helps keep the mash smooth.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

This mashed cauliflower recipe is easy to adjust depending on what you’re serving with dinner.

• Make it more garlicky: Add extra air fryer roasted garlic if you want a stronger garlic mashed cauliflower flavor.
• Make it extra creamy: Blend a little longer and add a splash more cream.
• Add toppings: Shredded cheddar and crispy Air Fryer Bacon turn it into more of a loaded side dish.
• Finish with herbs: Chives or parsley work well here.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make mashed cauliflower ahead and reheat it later, which is one of the reasons I like it for busy dinners. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days. Reheat in the microwave or warm it gently on the stove. If it thickens in the fridge, stir in a small splash of cream before serving.

Can You Freeze Mashed Cauliflower?

You can freeze it, but the texture may change once it thaws. Cauliflower holds more moisture than potatoes, so it can turn a little watery when reheated. For the best texture, I like this one best fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

What to Serve with Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed cauliflower works with many of the same dinners you’d normally serve with mashed potatoes. I especially like it with Pressure Cooker Roast when I want a cozy dinner that feels like comfort food. It also pairs really well with Garlic Butter Steak Bites or Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs for an easy weeknight plate. Add Sautéed Green Beans or Sautéed Asparagus on the side and dinner is in a really good place.

Mashed Cauliflower FAQs

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