This Dairy Free Mashed Cauliflower recipe is a healthier and lower carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. This side dish is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home or as a Thanksgiving or holiday side dish.
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Check out my Keto Mashed Cauliflower and The Best Cauliflower Stuffing for more cauliflower recipes!
Dairy free mashed cauliflower is a tasty and nutritious side dish made with chopped cauliflower, fresh garlic, olive oil, unsweetened almond milk, and a combination of chopped rosemary and thyme.
It's low in carbs and high in nutrients, making it a healthy option for those looking to reduce their carb intake or add more veggies to their diet.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. If you're looking to reduce your carb intake or add more veggies to your diet, this dish is a great choice.
- It's easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and nutritious side dish that will impress your family and friends.
- It's packed with flavor. The combination of fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme adds a delicious depth of flavor to the creamy and smooth cauliflower mash.
- It's versatile. Garlic and herb mashed cauliflower is a perfect side dish for any occasion, from a cozy dinner at home to a holiday or Thanksgiving meal.
- It's dairy-free. This recipe uses unsweetened almond milk instead of dairy milk, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Cauliflower Florets: A cruciferous vegetable that is low in calories and high in nutrients.
- Garlic Cloves: Adds depth and complexity.
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat that is rich in antioxidants.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: A dairy-free milk alternative that is low in calories and carbohydrates.
- Fresh Rosemary: A fragrant herb.
- Fresh Thyme: An aromatic herb.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor.
- Ground Pepper: Adds heat and depth.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the chopped cauliflower and garlic in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the cauliflower is very tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Drain the cauliflower and garlic and return them to the pot. Add the olive oil, almond milk, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Use a potato masher or food processor to mash the cauliflower until it reaches your desired consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add more almond milk a tablespoon at a time until it is creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Serve hot and garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Use fresh cauliflower. For the best flavor and texture, use fresh cauliflower florets rather than frozen.
- Cook the cauliflower until very tender. To be sure your mashed cauliflower is creamy and smooth, be sure to cook the cauliflower until it is very tender. This will make it easier to mash and create a smoother consistency.
- Use fresh herbs. Fresh rosemary and thyme have a more intense flavor than dried herbs.
- Add more almond milk if needed. If the mashed cauliflower is too dry, add more almond milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Taste the mashed cauliflower and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt and pepper or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower: Add shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese to the mashed cauliflower for an extra cheesy and savory flavor.
- Roasted Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower: Roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the mashed cauliflower for a deeper and sweeter garlic flavor.
- Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower: Replace the almond milk with heavy cream or coconut cream for a richer and creamier texture.
- Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower with Bacon: Top the mashed cauliflower with crispy bacon bits for a salty and savory crunch.
- Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower with Caramelized Onions: Saute sliced onions until caramelized and add them to the mashed cauliflower for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
Storing & Freezing
Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place the mashed cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the mashed cauliflower on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the mashed cauliflower is too thick, you can add a splash of almond milk or other liquid of your choice to thin it out.
Recipe FAQ's
While fresh cauliflower is recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen cauliflower if that's what you have on hand. However, be aware that frozen cauliflower may have a slightly softer texture and may require less cooking time.
While you can freeze mashed cauliflower, the texture may change when thawed and reheated, and it may become watery. For best results, it's recommended to consume the mashed cauliflower fresh or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
More Cauliflower Recipes You'll Love
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Dairy Free Mashed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower chopped into florets
- 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chopped cauliflower and garlic in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the cauliflower is very tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain the cauliflower and garlic and return them to the pot. Add the olive oil, almond milk, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Use a potato masher or food processor to mash the cauliflower until it reaches your desired consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add more almond milk a tablespoon at a time until it is creamy and smooth.
- Serve hot and garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, use fresh cauliflower florets rather than frozen.
- Cook the cauliflower until very tender. To be sure your mashed cauliflower is creamy and smooth, be sure to cook the cauliflower until it is very tender. This will make it easier to mash and create a smoother consistency.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme have a more intense flavor than dried herbs.
- If the mashed cauliflower is too dry, add more almond milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the mashed cauliflower and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt and pepper or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
- Storing: Garlic and Herb Mashed Cauliflower can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place the mashed cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the mashed cauliflower on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the mashed cauliflower is too thick, you can add a splash of almond milk or other liquid of your choice to thin it out.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Irina
LOVE your recipe! I have never thought of making mashed cauliflower. This is another way to try this vegetable. I am gonna make it tonight:)
Kelly Anthony
I really like how you added fresh thyme and rosemary to this garlic mashed cauliflower. Perfect for any potluck holiday meal!
Emily
I think I like this mashed cauliflower even more than traditional mashed potatoes- so good!
Emese
I've always mixed potatoes and cauliflower for mash. But I love the rosemary thyme flavor, so I will try it without the potatoes for sure.
Jen
I made this over the weekend and came back to print the recipe for my recipe book. The garlic added so much to the rice.
Ramona's Cuisine
This cauliflower mash would make a perfect base to any curry or a chili con carne - absolutely love it. Thanks for the share and great inspiration!
Jenni LeBaron
Yum! The garlic, rosemary, and thyme in this mashed cauliflower sounds delicious! I love how creamy these are. Perfect for a Thanksgiving side!
Colleen
I made this last night and we had it with turkey meatloaf. So delicious! Everyone loved it. Thanks for the recipe.
Mirlene
Love cauliflower mash potatoes. It makes enjoying mash potatoes guilt free 😊 looking forward to trying your recipe!
Alexis
I’m always on the lookout for new low carb dishes. This one is amazing and so easy to make. Thank you.
Kacie
This looks good. I am a sucker for garlic mash and using cauliflower would be an easy way to make my meals healthier. It's a cheap option too, which is always a plus.
Stine Mari
Cauliflower is such a wonder-vegetable. I love how easy and versatile this recipe is, and all the garlic and herbs are perfect!
Emily
You just really can't go wrong with mashed cauliflower- so good and creamy and delicious with garlic!
Jere Cassidy
I love cauliflower but haven't had it mashed yet. This is a must try dish.
Jacqui Debono
I am always looking for low calorie and tasty side dishes, this fits the bill! Will be perfect with our pork chops this week!