Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

This paleo-hack recipe for Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes only needs 5 ingredients, uses cauliflower in place of potatoes, and takes less than 30 minutes to make! {Paleo + Vegan}

Comfort foods? Yes, please. Where do I sign? Creamy, garlicky goodness? Oh, you know it. These flavorful Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes are everything a recipe is meant to be –  easy to follow, deliciousness at the ready, and comforting all year round.

Once our family changed the way we ate to fit our dietary needs, traditional mashed potatoes went bye-bye (although I absolutely order them at restaurants when I fly solo!). And I must confess that cauliflower “potatoes” have become a favorite. In fact, they are even easier to make than traditional mashed potatoes and don’t take nearly as long to prepare. This is a plus for those of us who are terribly impatient. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, then you’re going to like this recipe.

Tailor it to your needs by selecting the add-ins that YOU like best. For example, we make our Garlic Mashed Potatoes with almond milk and either coconut oil or Earth Balance Soy-Free Buttery Spread. But you can use other milk and butter options, if they serve you better.

There are also different ways to prepare these cauliflower mashed potatoes, depending on the equipment you have in hand. Either way, the flavor will be delicious, and you’ll have a comforting side dish recipe to enjoy throughout the year!

GARLIC MASHED POTATOES INGREDIENTS

Below are the ingredients to make Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes.

• Cauliflower. Fresh cauliflower is important here. This recipe isn’t ideal for cauliflower that is past its prime. I buy my cauliflower and then make this recipe within about 24 hours of purchase.
• Garlic. Start with one clove and taste-test as you go. Add more cloves as desired.
• Sea salt. Sea salt and cauliflower are an underrated duo. Sprinkle some in until the desired flavor is reached.
• Almond milk or full-fat coconut milk. Add this ingredient in small amounts until the desired consistency is reached. Use your milk of choice if almond and coconut aren’t your favorite. The milk you choose will impact the flavor, so it’s important to pick one you like.
• Coconut oil, ghee, or an allergen-friendly buttery spread. This ingredient not only adds flavor but also helps blend the cauliflower together.
• Garnishes. Black pepper and fresh or dried herbs are delicious in this recipe.

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC CAULIFLOWER MASHED POTATOES

As for actually making Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes, the process isn’t much different than making traditional potatoes. Below are TWO ways to make your potatoes depending on the desired consistency and what you have on hand. 

Potato Masher/Electric Mixer Method

1. Steam cauliflower until easily pierced with a fork. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher to break the florets down. If you don’t have a potato masher, then a fork will do for this step.
2. Next add the pressed garlic, sea salt, coconut oil (or butter of choice), and almond milk. Blend with an electric mixer on a LOW to MEDIUM speed until the cauliflower resembles mashed potatoes. 
3. Consume within about 24 hours.

NOTE: Add small amounts of milk at a time. You may not need as much milk for this method as you would for the high speed blender method.

This method produces thicker, chunkier cauliflower “potatoes.”

High Speed Blender Method

1. Steam cauliflower until easily pierced with a fork. In a high speed blender, add the milk, steamed cauliflower, sea salt, and garlic in that order, and blend on a LOW speed. Stream in more milk if the blades clog.
2. Once the desired consistency is reached, pour into a serving bowl and top with herbs, coarse black pepper, or coconut oil/ghee/butter.
3. Refrigerate leftovers for about two days.

This method produces creamier cauliflower “potatoes” and has a slightly longer shelf life.

NOTE: To prevent over-blending the cauliflower, set the speed to only as high as is needed to mix all the ingredients together. On my Vitamix, this is around a 3 or a 4. 

If you are in the mood for more creative ways to enjoy cauliflower then put your eyes on these tasty treats:

• Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
• Almond Butter Cauliflower Smoothie Bowl
• Strawberry Coconut Smoothie Bowl

And if you are in the market for more delicious Thanksgiving-friendly recipes, then totally check these recipes out!

• Gluten-Free Gravy
• Slow Cooker Bottom Round Roast
• Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole
• Best Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing

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