Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

This Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes recipe only needs 5 ingredients, uses cauliflower in place of potatoes, and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Rich, creamy, and totally comforting, it’s just another delicious way to enjoy your vegetables! {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.

Do cauliflower mashed potatoes taste like regular mashed potatoes?

Heres the million dollar answer to the million dollar question Do cauliflower mashed potatoes taste like regular mashed potatoes? This is perhaps a matter of opinion, but I don’t think cauliflower mashed potatoes taste just like regular potatoes. However, I’m surprised by how close they are in flavor, especially once the cauliflower is steamed. And I’m surprised by how delicious Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes really are.

Let me put it this way: when you mash the cauliflower and blend it to a smooth consistency, those cauliflower potatoes are READY for all the Gluten-Free Gravy and butter or coconut oil or a drizzle of olive oil. Cauliflower will STAND IN for regular potatoes, and they will be lovely. I don’t miss regular mashed potatoes during the holidays when I get to enjoy this delicious recipe with all of those extra flavors.

Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are

• Vegan
• Paleo
• Rich and creamy
• Light and fluffy
• Simple to make
• Easy to customize

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 Cauliflower 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 sea salt into the cauliflower 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, olive oil, 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.

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

How to make Garlic Mashed Cauliflower 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 cauliflower potatoes depending on the desired consistency and equipment you have on hand. We started out using the first method, potato masher/electric mixer. But now we use the second method, a high-speed blender.

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/olive 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. 

Creative ways to enjoy cauliflower

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

Gluten-free Thanksgiving menu ideas

Enjoy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes all year, if your tastebuds desire. But if you’re in the market specifically for gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes, then check these tasty vittles out! They round out a hearty, flavorful gluten-free Thanksgiving menu the whole family will enjoy!

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

Spiriteds, I hope you are well! I’m glad you’re here. ❤️

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