Description
Deliciously creamy and flavorful roasted mashed cauliflower, a low-carb and nutritious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. This recipe features roasted cauliflower seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and smoked paprika, blended smoothly with butter and cream for a rich, comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower, separated into florets
Seasonings & Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 dashes Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus extra for serving if desired
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream, or to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even roasting of the cauliflower.
- Roast Cauliflower: Arrange the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare Creamy Base: While the cauliflower roasts, heat the butter and heavy cream in a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat. Warm the mixture until the butter is fully melted and combined with the cream, adjusting the cream quantity as needed for desired consistency.
- Blend Cauliflower: Transfer the roasted cauliflower into the pan with warm butter and cream. Using an immersion blender, purée the cauliflower until smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve the mashed cauliflower hot, topped with extra butter and a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or your choice of herbs for added freshness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like olive oil and coconut cream.
- Use an immersion blender for smoother texture; alternatively, a food processor or blender can be used.
- Adjust the cream quantity to achieve your preferred mash consistency.
- Roasting enhances the cauliflower’s flavor, making this mash richer and more complex compared to boiling.
- Optional toppings like grated Parmesan or chives can be added for extra flavor.
