Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Cottage Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Cauliflower mashed potatoes offer a creamy, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes without sacrificing flavor. Roasted garlic and cottage cheese add richness and depth to this comforting side dish, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cups cauliflower (about 1 pound, cut into florets)
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk of choice (unsweetened almond milk recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃).
- Step 2: Slice the top off the head of garlic, peeling off excess papery skin while keeping the head intact.
- Step 3: Place the garlic on a piece of shiny-side-up aluminum foil and rub it all over with the olive oil. Wrap it into a foil packet with the shiny side facing the garlic.
- Step 4: Roast the garlic in the oven for about 40 minutes, until the cloves are very soft.
- Step 5: While the garlic roasts, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Step 6: Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until fork-tender.
- Step 7: Drain the cauliflower and spread it onto a clean kitchen towel. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes until it is cool enough to handle.
- Step 8: Wrap the cauliflower in the towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to ensure a thick and creamy mash.
- Step 9: Place the drained cauliflower in a large food processor along with the cottage cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and half of the roasted garlic cloves squeezed from their skins.
- Step 10: Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take a few minutes to achieve a smooth texture.
- Step 11: Taste and adjust seasoning with more garlic, salt, or pepper if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute sour cream for cottage cheese or use full-fat cottage cheese.
- Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to brighten the dish.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture just until combined instead of fully blending.
- Roasting the garlic enhances sweetness; avoid undercooking it to prevent harsh raw garlic flavor.
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
Yes, you can mash the cauliflower by hand with a potato masher, but the texture will be less smooth and creamy. For best results, use a blender or food processor.
Is cauliflower mash suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
Yes, cauliflower mash is a popular low-carb and keto-friendly alternative to traditional mashed potatoes because it has fewer carbohydrates and calories.
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Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Cottage Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a healthier, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Roasted garlic adds a rich, savory depth, while low-fat cottage cheese and almond milk create a creamy texture. Perfect as a comforting side dish with fewer calories and carbs.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Cauliflower Mash
- 5 cups cauliflower (1 pound) cut into florets
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk of choice (unsweetened almond milk recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (204℃) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
- Prepare Garlic: Slice off the top of the garlic head, removing excess papery skin but keeping the head mostly intact.
- Roast Garlic: Place the garlic on shiny-side-up aluminum foil, rub with olive oil, then wrap tightly to form a packet. Roast in the oven for about 40 minutes until the garlic is very soft inside.
- Boil Water: While the garlic roasts, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop.
- Cook Cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets to the boiling water, cover, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain Cauliflower: Drain cauliflower and spread onto a clean kitchen towel. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes to handle safely.
- Squeeze Moisture: Wrap the cauliflower in the towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to ensure a thick, creamy mash.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the drained cauliflower in a food processor. Squeeze out half the roasted garlic cloves into the processor along with the low-fat cottage cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Blend Until Smooth: Process the mixture for several minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally, until smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional garlic, salt, or pepper as desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from cooked cauliflower to avoid watery mash.
- Roasting garlic mellows its flavor, making this mash flavorful but not overpowering.
- You can substitute milk of choice based on dietary preferences or availability.
- For a richer mash, consider adding a small amount of butter or cream instead of almond milk.
- This dish works well as a low-carb side for a variety of main courses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cauliflower mashed potatoes, low carb mash, roasted garlic mash, healthy side dish, low-fat cauliflower mash

