Mashed Cauliflower with Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook Cauliflower:
- Steam or Boil Cauliflower:
- Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. If you’re boiling, drain the cauliflower well.
- Drain and Pat Dry (if boiled):
- If you boiled the cauliflower, make sure to drain it thoroughly. You can also pat the cauliflower dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Mash Cauliflower:
- Mash or Blend:
- Place the cooked cauliflower in a large bowl and use a potato masher to mash it until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a food processor or blender for a smoother consistency.
Add Cream Cheese:
- Add Cream Cheese:
- Add the softened cream cheese to the mashed cauliflower. Mix well to incorporate the cream cheese evenly.
Add Butter and Cream:
- Incorporate Butter:
- Add unsalted butter to the cauliflower mixture. Mix until the butter is melted and well combined.
- Pour in Heavy Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream to achieve the desired creamy consistency. You can adjust the amount of cream based on your preference.
Season:
- Season with Salt and Pepper:
- Season the mashed cauliflower with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cream cheese adds some saltiness, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Garnish and Serve:
- Optional Garnish:
- If desired, garnish the Mashed Cauliflower with Cream Cheese with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the mashed cauliflower while it’s hot as a delicious low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
Notes:
- Variations: Experiment with adding roasted garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, or herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
- Texture Adjustment: Adjust the texture by adding more or less heavy cream based on your preference for creaminess.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the mashed cauliflower ahead of time and reheat it before serving. If it thickens upon reheating, simply add a bit more cream.
This Mashed Cauliflower with Cream Cheese is a creamy and flavorful side dish that complements various main courses while offering a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.