Cauliflower Mash Garlic Lemon

Featured in: Everyday Comforts

This cauliflower mash offers a light, creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, featuring tender florets blended with roasted garlic, butter or olive oil, and milk. Enhanced with lemon zest, juice, and fresh herbs like chives and parsley, it delivers fresh, vibrant flavors that complement many meals. Quick to prepare, it can be adapted with plant-based substitutes for a vegan option and pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or stews.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:45:00 GMT
Creamy cauliflower mash with roasted garlic, herbs, and lemon, a flavorful side dish. Save
Creamy cauliflower mash with roasted garlic, herbs, and lemon, a flavorful side dish. | butterhollow.com

A light and creamy alternative to mashed potatoes, this cauliflower mash is infused with roasted garlic and fresh lemon-herb flavors for a bright, comforting side dish.

I first made this for a family dinner as a refreshing twist on the usual potato side dish, and everyone was surprised by how rich and flavorful it tasted. The lemon and herbs really make it stand out, turning simple cauliflower into something special.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 large head cauliflower (about 1.2 kg), cut into florets ; 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • Dairy: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan option) ; 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk or unsweetened plant milk
  • Herbs & Flavorings: Zest of 1 lemon ; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped ; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped ; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste ; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare Cauliflower:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and garlic cloves. Cook for 12<15 minutes, until the cauliflower is very tender.
Drain:
Drain well and let the cauliflower sit in the colander for 2<3 minutes to steam off excess moisture.
Mash:
Transfer cauliflower and garlic to a food processor or large bowl. Add butter, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Blend:
Blend or mash until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
Add Herbs:
Stir in chives and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Fluffy cauliflower mash, light and airy, served with fresh herbs for a comforting dinner. Save
Fluffy cauliflower mash, light and airy, served with fresh herbs for a comforting dinner. | butterhollow.com

My kids always jump in to help mash the cauliflower, and it's become a fun small tradition on special family occasions. Sharing this dish at gatherings has brought a lot of smiles and requests for seconds.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, food processor, blender, or potato masher, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, milk). Substitute plant-based alternatives for dairy-free version, and always check product labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 110, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 3 g

Bright and zesty cauliflower mash recipe, perfect with roasted meats, is gluten-free and easy. Save
Bright and zesty cauliflower mash recipe, perfect with roasted meats, is gluten-free and easy. | butterhollow.com

This cauliflower mash is refreshing yet comforting. Serve hot and let everyone add extra herbs or a splash of olive oil to taste.

Cauliflower Mash Garlic Lemon

Creamy cauliflower mash brightened with garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs for a flavorful, comforting dish.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage Modern American

Output 4 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free, No gluten, Carb-Conscious

What you'll need

Vegetables

01 1 large head cauliflower (approximately 2.6 pounds), cut into florets
02 4 garlic cloves, peeled

Dairy

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan alternative)
02 1/4 cup milk or unsweetened plant-based milk

Herbs & Flavorings

01 Zest of 1 lemon
02 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
03 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
04 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
05 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
06 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method

Phase 01

Cook Cauliflower and Garlic: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and peeled garlic cloves. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the cauliflower is very tender.

Phase 02

Drain and Steam: Drain the vegetables thoroughly and allow them to sit in the colander for 2 to 3 minutes to steam off any excess moisture.

Phase 03

Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cauliflower and garlic to a food processor or large mixing bowl. Add the butter, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Phase 04

Mash or Blend: Process or mash the mixture until entirely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure an even texture.

Phase 05

Incorporate Herbs: Fold in the chopped chives and parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to taste.

Phase 06

Serve: Serve the mash hot, optionally garnished with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Food processor, blender, or potato masher
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk); plant-based substitutes recommended for dairy-free diets.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 3 g