Prepare to revolutionize your side dish game with a mind-blowing recipe that'll make you forget all about traditional mashed potatoes! This creamy, decadent Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower with Bacon is not just a side dish - it's a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing and your health-conscious heart singing. Perfect for paleo lovers, low-carb enthusiasts, and anyone looking to elevate their vegetable game, this recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a luxurious, creamy masterpiece that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cloves garlic, roasted
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove outer leaves from the cauliflower and chop into uniform florets, ensuring pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Prepare the roasted garlic by cutting the top off the garlic head, drizzling with olive oil, and wrapping in aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden.
- While garlic is roasting, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces when cooled.
- Place cauliflower florets in a large pot with steamer basket. Steam for 12-15 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Transfer steamed cauliflower to a food processor. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from their skins directly into the processor.
- Add coconut milk, salt, and pepper to the cauliflower. Pulse until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Transfer mashed cauliflower to a serving dish, top with crumbled bacon, and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, firm cauliflower head with tight, white florets for the best texture and flavor.
- When roasting garlic, don't rush the process - low and slow is the key to developing those rich, sweet caramelized notes.
- For extra smoothness, ensure your cauliflower is completely tender before processing. Overcooked is better than undercooked in this recipe.
- Use a high-powered food processor or blender to achieve that silky-smooth consistency.
- For a dairy-free version, coconut milk works perfectly, but you can also substitute with heavy cream if not strictly paleo.
- Crisp the bacon just before serving to maintain its crunchy texture as a topping.
- Season generously and taste as you go - the right amount of salt can elevate the entire dish.
- Serve immediately for the best temperature and texture, as the dish can become slightly grainy if left to cool too long.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 125kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
