Low-Carb Sides

Cauliflower Purée

Name: Cauliflower Purée
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets; 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced; 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives; 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; 1/4 cup of chicken broth

By Quinn Merriweather · June 19, 2026 · Low-Carb Sides

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Cauliflower Purée for my family dinner. The look of surprise and delight on their faces when they tasted the creamy, cheesy goodness was priceless. As a home cook, I'm always on the lookout for low-carb recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Cauliflower Purée recipe is a staple in my kitchen, and I'm excited to share it with you.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of roasted cauliflower, garlic, and cream cheese. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the cauliflower, while the garlic adds a depth of flavor. The cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture that's hard to resist.

This recipe is perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. It's also a great option for those looking for a gluten-free or vegetarian side dish. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this Cauliflower Purée is sure to impress.

I like to serve this recipe as a side dish, especially during the holidays. It's a great alternative to mashed potatoes or other high-carb sides. You can also use it as a base for other dishes, such as adding some cooked bacon or chives for extra flavor.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious Cauliflower Purée. From roasting the cauliflower to blending it with cream cheese, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure you get the best results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a low-carb and keto-friendly side dish that's perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners
The cauliflower purée is creamy and delicious, making it a great alternative to mashed potatoes
You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices or herbs
It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables in a delicious and creamy way
The recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions
It's a cost-effective and budget-friendly recipe that won't break the bank

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Cauliflower Purée is to roast the cauliflower until it's tender and caramelized. This brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable and adds depth to the dish. By using a combination of butter and cream cheese, we can create a rich and creamy texture that's hard to resist.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of garlic. By roasting the garlic with the cauliflower, we can mellow out its flavor and add a subtle depth to the dish. This is especially important in a low-carb recipe, where we want to focus on bold flavors without adding extra carbs.

Finally, the use of cream cheese as a binder is what sets this recipe apart. By blending the roasted cauliflower with cream cheese, we can create a smooth and creamy texture that's perfect for a side dish. The cream cheese also helps to balance out the flavors, adding a tangy and rich element to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great Cauliflower Purée, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll want to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of roasted cauliflower, garlic, cream cheese, and butter to create a rich and creamy purée.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose a fresh head of cauliflower with no signs of wilting or browning. You'll also want to use high-quality cream cheese that's free from additives and preservatives. By using the right ingredients, you'll be able to create a delicious and healthy side dish that's perfect for any occasion.

1 head of cauliflower, broken into floretsChoose a fresh head of cauliflower with no signs of wilting or browning. You can also use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible.
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and mincedUse high-quality garlic that's fresh and has no signs of sprouting. You can also use roasted garlic for added depth of flavor.
1/2 cup of cream cheese, softenedChoose a high-quality cream cheese that's free from additives and preservatives. You can also use a combination of cream cheese and sour cream for added tanginess.
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, meltedUse high-quality unsalted butter that's fresh and has no signs of spoilage. You can also use a combination of butter and ghee for added flavor.
1/2 teaspoon of saltUse high-quality salt that's free from additives and preservatives. You can also use a combination of salt and pepper for added flavor.
1/4 teaspoon of black pepperUse high-quality black pepper that's fresh and has no signs of spoilage. You can also use a combination of black pepper and other spices for added flavor.
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chivesChoose fresh chives that are free from wilting or browning. You can also use dried chives or other herbs for added flavor.
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheeseUse high-quality Parmesan cheese that's fresh and has no signs of spoilage. You can also use a combination of Parmesan and other cheeses for added flavor.
2 tablespoons of lemon juiceUse fresh lemon juice that's free from additives and preservatives. You can also use a combination of lemon juice and other citrus fruits for added flavor.
1/4 cup of chicken brothUse high-quality chicken broth that's free from additives and preservatives. You can also use a combination of chicken broth and other broths for added flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerHand blender or food processorFine-mesh strainerLarge bowlMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Cauliflower Purée

1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the cauliflower and break it into florets. Place the florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it's tender and caramelized.
2
While the cauliflower is roasting, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3
Once the cauliflower is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Add the roasted cauliflower to a large bowl and mash it with a fork or potato masher until it's mostly smooth.
4
Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl with the mashed cauliflower. Mix the cream cheese and cauliflower together until they're well combined and smooth.
5
Add the melted butter and garlic mixture to the bowl with the cauliflower and cream cheese. Mix everything together until it's well combined and smooth.
6
Season the cauliflower purée with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix everything together until it's well combined and smooth.
7
Use a hand blender or food processor to puree the cauliflower mixture until it's smooth and creamy. You can also use a regular blender, but be careful not to over-blend the mixture.
8
Strain the cauliflower purée through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps or excess liquid. Discard the excess liquid and reserve the purée.
9
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the cauliflower purée. Mix everything together until it's well combined and smooth.
10
Add the chicken broth to the bowl with the cauliflower purée. Mix everything together until it's well combined and smooth.
11
Taste the cauliflower purée and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
12
Transfer the cauliflower purée to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh chives. Serve the purée hot, garnished with additional chives if desired.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't over-blend the cauliflower mixture, as it can become too smooth and lose its texture.
Add the cream cheese and butter gradually, as it can make the mixture too rich and overpowering.
Use a combination of salt and pepper to season the cauliflower purée, as it can bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to add more flavor to the cauliflower purée.
Use a hand blender or food processor to puree the cauliflower mixture, as it can be easier to use than a regular blender.
Strain the cauliflower purée through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps or excess liquid.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, as it can make the mixture too rich and overpowering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not roasting the cauliflower long enough, which can result in a purée that's not tender and caramelized.
Over-blending the cauliflower mixture, which can make it too smooth and lose its texture.
Not adding enough cream cheese and butter, which can result in a purée that's not rich and creamy.
Not seasoning the cauliflower purée enough, which can result in a purée that's not flavorful.
Not straining the cauliflower purée through a fine-mesh strainer, which can result in a purée that's not smooth and creamy.
Not adding the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, which can make the mixture too rich and overpowering.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some cooked bacon or pancetta to the cauliflower purée for added smokiness.
Use a combination of cream cheese and sour cream for added tanginess.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to the cauliflower purée for added flavor.
Use a combination of Parmesan and other cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for added flavor.
Add some cooked chicken or turkey to the cauliflower purée for added protein.
Use a combination of chicken broth and other broths, such as beef or vegetable broth, for added flavor.
Add some diced onions or shallots to the cauliflower purée for added flavor.

What to Serve With Cauliflower Purée

This Cauliflower Purée is a delicious and creamy side dish that's perfect for any occasion. You can serve it as a side dish for a special occasion, or as a weeknight dinner. It's also a great option for a low-carb or keto diet.

You can serve the Cauliflower Purée with a variety of dishes, such as roasted meats, grilled fish, or sautéed vegetables. It's also a great option for a vegetarian or vegan diet, as it's free from animal products.

Roasted meats, such as beef or porkGrilled fish, such as salmon or tilapiaSautéed vegetables, such as broccoli or spinachLow-carb or keto-friendly dishes, such as cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Cauliflower Purée can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat the purée, simply microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until it's hot and creamy.

When storing the Cauliflower Purée, be sure to use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can also add a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to the top of the container to prevent it from coming into contact with air.

To freeze the Cauliflower Purée, simply transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to roast cauliflower?

The best way to roast cauliflower is to toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roast it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it's tender and caramelized.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh. Simply thaw the frozen cauliflower and squeeze out as much water as possible before using it in the recipe.

How do I prevent the cauliflower purée from becoming too thick?

To prevent the cauliflower purée from becoming too thick, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or cream to thin it out. You can also use a hand blender or food processor to puree the mixture and make it smoother.

Can I add other ingredients to the cauliflower purée?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the cauliflower purée, such as cooked bacon or pancetta, chopped fresh herbs, or grated cheese. Simply mix the ingredients into the purée and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How do I store the cauliflower purée?

You can store the cauliflower purée in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat the purée, simply microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until it's hot and creamy.

Can I use this recipe as a base for other dishes?

Yes, you can use this recipe as a base for other dishes, such as a cauliflower gratin or a cauliflower soup. Simply add other ingredients, such as cheese or cream, to the purée and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, as it's low in carbs and high in fat. However, be sure to check the ingredient labels and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure that the recipe fits within your daily keto macros.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the cauliflower purée and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it. You can also reheat the purée and serve it hot, or use it as a base for other dishes.

The Full Recipe

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