A vegetable side dish that is so similar to mashed potatoes you’re going to feel guilty and want to add on ANOTHER vegetable side! A serving of this roasted garlic whipped cauliflower is only 159 calories!

I am currently on a mission to make vegetables taste better by incessantly crushing them with other ingredients until they resemble foods I love. I will mash, whip and destroy innocent cauliflower then add anything I can think of to it until my brain is semi-satisified that somehow we are eating mashed potatoes. Because I love mashed potatoes. And I hate the amount of calories that comes with them. Life is unfair I tell ya.

I’ve never roasted garlic before but when I found this recipe it seemed like a perfect way to learn a new cooking technique as well as a new way to further complicate cauliflower’s growing identity issues. Which seems to be my new goal in life. Sorry, cauli! 😉

ROASTED GARLIC WHIPPED CAULIFLOWER

159 calories per serving

Before we dig in, let’s learn more about cauliflower and garlic!

how do i choose fresh cauliflower and garlic?

How to choose Cauliflower:
- Choose cauliflower heads that are clean, firm, compact and white or off white in color. Avoid cauliflower that is browned, soft, or has any dark spots.
- Choose a cauliflower head that feels heavy for its size.
- The leaves of the cauliflower should be green and crisp with no signs of yellowing or wilting. Leaves growing within the cauliflower head is fine, just remove them before cooking.
- There should be no smell. If it has a strong odor, it is likely past its prime and will have an unpleasant taste.
- Check the stem to ensure it looks freshly cut and is in good shape.
How to choose Garlic:
- Choose loose garlic so you can individually choose each bulb. Choose bulbs that are heavy, plump and compact.
- The skin should be taut, dry and unbroken.
- Avoid garlic with damp or soft spots. Also avoid any with sprouting as this is a sign of older garlic.

got it, so how do i store cauliflower and garlic until i’m ready to use them?

How to store Cauliflower:
- Unwrap your cauliflower from the store packaged plastic wrap, wrap in a paper towel, then transfer to a loosely sealed bag. Store in your refrigerator crisper drawer, stem side up, for 4-7 days.
- Pre-cut florets should be used within 4 days.
- Do not wash the cauliflower until you are ready to use it.
How to store Garlic:
- Store in a cool, dry place where air can circulate around the garlic.
- If you use a lot of garlic, invest in a garlic holder that has holes in the side to allow for air to circulate around the garlic. Store on your countertop.
- Do not refrigerate garlic as this will dehydrate the cloves and rob them of flavor.

Tip: You can find more tips on seasonal produce selection and storage, plus tons of recipes from fellow food bloggers in my Monthly Seasonal Produce Guides!

great! now how to do i cook this recipe?

To start this recipe you first want to roast your garlic. (Obviously…) This is pretty simple!

Cut off the top half inch of an entire head of garlic. Place onto a foil lined, rimmed, baking sheet then drizzle with about 2 Tbsp olive oil. No need to measure, be generous!Roast at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until your cloves are browned and the skin is a little crispy (sounds like spring break, no? 😛 ). Allow to cool then carefully remove each clove and separate out all of the skins. Be careful doing this as I just learned you can cut yourself on the skins!
Next, you’re going to need the bacon fat from a pound of bacon. If you’re sitting there going “Oh great, what am I going to do with all that bacon since you want me to have bacon fat but no bacon for this recipe!”….have no fear! Here are some ideas!

Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Ball

Cheddar Bacon Jalapeño Pinwheels

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Blue Cheese

Kentucky Hot Brown Dip or Mini Hot Browns

Loaded Breakfast Bowls

Not enough bacon for you? Good. You’re my kind of person. And we can probably become good friends in bacon rehab once my bacontervention happens.

Anyway. Once you fry up your bacon for one of the *AMAZINGGG* recipes above, ( 😉 ) you’re going to keep the fat to drizzle over top of the cauliflower. (No one said this recipe was going to be super duper healthy!) Meanwhile, clean and cut 2 heads of cauliflower into florets and arrange onto a foil lined, rimmed, baking sheet.

Toss the cauliflower with the bacon fat then roast at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is slightly browned and softened.Once cooked, add the cauliflower and roasted garlic cloves into a food processor. Add in 1 1/4 C of chicken broth (I used low sodium), and salt and pepper to taste. Process until smooth (read as: destroy until your brain thinks this is mashed potatoes).

Top with some freshly chopped parsley and enjoy! 🙂

If you’re looking for more low-calorie side dishes, check out these easy Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots, this Cheesy Ranch Cauliflower Casserole or these Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Carrots and Dried Cranberries!