Hey there, my friend 👋. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy creamy, garlicky rice without all the extra carbs, you just found it. This creamy cauliflower garlic rice is rich, smooth, and so good you won’t even miss regular rice.
And guess what? It comes together in under 30 minutes. Yep, that’s right. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dish that works as a side or even a main meal. Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large skillet or pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Food processor (or grater)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using fresh cheese)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 cups
- Estimated Cost: Around $6 for the whole dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 180
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Season: Anytime
- Course: Side Dish, Main Course
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie, Vegetarian, Low-Carb
How to Make Creamy Cauliflower Garlic Rice
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 medium cauliflower head, riced (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower rice | Chopped cabbage or shredded zucchini |
| Olive oil | Butter or avocado oil |
| Parmesan cheese | Cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half or coconut cream |
| Butter | Ghee or vegan butter |
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower rice: Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it looks like rice. If you don’t have a food processor, use a grater.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cauliflower rice: Stir in the riced cauliflower and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the cream: Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring well to coat the cauliflower. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the cheese: Add Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir everything together and let the cheese melt into a creamy consistency.
- Finish with butter: Add a tablespoon of butter and mix it in until melted for extra creaminess.
- Serve hot: Remove from heat and enjoy warm.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cauliflower for the best taste. Frozen cauliflower rice can be used, but drain any extra moisture before cooking.
- If you like extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
- Want some protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu.
- Keep the garlic from burning by cooking it on low heat before adding cauliflower rice.
What to Serve with Creamy Cauliflower Garlic Rice
This dish pairs well with so many things. You can serve it with:
- Grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers
- A fried or poached egg on top for a delicious breakfast twist
- A fresh side salad for a light, balanced meal
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like to serve this rice in a wide bowl so the creamy texture spreads out beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something fast but satisfying. It also works great for meal prep, since it reheats well. If you’re making it for a party, it’s a fantastic low-carb side dish that guests will love.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If serving immediately, keep it covered to stay warm for up to 1 hour.
- Avoid leaving it out too long to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of cream if it looks dry.
Freezing
- This dish does not freeze well because of the cream and cheese. The texture becomes watery when thawed.
- If you must freeze, do it before adding the cream and cheese. When ready to eat, reheat and stir in the cream and cheese fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the cauliflower rice in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, just follow the cooking steps.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this is a keto-friendly dish because it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats from the cream and cheese.
Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid a soggy texture.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, dairy-free option.
Can kids eat this?
Absolutely! It’s a great way to sneak in veggies while still tasting rich and creamy. If your kid doesn’t like garlic, reduce the amount or swap it for onion powder.
Meta Description
Creamy cauliflower garlic rice recipe that’s rich, cheesy, and low-carb. Ready in 25 minutes, perfect for a healthy side dish or meal prep.