Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love creamy sauces but want something lighter, this is for you. This creamy cauliflower sauce is silky, rich, and ridiculously easy to make. No heavy cream needed, but it still gives you that smooth, satisfying texture you crave.
And the best part? You can use it for pasta, as a dip, or even as a healthier swap for Alfredo sauce. Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Medium-sized pot
- Blender or food processor
- Strainer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Important Info
- Servings: About 2 cups
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $4-$6 depending on ingredient prices
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 40 per ¼ cup
- Cook method: Boiling and Blending
- Season: All seasons
- Courses: Sauce, Condiment
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: VeganDiet, VegetarianDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet
How to Make Creamy Cauliflower Sauce
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 head of cauliflower, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Vegetable broth | Water with bouillon cube |
| Olive oil | Butter or coconut oil |
| Garlic | Garlic powder (½ teaspoon) |
| Plant-based milk | Regular milk or cream |
Instructions
- Boil the cauliflower. Add the chopped cauliflower and vegetable broth to a pot. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for 10 minutes until the cauliflower is soft.
- Sauté the garlic. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
- Blend everything. Drain the cauliflower (but keep the broth). Add the cauliflower, sautéed garlic, salt, black pepper, and onion powder to a blender. Pour in ½ cup of the reserved broth.
- Blend until smooth. Start on low speed, then increase to high. Blend for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce is silky. If it’s too thick, add more broth or plant-based milk, a little at a time.
- Taste and adjust. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Blend again if you add more liquid.
- Serve or store. Your creamy cauliflower sauce is ready! Use it immediately or store it for later.
Helpful Tips
- For an extra rich taste, add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese.
- If your sauce is too thin, let it sit for 5 minutes. It thickens as it cools.
- Want it extra creamy? Blend in a tablespoon of butter or cashew cream.
- To make it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Creamy Cauliflower Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas:
- Over pasta as a healthy Alfredo replacement
- As a dip for roasted veggies or breadsticks
- Drizzled over baked potatoes
- As a pizza sauce base
- Mixed into mashed potatoes for extra creaminess
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
You can serve this sauce in a small bowl or sauce dish for dipping, or just pour it directly over your dish. If using it for pasta, mix it in while the pasta is hot so it coats evenly.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This sauce is perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners: Quick, easy, and healthy.
- Parties: Serve as a dip with chips and crackers.
- Meal prep: Store in a jar and use throughout the week.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If serving immediately, keep it warm in a covered pot for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
- Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays for portioning.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce without a blender?
Yes, but it won’t be as smooth. Use a potato masher or immersion blender for a chunkier texture.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works fine. Just boil it for a few extra minutes until completely soft.
Is this sauce kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s creamy, mild, and doesn’t taste like cauliflower. You can also add a little cheese to make it more appealing to kids.
Can I add other flavors to this sauce?
Definitely. Try adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of vegetable broth or milk while blending until you reach your desired consistency.
Meta Description
Creamy Cauliflower Sauce Recipe – A smooth, healthy sauce perfect for pasta, dipping, and more. Made with simple ingredients in just 20 minutes.