These Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy cauliflower! Roasted until golden brown and topped with melty cheese, they make a perfect low-carb side dish or even a satisfying vegetarian main course. With a crispy, caramelized exterior and a tender, cheesy inside, this dish is packed with flavor and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional steaks or cheesy bread
- Crispy, roasted edges with a gooey, cheesy topping
- Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or vegetarian main
- Naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 large cauliflower head, sliced into steaks
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the Cauliflower: Remove leaves and cut the cauliflower into ¾-inch thick steaks.
- Season the Steaks: Brush both sides with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Roast: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fork-tender, flipping halfway through.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan over the cauliflower steaks. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Extra Crispy: Broil for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for gouda, pepper jack, or feta.
- Herb Infused: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or fresh thyme before roasting.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and swap butter for olive oil.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
- Freezing: Not recommended as cauliflower may become mushy.
FAQs
How do I keep cauliflower steaks from falling apart?
Use a sharp knife and slice from the center for sturdier steaks.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, adding cheese in the last 3 minutes.
What’s the best way to serve these?
Serve as a side with grilled chicken, steak, or enjoy as a meatless main dish.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower works best, as frozen may release too much moisture.
How do I make these more crispy?
Roast at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I add a sauce?
Yes! Drizzle with pesto, ranch, or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
What’s a good cheese alternative?
Try goat cheese, blue cheese crumbles, or dairy-free alternatives.
Can I grill these instead?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
Are cauliflower steaks keto-friendly?
Yes! They’re low in carbs and perfect for a keto diet.
Can I prep these in advance?
Yes! Slice and season ahead of time, then bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a flavorful, low-carb dish that’s easy to make and packed with delicious, cheesy goodness. Whether as a side dish or a meatless main, this recipe is a simple yet impressive way to enjoy roasted cauliflower. Try it today and customize it with your favorite flavors!
PrintCheesy Cauliflower Steaks
Thick slices of cauliflower are roasted until golden, then topped with gooey melted cheese and seasonings. These make a delicious side dish or even a hearty vegetarian main course!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Vegetarian Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Low-Carb
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Steaks:
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower, keeping the core intact.
- Slice it into ¾-inch thick “steaks” (you should get 2-3 full steaks, with smaller florets from the edges).
-
Season the Steaks:
- Place the cauliflower slices on the baking sheet.
- Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
-
Roast the Cauliflower:
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
-
Add the Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning over the cauliflower.
- Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.
- Serve hot as a side dish or vegetarian main!
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or gruyère for a different cheesy twist.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.