Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks transform simple cauliflower into a crispy, tender, and flavorful dish topped with melted cheese. Perfect as a vegetarian main or side, this recipe offers a hearty, cheesy, and savory meal that’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 firm, fresh head of cauliflower
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese of choice (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), chopped, for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick
- Fresh thyme or rosemary mixed into olive oil
- Toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for topping
- Soy sauce or parmesan for umami boost
- Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the green leaves and trim the stem from the whole cauliflower. Place it on a cutting board and carefully slice into 3/4-inch thick ‘steaks.’ Use at least 2-3 solid slices for cooking; smaller pieces may fall apart.
- Season the steaks: Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides to build a flavorful base.
- Roast or grill: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat the grill to medium-high. Place the cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and golden brown.
- Add the cheese: Remove the steaks from heat briefly. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each steak. Return to the oven or grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Serve warm: Once the cheese is melted and slightly browned, transfer the steaks to serving plates. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately for the best melty, crispy experience.
Notes
- Pick a firm cauliflower to ensure steaks hold together and roast evenly.
- Don’t skip olive oil; it helps caramelize edges and prevents drying.
- Use a wire rack when roasting for better air circulation and crispier crust.
- Experiment with cheese layering for varied textures and flavors.
- Watch cooking time closely to avoid mushy steaks and maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Cheesy cauliflower steaks, vegetarian, roasted cauliflower, cheesy vegetable dish, gluten free appetizer, cauliflower recipe