Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a delightful, easy-to-make vegetarian dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted cauliflower with melted, savory cheese. Perfect as a main or a side, this recipe is sure to please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem end, keeping the core intact.
- Step 2: Slice the cauliflower into 3/4-inch thick “steaks.” You should get about 2 to 3 good slices from the center, with some loose florets left over.
- Step 3: Place the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
- Step 5: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each steak, and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Serve warm as a satisfying main dish or a flavorful side.
Tips & Variations
- Use a firm knife and steady hands to slice the cauliflower into steaks to prevent breaking.
- Try different cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for varied flavors.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder before roasting for an extra flavor boost.
- For a vegan option, substitute cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
Storage
Store any leftover cauliflower steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the texture crisp and avoid sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Fresh cauliflower works best for steaks because frozen cauliflower tends to be too soft and won’t hold its shape when sliced.
What other toppings go well on cauliflower steaks?
You can top with pesto, breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add different flavors and textures.
PrintCheesy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious and hearty vegetarian dish featuring thick slices of cauliflower roasted to perfection and topped with melted cheese. This savory recipe makes a great main or side dish, combining tender roasted cauliflower with a golden, bubbly cheese crust for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large head of cauliflower
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower Steaks: Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower, keeping the core intact to hold the slices together. Slice the cauliflower vertically into approximately 3/4-inch thick steaks carefully.
- Roast Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the roasted cauliflower steaks from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of each steak.
- Bake Until Cheese Melts: Return the cauliflower steaks to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm as a delicious vegetarian main or side dish.
Notes
- Use firm cauliflower heads for easy slicing and to keep steaks intact.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyere, or a spicy pepper jack.
- You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor before roasting.
- Serve with a side salad or grain for a complete meal.
- For a low-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese or less cheese.
Keywords: Cauliflower steaks, cheesy cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, vegetarian main dish, easy vegetarian recipe, baked cauliflower, healthy side dish
