Description
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying vegetarian dish featuring thick roasted cauliflower slices topped with a melty, golden cheesy crust. Perfect as a hearty main or an impressive side, these steaks combine simple ingredients with versatile seasoning options to deliver warmth, comfort, and rich flavor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 firm, fresh head of cauliflower
Cheese
- Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination, enough to generously cover steaks (about 1 to 1½ cups shredded)
Olive Oil and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs and spices: paprika, thyme, rosemary, chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Remove the green leaves and trim the stem from the cauliflower head. Slice into thick steaks approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick, keeping them intact. Reserve any smaller broken florets for roasting alongside.
- Season Your Steaks: Brush each cauliflower steak generously with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and your chosen herbs or spices to infuse flavor before adding cheese.
- Add the Cheese Layer: Top each steak with a generous layer of shredded cheese, covering the surface evenly. This cheese will melt and brown to form a delicious golden crust while roasting.
- Roast to Perfection: Place the cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, and the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce if desired. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use firm cauliflower heads with tight florets for best slicing and roasting results.
- Brush olive oil thoroughly to achieve golden browning and added flavor.
- Layer cheese generously for a crispy crust and gooey texture.
- Use a hot oven (425°F/220°C) to brown the edges without overcooking the inside.
- Handle steaks gently with a wide spatula to prevent breaking.
- Let steaks rest for a couple of minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 200-250 (depending on cheese type and quantity)
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg