Cauliflower has become one of the most popular vegetables in modern cooking, thanks to its versatility and ability to absorb the flavors of whatever it’s cooked with. One of the most exciting ways to prepare cauliflower is by transforming it into Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks. This dish offers a satisfying alternative to meat-based meals, especially for those looking for a vegetarian or low-carb option. With a rich blend of spices, savory cheeses, and a satisfying roasted texture, this recipe is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or just looking for a healthy side dish, these Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks are an easy, flavorful, and nutritious option. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dish from scratch!
Why Choose Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks?
Cauliflower steaks are an excellent choice for those who want to eat more vegetables without sacrificing flavor or texture. The cauliflower’s mild taste and firm texture, when sliced into thick steaks, make it the perfect canvas for bold seasonings and cheeses.
By roasting the cauliflower, you achieve a caramelized exterior with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Adding a cheesy topping not only enhances the flavor but also turns the dish into a comforting, indulgent treat without being overly heavy.
Furthermore, this recipe is a great way to get in your daily serving of vegetables while keeping things low-carb and gluten-free. The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella creates a beautiful golden-brown crust, while the sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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1 large head of cauliflower (sliced into 1-inch thick steaks)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
These ingredients are simple but pack a punch in terms of flavor. Olive oil helps the cauliflower steaks crisp up, while the seasonings—paprika and garlic powder—add a savory depth. The cheeses bring the indulgent factor, transforming these roasted cauliflower steaks into a truly memorable dish.
Instructions for Preparing Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help the cauliflower steaks roast properly, getting them crispy on the outside while keeping them tender on the inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Slice the Cauliflower into Steaks
Take your cauliflower and remove the outer leaves. Cut the cauliflower into thick, 1-inch steaks. You should get about 4-5 steaks from one large head of cauliflower. Don’t worry if some florets break off, as they’ll still roast nicely and make a great side dish or snack!
Step 3: Season the Cauliflower Steaks
Place the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each steak with olive oil on both sides to ensure they roast evenly. Sprinkle the steaks with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. These spices will bring out the natural flavor of the cauliflower and add a bit of heat and smokiness.
Step 4: Roast the Cauliflower Steaks
Put the cauliflower steaks in the oven and roast for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will allow the steaks to cook evenly and develop a golden-brown color. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to caramelize, and the cauliflower becomes tender but still holds its shape.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the cauliflower steaks are roasted, it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese generously over each steak. These cheeses will melt beautifully during the next round of baking, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that pairs perfectly with the roasted cauliflower.
Step 6: Bake Again
Return the cauliflower steaks to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. The goal is to have a deliciously melted cheese layer with a slight golden crisp on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted to perfection, remove the cauliflower steaks from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks warm, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks
To ensure that your Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
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Don’t skip the flipping: Flipping the cauliflower steaks halfway through the initial roasting time ensures they cook evenly on both sides and develop a crispy texture all around.
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Use fresh cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower will roast better than older cauliflower, which may be too dry or tough.
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Feel free to customize: If you’re not a fan of paprika or garlic powder, try using other seasonings like onion powder, thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
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Make it dairy-free: If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use vegan cheese instead of the Parmesan and mozzarella. Nutritional yeast can also be a great substitute for the cheesy flavor.
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Serve with a side: Pair your cauliflower steaks with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them with a creamy dipping sauce or a tangy dressing.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks (1 cauliflower steak) contains approximately:
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Calories: 160
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Protein: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 9g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
This makes the recipe a low-carb, nutrient-dense option that’s perfect for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet while keeping their calorie intake in check.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you enjoyed making Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks, here are some other recipes you might want to try:
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Crispy Zucchini Chips – A healthy, crispy snack made with zucchini, perfect for pairing with cauliflower steaks.
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Loaded Bacon Ranch Cheese Fry Casserole – If you’re looking for a cheesy, indulgent dish, this bacon ranch cheese fry casserole is the way to go.
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Spicy Mexican Corn Bites – These spicy bites offer a great side dish to complement the flavors of the roasted cauliflower.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do cauliflower steaks take to cook?
Typically, cauliflower steaks take about 30–35 minutes to cook in the oven. The initial roasting phase is around 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C), flipping once halfway through for even browning. Then, after adding cheese, they go back in for 10–12 more minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and golden. The exact time may vary slightly based on your oven and the thickness of the steaks, so keep an eye on them during the final stage.
How long do you put cauliflower cheese in the oven?
If you’re referring to classic cauliflower cheese (where florets are baked in a cheese sauce), it generally bakes for 25–30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden. However, for cauliflower steaks topped with cheese, like in this recipe, the process is twofold: roast the cauliflower first for 20 minutes, then add the cheese and bake again for 10–12 minutes until everything is melty and golden-brown.
Can you air fry cauliflower steaks with cheese?
Absolutely! Cauliflower steaks can be made in an air fryer, and they turn out beautifully crispy with a slightly shorter cook time. Roast the seasoned steaks in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Then, carefully add the cheese and return them to the air fryer for another 3–5 minutes, just enough to melt the cheese without burning. Make sure your air fryer basket is large enough to fit the steaks without overcrowding.
What does cauliflower steak go well with?
Cauliflower steak is super versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and sauces. Try serving it alongside garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. If you’re looking for something heartier, it also goes great with a grain bowl, quinoa pilaf, or even a drizzle of tahini or pesto sauce. For a full vegetarian meal, pair it with a protein-rich dish like spicy lentils or grilled tofu. The cheesy version also balances nicely with tangy or citrusy flavors that cut through the richness.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks are an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, looking for a meatless meal, or simply want to add more vegetables to your plate, this dish is a winner. With a simple yet flavorful seasoning, melted cheese, and a garnish of fresh parsley, these cauliflower steaks will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
By following the simple steps outlined above, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. So, fire up the oven, grab a head of cauliflower, and get ready to make the most delicious cauliflower steaks you’ve ever tasted!
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Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks – Easy Oven Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 cauliflower steaks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks are tender on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian main or a cheesy low-carb side dish everyone will love!
Ingredients
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1 large head of cauliflower, sliced into 1-inch thick steaks
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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Arrange steaks on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
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Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella.
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Return to the oven and bake for 10–12 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
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If your cauliflower breaks into florets while slicing, roast them too – they make great cheesy cauliflower bites!
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Can be made dairy-free with plant-based cheeses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Baking
- Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cauliflower steak
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg