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Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks

Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks

Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a wholesome and nutritious vegetarian main course featuring thick slices of cauliflower roasted to a golden brown and topped with a rich, melty blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe delivers comfort food with a healthy twist, perfect for entertaining or a satisfying everyday meal.

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Steaks

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, firm and fresh
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cheese Topping

  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for spice
  • Toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for topping
  • Lemon zest or chili flakes for added flavor
  • Extra veggies like thin slices of bell pepper or tomato

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Remove the green leaves and trim the stem ends of the cauliflower. Stand it upright on a cutting board and carefully slice down the middle into 3/4-inch thick steaks. You will get about 2 to 3 steaks from a medium-sized head.
  2. Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the cauliflower steaks on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle both sides generously with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to coat each steak.
  3. Roast the Cauliflower Steaks: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 15 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through to ensure even browning. This softens the steaks and creates a caramelized base.
  4. Add the Cheese: Remove the sheet from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over each cauliflower steak, covering them well. Return the sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs over the steaks for color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Choose cauliflower heads with tight florets for sturdy steaks that hold together well.
  • Slice steaks about 3/4-inch thick to prevent breaking or undercooking.
  • Do not skip olive oil; it helps develop a golden crust and prevents cheese from sticking.
  • Use sharp cheddar or aged cheeses for better melt and richer flavor.
  • Watch the cheese carefully near the end of cooking to avoid burning, broiling briefly if desired for extra bubbly topping.
  • Leftover steaks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • For freezing, wrap steaks tightly and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
  • Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving as it makes cheese rubbery.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cauliflower steak with cheese
  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: cauliflower steaks, cheesy cauliflower, vegetarian main course, healthy vegetarian recipe, baked cauliflower, cheesy vegetable dish