Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a creative, healthy, and delicious vegetarian dish featuring thick cauliflower slices roasted to tender perfection and topped with a melty blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. This quick and simple recipe offers comforting flavors and impressive presentation, perfect as a main course or a hearty side that’s naturally gluten-free and easy to customize.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
- Total Time: 35-37 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 1 firm, evenly sized cauliflower head
Seasonings
- Olive oil, for brushing (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, ½ teaspoon or to taste
- Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon or to taste
Cheeses
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for sprinkling
- Preparing the Cauliflower Steaks: Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower head while keeping it intact. Place it on a cutting board and carefully slice about 3/4 inch thick steaks from the center, yielding 2 to 3 slices. Handle gently to keep steaks whole.
- Seasoning the Steaks: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush both sides of each steak with olive oil evenly, then sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper all over.
- Roasting the Cauliflower: Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through to ensure even browning. The cauliflower should become tender and develop a golden crust.
- Adding the Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan over each cauliflower steak. Return to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes more, until the cheese melts and bubbles to a golden brown.
- Garnishing and Serving: Once baked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the steaks for a fresh color contrast and flavor lift. Serve warm, either as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Choose a firm, compact cauliflower head to ensure steaks stay intact during cooking.
- Use a sharp knife and slice straight down to create even, sturdy steaks.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; allow space for crisp edges.
- Turning steaks mid-roast promotes even browning and prevents sogginess.
- For extra bubbly cheese, optionally broil for 1-2 minutes after baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cauliflower steak
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: cauliflower steaks, cheesy cauliflower, vegetarian main dish, gluten free appetizer, roasted cauliflower, meatless meal