Description
Savory cauliflower steaks deliver a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience that elevates simple vegetables into a gourmet delight. Crispy golden edges and melted cheese create an irresistible dish perfect for plant-based eating or as an impressive side that will satisfy and surprise dinner guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by arranging a baking sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to a robust 425F (220C).
- Carefully deconstruct the cauliflower, removing outer leaves while maintaining the core’s structural integrity. Slice the vegetable into robust 3/4-inch thick planks, aiming for 2-3 substantial steaks with accompanying smaller floret fragments.
- Arrange the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking surface, meticulously coating both surfaces with olive oil. Distribute garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper across each piece to ensure comprehensive seasoning.
- Transfer the seasoned cauliflower into the preheated oven, roasting for approximately 20 minutes. Midway through cooking, gently flip the steaks to promote even caramelization and tender texture.
- Generously distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the roasted cauliflower, sprinkling Italian seasoning for additional flavor complexity. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling layer.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Optional: drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sophisticated flavor enhancement. Serve immediately while the cheese remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Cut cauliflower carefully to maintain thick, intact steaks that hold together during roasting, preventing crumbling and ensuring even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning intensity by experimenting with different spice blends like za’atar, cajun, or herb mixtures to create global flavor variations.
- Maximize cheese melting by grating fresh cheese directly before adding to the cauliflower, which guarantees better texture and more authentic flavor profile.
- Accommodate dietary needs by substituting dairy cheese with nutritional yeast for vegan version or using dairy-free cheese alternatives without compromising taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg