🧀🥦 Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks

This Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a golden, savory, and hearty dish. Thick cauliflower “steaks” are roasted until tender and caramelized, then topped with a luscious blend of Parmesan and Gruyère. Finished with fresh chives, it’s a dish that balances comfort with sophistication—ideal as a vegetarian main or a stunning side.

📋 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 medium cauliflowers
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp onion powder
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup Gruyère cheese (or sharp cheddar), shredded
• Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

🥄 Instructions

1. Prep oven & cauliflower:
   • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Remove outer leaves of cauliflower, trim the stem (keeping the core intact).
   • Slice each cauliflower into 1-inch thick “steaks” (you should get 3–4 per head).
2. Season:
   • Brush both sides of each steak with vegetable oil.
   • Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
3. Roast:
   • Arrange steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
4. Add cheese topping:
   • Remove from oven, sprinkle evenly with Parmesan and Gruyère.
   • Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Garnish & serve:
   • Sprinkle with fresh chives.
   • Serve hot as a side or main dish.

🍴 Notes

• Some florets may fall off when slicing—roast them alongside the steaks for tasty extras.
• Gruyère adds a nutty, elegant flavor, but sharp cheddar gives a bolder taste.
• Use a large sharp knife for clean cuts through the cauliflower core.

💡 Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—roasting space allows for crisp edges.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder before roasting.
• To make it a full meal, serve with a grain (quinoa, couscous) or protein (grilled chicken, steak).
• Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want deeply browned, crispy cheese.

🍽️ Servings

• Makes 6–8 cauliflower steaks (serves 4 as a side, 2–3 as a main).

🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, ~2 steaks)

• Calories: ~190
• Protein: ~10g
• Fat: ~12g
• Carbs: ~12g
• Fiber: ~4g

✅ Benefits

• Vegetable-forward & nutrient-rich – high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Low-carb & gluten-free – fits keto, paleo, and vegetarian diets.
• Elegant yet simple – perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
• Cheesy comfort – satisfies both veggie-lovers and cheese-lovers.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—use vegan Parmesan and a plant-based melty cheese.

Q: How do I keep cauliflower steaks from falling apart?
A: Keep the core intact when slicing and handle carefully when flipping.

Q: Can I grill instead of bake?
A: Absolutely! Grill cauliflower steaks 5–6 minutes per side, then add cheese at the end until melted.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can roast the steaks ahead, then reheat and add cheese just before serving.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Great alongside roast chicken, steak, or as a vegetarian main with a leafy salad.