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Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks

Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious and satisfying vegetarian main or side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of roasted cauliflower while adding richness from melted cheese. Thick slices of cauliflower are oven-roasted until golden, then topped with a blend of cheeses that bubble and brown under heat. The result is tender, flavorful “steaks” with crispy edges and a savory, cheesy crust. They’re simple to make and pair beautifully with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a light green salad.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head of cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and trim the base, keeping the core intact. Slice the cauliflower into thick steaks, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. You should get 2 to 3 full steaks from the center; the outer florets can be roasted alongside.

Place the cauliflower steaks and loose florets on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning gently into both sides of the steaks.

Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and starting to brown on the edges.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the steaks.

Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Try to slice the cauliflower as evenly as possible so the steaks cook at the same rate. If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting. These steaks are best enjoyed right out of the oven while the edges are crisp and the cheese is gooey.