Name: Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Modern
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbs parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 head cauliflower; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a weeknight dinner hero and a standout side, bound to wow any table with their golden, bubbly cheese topping and tender, flavorful vegetable center. This dish transforms humble cauliflower into thick-cut “steaks” brushed with a zesty, cheesy oil, then roasted to caramelized perfection before being showered with melty mozzarella. Whether you’re a devoted veggie-lover or trying to impress a cauliflower skeptic, this recipe brings together crispy edges, gooey cheese, and savory seasoning in every bite, making it utterly irresistible.

Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks is that the magic happens with just a short list of familiar, accessible ingredients. Each element in this recipe brings either bold flavor, satisfying texture, or gorgeous color—you won’t need to hunt down anything fancy for show-stopping results.

Olive oil: This rich, fruity oil ensures the cauliflower caramelizes beautifully while helping the seasonings stick.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a sharp, salty punch that’s essential for that classic cheesy crust.
Onion powder: A sprinkle of this brings subtle sweetness and depth to each bite.
Garlic powder: It infuses the cauliflower with mellow garlicky notes without the hassle of chopping.
Paprika: A pop of color and a gentle smokiness—smoked paprika works beautifully here too.
Salt and pepper: The dynamic duo that sharpens and balances every flavor in this dish.
Cauliflower (1 head): The star of the show, best chosen firm and tight for hearty, steak-like slices.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted on top at the very end, it gives those irresistible cheesy strands.
Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped on top at the end, it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness.

How to Make Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks

Step 1: Prep Your Oven or Air Fryer

Start by preheating your oven or air fryer to 400° F. If using the oven, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. This sets the stage for your Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks to roast perfectly—crisp on the outside and tender in the middle.

Step 2: Mix Up a Cheesy, Savory Oil

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, grated parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. This aromatic mixture will cling to every crevice of the cauliflower, ensuring it’s loaded with bold flavor before it even hits the heat.

Step 3: Prep and Slice the Cauliflower

Trim away any leaves from the base of your cauliflower but leave the stalk in place—this keeps the steaks intact as you cut them. Slice the cauliflower in half from top to bottom, then slice each half into thick 1-inch steaks (you’ll get about 4, and maybe a few extra florets). Arrange them gently on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Brush and Roast or Air Fry

Brush the cauliflower steaks all over—don’t forget the sides—with your cheesy oil mixture. This is the secret to those deeply savory, caramelized edges. If using the air fryer, cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. In the oven, let them roast for 20 minutes or so, until the stalk is fork-tender and the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Finish

Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the hot steaks, then pop them back into the oven or air fryer just until the cheese is melty and bubbling. Let them cool for a couple of minutes—they’ll set up a bit and be much easier to serve.

How to Serve Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Don’t be shy with the greens! You can also try a light dusting of extra parmesan or a crack of black pepper for an enticing look and flavor.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks pair beautifully with zingy green salads, a bowl of simple tomato soup, or some roasted sweet potatoes for a colorful plate. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes or a mound of seasoned rice makes a memorable vegetarian supper.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the steaks straight from your baking tray for a rustic, family-style vibe, or go fancy by layering them over a swirl of peppery arugula on individual plates. For a fun appetizer, cut leftover pieces into finger-sized portions and serve with toothpicks and a kicky yogurt dip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They keep their flavor well, and you’ll find they make tasty cold lunchbox additions or speedy snacks straight from the fridge.

Freezing

Cauliflower’s texture changes slightly when frozen, but if you’d like to freeze your leftovers, spread the steaks on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. They’re especially good for tossing into casseroles or tucking into wraps after a quick reheat.

Reheating

To recapture that wonderfully crisp-cheesy exterior, reheat the steaks in a 375° F oven for about 10 minutes, or air fry for 5 minutes. Microwaving works too but may yield a softer result. They taste just as delicious as when freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Try provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a new twist. Each cheese will melt a bit differently, but all give your Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks a gooey, savory crown.

Why did my cauliflower fall apart when slicing?

Sometimes a looser head of cauliflower will drop a few florets when slicing. Be sure to cut straight through the stalk, which helps hold the steaks together, and don’t worry—any extra pieces roast up deliciously as bites or snacks.

Can I make Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks vegan?

Definitely! Swap in plant-based parmesan and mozzarella, and use the same steps. It’s an easy adjustment and still gives you all that golden goodness.

What’s the best way to slice the cauliflower?

Use a large, sharp knife and work from the top of the head straight down through the stalk. Aim for slices 1-inch thick for the most satisfying “steak” texture, and keep them as even as possible for even roasting.

Can I add more spices to the recipe?

For sure! Crushed red pepper, cumin, or even Italian seasoning blend can amp up your Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks. Taste and adjust as you go for your favorite family flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Once you see how easy it is to whip up Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks, you’ll find yourself craving them again and again. Give them a try the next time you want a meal that’s cozy, deeply satisfying, and just a little special. I can’t wait for you to share them with the people you love!

Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Roasted cauliflower ‘steaks’ are topped with a flavorful blend of olive oil, parmesan, and spices, then finished with melty mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbs parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 head cauliflower
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven or air fryer to 400° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, grated parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Cauliflower: Trim cauliflower leaves and slice the cauliflower into ‘steaks’. Brush with the seasoning mixture.
Cook Cauliflower: Air fry or bake cauliflower until tender and golden brown.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of cauliflower steaks and melt in the oven.

Notes

For a crispier texture, broil the cauliflower steaks for a few minutes after adding the cheese.
Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavor profiles.
Serve with a side of marinara sauce for a fun twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Modern