Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Name: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 heads cauliflower; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Jump to Recipe Save Recipe Pin Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks feature a satisfying crunch of the caramelized exterior, giving way to a tender and almost creamy center. The natural sweetness of the cauliflower is heightened by the roasting process. Seasonings infuse the dish with extra flavor. These cauliflower steaks showcase how simple ingredients can come together to create a complex and delicious side dish. A great way to get kids to eat more cauliflower!

These thick, hearty slices of cauliflower, often resembling a “steak”, are a testament to the vegetable’s versatility.

With various seasoning options, you can take this simple recipe to the next level by customizing it. From our homemade marinade to tangy buffalo or cheesy cauliflower steaks, there is an option for everyone.

Best of all, seasoning cauliflower encourages kids to try this vegetable. Even the pickiest of eaters are more likely to eat roasted cauliflower steaks topped with their favorite spices and sauces. Get ready for this recipe to be requested over and over!

Check out Veggie Nuggets, Blueberry Spinach Muffins and Mashed Potato Bites for more vegetable recipes that are kid-approved.

Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil and cauliflower on a countertop

Table of Contents

Ingredients

2 heads cauliflower
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

How to Make

Preheat the oven and prep the cauliflower. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Remove the stems and some of the core from the cauliflower. Slice into 3/4-1-inch pieces. The ends of the cauliflower will fall apart. You can roast them separately as shown below or enjoy them raw. Place the cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Mix the marinade. In a small bowl combine the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush onto the cauliflower steaks.
Bake. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and carefully flip the cauliflower. Brush the steaks with the rest of the marinade mixture. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot.

oil and seasoning brushed on cauliflower steaks.

cauliflower pieces drizzled in oil on sheet pan

Expert Tips

Cut the cauliflower steaks evenly so all pieces are done cooking at the same time.
Roast at a high temperature to help caramelize the cauliflower and crisp the exterior. The lower the oven temperature, the less crispy the cauliflower will be – we suggest roasting at 425°F.
Use a rimmed baking sheet to make it easier to remove the dish from the oven.
Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking and brown each side.
Spread the cauliflower steaks in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent overcrowding the pan.

Seasoning Variations

Cauliflower is a blank canvas for flavor as it will soak up any seasonings and sauces. If looking to further enhance our homemade marinade, here is a list of seasonings to add to the mixture:

Paprika, cayenne pepper or cumin: three spices to use in place of the Italian seasoning to offer a vibrant color and bold flavor.
Cheese: grated parmesan, shredded cheddar or vegan nutritional yeast are three options that meet all expectations for a cheesy cauliflower steak. Add to the top of the cauliflower after flipping the steaks.
Soy sauce: a drizzle of gluten-free soy sauce in our marinade can provide a salty and savory depth of flavor without compromising the crispy exterior.
Ranch: a dry ranch seasoning packet can be mixed into the olive oil marinade then brushed on top of each steak.
Buffalo: buffalo sauce adds the perfect hint of spice and tang. Adjust the amount of sauce based on heat preference.

hand using pastry brush to cover cauliflower steaks with oil and spices

What To Eat with Cauliflower Steak

Thanks to the versatility of this side dish, there are many ways to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

To keep vegetarian, serve alongside quinoa, vegetables, beans and/or tofu. This combination of ingredients makes a delicious gluten-free grain bowl that can easily be reheated for lunches throughout the week.

Other grains like rice and pasta complement the cauliflower while roasted asparagus, sauteed spinach and steamed broccoli add more color to your plate.

For non-vegetarians, serve grilled chicken, fish, steak or pork alongside. We also find pairing with soup such as Green Chili Chicken Soup, Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup and Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup offers a nice low-carb option compared to a slice of bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to roast cauliflower at 425°F?

Start by roasting cauliflower steaks for 10 minutes on each side or until nicely browned. You can cook a few minutes longer if looking for the cauliflower to be more tender. The best way to check the tenderness is by piercing with a knife or fork.

How do you cut cauliflower steaks so they don’t fall apart?

The best approach to cutting a cauliflower is keeping the core intact and steaks thick. A few florets will fall off but can easily be roasted on a separate pan or enjoyed raw for a snack.

Why is my roasted cauliflower mushy?

Overcooking is one of the most common reasons for mushy cauliflower. Cook until it becomes tender and slightly browned on each side then remove from the heat to retain its firmness. Also, after washing, pat the cauliflower dry before roasting. Any excess moisture will release during cooking resulting in a mushy vegetable. Lastly, be cautious on the amount of oil or sauce that you drizzle on the steaks. The seasoning is necessary but too much can lead to a greasy end result.

How do you select and store cauliflower?

When selecting a fresh cauliflower, choose one that is firm and compact. Avoid any with soft spots or spongy areas. While we use white in this recipe, there is also orange, green and purple cauliflower. Regardless of the color, ensure it is vibrant without discoloration or browning. Store fresh cauliflower in the fridge for up 1-2 weeks to maintain freshness. Avoid washing until just before you are ready to use. For instructions on how to freeze cauliflower, check out our How To Freeze Cauliflower guide.

What does cauliflower taste like?

If you have a picky kid or one that is nervous to try cauliflower, you may find the following description of what it tastes like helpful. Cauliflower doesn’t have a super strong taste of its own, it soaks up the flavors of the spices like a sponge. It is similar to broccoli but has a nutty flavor. When cooked, cauliflower is soft and even a little sweet.

top down view of baked seasoned cauliflower

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Before storing, allow the steaks to cool to room temperature. Otherwise, the heat will create moisture in the container and make the cauliflower soggy.
Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container. You can place parchment paper between the steaks to prevent them from sticking together if desired.
Store the container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. After this time, discard as the vegetable will start to lose flavor. We find that this recipe is best when consumed fresh instead of frozen. Try Roasted Frozen Cauliflower for a tasty recipe featuring frozen cauliflower.
To reheat, place back into a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes if seeking crispy cauliflower. You can also microwave in 20-second increments until hot for convenience. Be mindful that microwaving may make the cauliflower soggy.
When reheating, consider adding fresh seasonings to boost the flavors. This is a great time to try a topping like cheese or a sauce if you didn’t before.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Cauliflower can be a tricky vegetable to cut so always wear a cut glove on your hand that is not holding the knife. Also, always wait until your kitchen helper is standing next to you to help chop the cauliflower head.
Cauliflower steaks can be mushy if too much oil is spread on top. Use measuring spoons to ensure you measure all the marinade ingredients correctly. Then, use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to evenly spread the mixture among all the steaks.
When flipping the cauliflower, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven with oven mitts and assistance from a helper. Hold one side of the pan with an oven mitt while you use a spatula to slowly flip each cauliflower steak. Next, use both hands to place the hot pan back into the oven and reset the kitchen timer to 10 minutes.

More Cauliflower Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

Rate Recipe Add to Recipe Box