Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
🟢 Difficulty Level: Beginner
⏱️ Cooking Time: 10 minutes prep + 20 minutes cook = 30 minutes total
🍽️ Servings: 3–4
These Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and topped with melted mozzarella for the ultimate low-carb comfort food. Perfect as a vegetarian main or a flavorful side dish, this recipe turns humble cauliflower into a restaurant-worthy delight!
🛒 Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 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
- (Optional) Fresh parsley, for garnish
🍳 Used Equipment
- Oven :
- Baking sheet (or air fryer tray) :
- Parchment paper :
- Sharp knife :
- Small mixing bowl :
- Brush (for oil mixture) :
- Tongs (or spatula) :
👨🍳 Steps and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (if using the oven).
Step 2: Make the Seasoned Oil Mixture
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
This mixture adds both flavor and crispness to the cauliflower.
Step 3: Slice the Cauliflower
- Remove the leaves from the base of the cauliflower but keep the core intact — this holds the “steaks” together.
- Slice the cauliflower in half, then slice each half again to create four thick “steaks.”
- Place the steaks on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Season the Steaks
- Using a brush, coat each cauliflower steak generously on both sides and edges with the seasoned oil mixture.
Step 5: Bake or Air Fry
- Air Fryer Method:
- Air fry for 15 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until golden and fork-tender.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and tender in the center.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven or air fryer.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each steak.
- Return to heat for 2–4 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Enjoy as a low-carb main dish or pair it with grilled chicken, salad, or soup.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- 🌿 Keep the core intact — it prevents the cauliflower slices from falling apart.
- 🔄 Flip halfway through cooking to ensure both sides get evenly golden.
- 🧈 Add extra flavor by brushing with melted butter before adding cheese.
- 🧀 Try variations — swap mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
🍽️ Plating and Serving
Serve your cheesy cauliflower steaks on a flat platter or individual plates.
Drizzle with extra olive oil or sprinkle with chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Pair them with a light green salad, lemon yogurt sauce, or roasted veggies.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Cutting the cauliflower too thin — thin slices fall apart while cooking.
- ❌ Skipping parchment paper — helps prevent sticking and burning.
- ❌ Overcooking — cauliflower becomes mushy if left too long.
- ❌ Not flipping halfway — results in uneven color and texture.
- ❌ Adding cheese too early — it will burn before the cauliflower is tender.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — Approximate)
Calories: 209 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Protein: 7 g
Total Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g
Cholesterol: 13 mg
Sodium: 172 mg
Potassium: 451 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g
Vitamin A: 133 IU
Vitamin C: 70 mg
Calcium: 133 mg
Iron: 1 mg
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