Cheesy Garlic Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

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These roasted cauliflower steaks are a delicious vegetarian dish that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare. Thick slices of cauliflower are seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and spices, then roasted until perfectly caramelized. Finally, they’re topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs for a rich, savory finish.

They work perfectly as:

  • a side dish
  • a light dinner
  • a vegetarian main course
  • or even a healthy snack

Golden outside. Tender inside. Cheesy on top. Pure comfort food.

🧾 Ingredients

Main

  • 2 large fresh cauliflower heads
  • 4–5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced or crushed)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Seasoning (optional but recommended)

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Topping

  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

🔪 Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Brush or spoon
  • Oven

Step 1 – Prepare the Cauliflower

This step is very important to get “steaks” instead of florets.

  1. Remove outer leaves.
  2. Trim the bottom stem slightly but DO NOT remove it completely.
    → The stem holds slices together.
  3. Place cauliflower upright.
  4. Slice vertically into thick pieces (about 2–3 cm thick).

You should get:

  • 3–4 large “steaks”
  • some extra small pieces (roast them too, they’re tasty)

Tip: Cut slowly so slices don’t break.

Step 2 – Season the Steaks

Flavor is everything here.

  1. Place slices on baking tray lined with parchment.
  2. Mix in a bowl:
    • olive oil
    • garlic
    • salt
    • pepper
    • spices
  4. Brush both sides generously.

Make sure every part is coated so they roast evenly and crisp nicely.

Step 3 – Roast

  1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
  2. Place tray in middle rack.
  3. Roast 20 minutes.
  4. Flip carefully with spatula.
  5. Roast another 10–15 minutes.

You want:

✅ golden brown edges

✅ crispy outside

✅ fork-tender inside

This caramelization gives amazing flavor.

Step 4 – Add Cheese

Now the magic happens 😍

  1. Remove tray from oven.
  2. Sprinkle mozzarella/cheddar evenly on top.
  3. Add Parmesan.
  4. Return to oven 5–7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning.

Step 5 – Garnish & Serve

Remove from oven and finish with:

  • fresh parsley
  • black pepper
  • squeeze of lemon

Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

🥘 Taste & Texture

Expect:

  • Crispy roasted edges
  • Soft buttery center
  • Garlic aroma
  • Melted cheesy top
  • Slight smoky flavor from roasting

Even people who “don’t like cauliflower” LOVE this.

💡 Pro Tips

✔ Use large cauliflower for bigger steaks

✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan

✔ Roast at high heat only (important for crispiness)

✔ Dry cauliflower before seasoning

✔ Add cheese at the end only

🔥 Flavor Variations

Try these fun twists:

Spicy version

Add chili sauce or hot sauce

Italian version

Add tomato sauce + mozzarella + basil

Middle Eastern

Add cumin + tahini drizzle + parsley

Crispy version

Top with breadcrumbs or panko

Vegan

Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast

🥗 What to Serve With

These pair perfectly with:

  • Grilled chicken
  • Steak
  • Rice
  • Salad
  • Yogurt sauce
  • Garlic sauce
  • Tahini dip

Or eat alone as a healthy low-carb meal.

🧊 Storage

  • Fridge: 3–4 days
  • Reheat in oven (not microwave) to keep crispy
  • Can freeze but texture becomes softer

⏰ Time Summary

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30–35 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Easy + quick + impressive.

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