Cauliflower, that cruciferous wonder, takes center stage in this recipe for Oven-Roasted Cauliflower Steaks. This dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also bursting with flavor and versatility.
Roasted cauliflower steaks provide a hearty and satisfying low-carb alternative to traditional steaks. They can be enjoyed as a main course for vegetarians or vegans, or as a delicious and healthy side dish to complement any protein.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure even cooking. Wash and trim the head of cauliflower, removing any loose leaves. Cut the cauliflower into steaks, aiming for a thickness of 3/4 inch to 1 inch. Ideally, you should be able to get 2-3 steaks from each cauliflower head.
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Season and Roast: Arrange the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Roast the seasoned cauliflower steaks in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
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Add Flavor and Cheese: After the initial 20-minute roast, remove the baking sheet from the oven. In a small bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper and dried garlic powder. This flavorful mixture will add a touch of sweetness and savory depth to the cauliflower. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the partially cooked cauliflower steaks.
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Melty Cheese Finish: Top each cauliflower steak with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This layer adds a delightful salty and nutty dimension to the dish. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and cooked through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly – a sign of deliciousness!
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked through, remove the cauliflower steaks from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or other herbs for a pop of color and freshness (optional).
More Information:
- For even cooking, ensure your cauliflower steaks are all cut to a similar thickness.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese options! Cheddar, Gruyere, or goat cheese can all be delicious substitutes for the Parmesan or mozzarella.
- Don’t have fresh bell peppers on hand? No problem! Substitute them with ½ teaspoon of dried red bell pepper flakes for a similar flavor boost.
- Like things a little spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix for a touch of heat.
- Leftover roasted cauliflower steaks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through, making them a perfect meal-prep option for busy lunches.
Conclusion:
Oven-Roasted Cauliflower Steaks are a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavorful and satisfying dish. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and delicious side dish, or a vegetarian main course option, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!