Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks feature thick slices of cauliflower roasted to tender perfection, topped with a rich, melty cheese sauce blending sharp cheddar and nutty parmesan. This easy, healthy, and satisfying dish works well as a main or side, perfect for vegetarians and those seeking a low-carb, gluten-free comfort meal.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head (firm, with tight florets)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose or gluten-free flour
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the green leaves and trim the cauliflower stem so it can sit flat, helping the steaks hold together during cooking.
- Slice Your Cauliflower: Using a sharp knife, cut the cauliflower into thick steaks about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. You should get 3 to 4 steaks. Reserve leftover florets for roasting or other uses.
- Season and Oil: Brush each cauliflower steak generously with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Place the steaks on a lined baking sheet and roast for approximately 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Aim for tender, slightly caramelized edges.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: While roasting, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk or cream and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and parmesan until smooth and melted.
- Add the Cheese and Broil: Remove roasted steaks from the oven and spoon cheese sauce generously over each. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown; watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks cool slightly so the cheese sets for easy handling, then serve.
Notes
- Choose a firm cauliflower head with tight florets for sturdy steaks.
- Slice steaks thick (1 to 1.5 inches) to hold shape and absorb sauce.
- Pat cauliflower dry before seasoning to help roasting, not steaming.
- Whisk cheese sauce continuously when adding milk to avoid lumps.
- Watch carefully under the broiler to prevent cheese from burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cauliflower steak with cheese sauce
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: cauliflower steaks, cheesy cauliflower, vegetarian, gluten free, low carb, baked cauliflower, comfort food