Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Thick cauliflower steaks roasted until golden and tender, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Crispy, cheesy edges and garlic-herb seasoning make this an easy and delicious low-carb side dish or vegetarian main course.

Ingredients:

1 large head cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon melted butter, optional
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Prepare the cauliflower:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower, but keep the stem intact. Wash and dry the cauliflower thoroughly.
Cut the steaks:
Place the cauliflower stem-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the cauliflower into thick slices about 1–1½ inches (2½–4 cm) thick. You should get approximately 3–4 good-sized steaks. Keep the smaller florets for another recipe or roast them alongside the steaks.
Make the seasoning mixture:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Mix well.
Season the cauliflower:
Place the cauliflower steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush both sides generously with the garlic-herb oil mixture. Make sure the seasoning reaches the edges.
First roast:
Roast the cauliflower for 20–25 minutes. Carefully flip the steaks halfway through cooking. Continue roasting until the edges become golden brown and the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.
Add the cheese:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle each cauliflower steak generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Final baking:
Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
Make the top crispy:
For an extra-golden cheesy crust, switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully because the cheese can brown quickly.
Finish:
Remove from the oven and let the cauliflower rest for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra black pepper.
Serve:
Serve warm as a vegetarian main dish, low-carb side, or accompaniment to grilled chicken, steak, fish, or roasted meat.

Nutrition Information per serving, approximately:

Calories: 280
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 4 g
Net Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the cauliflower, cheese brands, and amount of oil used.

Q/S:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish or Vegetarian Main Course
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: Approximately 280 per serving

Tips:

Choose a large, firm cauliflower with tightly packed florets so the steaks hold together better.

Do not cut the steaks too thin because they can break apart during cooking.

For extra crispiness, place the cauliflower on a preheated baking sheet before roasting.

Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better than pre-grated Parmesan.

For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove of minced garlic.

For a spicy version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a small amount of cayenne pepper.

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until hot and the cheese becomes crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the roasted edges crisp.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.