Imagine transforming a humble head of cauliflower into a restaurant-worthy dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. These Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Steaks are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering a perfect blend of crispy edges, melted cheese, and bold flavors that will have even the most dedicated meat-lovers asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible vegetarian masterpiece!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Carefully remove the leaves from the cauliflower head and trim the stem, keeping the core intact. Place the cauliflower head stem-side down on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp chef's knife, slice the cauliflower vertically into 1-inch thick "steaks". Some florets may fall off, which can be roasted alongside the steaks.
- Gently brush both sides of each cauliflower steak with olive oil, ensuring even coverage. This helps with browning and prevents drying out.
- Season the cauliflower steaks generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure to season both sides evenly for maximum flavor.
- Carefully transfer the cauliflower steaks to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the cauliflower steaks and return to the oven to melt.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and cool slightly.
- Carefully transfer the cauliflower cheese steaks to serving plates. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Choose a large, firm cauliflower head for the best "steak" cuts. Look for one with tightly packed, white florets.
- Use a sharp chef's knife and cut slowly to create even, thick slices. Don't worry if some florets break off - they can be roasted alongside the steaks.
- Make sure to brush the cauliflower generously with olive oil to ensure even browning and prevent drying out.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or a spicy pepper jack.
- Watch the cauliflower closely during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning while achieving that perfect golden-brown cheese crust.
- Let the cauliflower steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a protein boost, consider adding some crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
