Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks (Printable)

Roasted cauliflower steaks topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust - hearty vegetarian main or savory side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cauliflower heads

→ Dairy

02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Pantry

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Remove leaves from cauliflower heads, trim the stems, and cut each into 3/4-inch thick steaks. Reserve any loose florets.
03 - Arrange cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil and melted butter.
04 - Sprinkle the steaks with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
05 - Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through, until golden and tender.
06 - In a bowl, combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
07 - Remove baking sheet from oven and top each cauliflower steak with a generous layer of the cheese mixture.
08 - Return to oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden, bubbly, and fully melted.
09 - Scatter chopped parsley over the steaks before serving, if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The edges of the cauliflower caramelize and the cheese forms a crispy golden crust you cannot resist scraping from the pan
  • It’s an effortless way to get a hearty, crowd-pleasing vegetarian dinner that genuinely fills you up
02 -
  • If you try flipping the cauliflower too soon, it’ll fall apart and make a mess—wait until it’s deeply golden on the bottom
  • I discovered blending the cheeses before topping prevents uneven melting (and stops all the cheddar from burning on top)
03 -
  • Bring cheese to room temperature before topping so it melts faster and more evenly
  • A sprinkle of smoked paprika just before serving adds an aroma people will talk about