Description
Savory Cauliflower Steaks emerge as a delectable plant-based centerpiece for hungry diners seeking hearty vegetarian fare. Roasted with herbs and parmesan, these golden-brown slices deliver robust flavor and satisfying texture you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- ½ cup (118 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position a parchment-lined baking sheet and preheat the oven to a searing 425F (220C), establishing the foundation for culinary excellence.
- Cauliflower Transformation: Deconstruct the vegetable with precision, creating 2-3 substantial steaks and complementary floret fragments, maintaining the core’s structural essence.
- Seasoning Ritual: Lavishly coat cauliflower steaks with olive oil, then meticulously sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring a comprehensive flavor profile across every surface.
- Roasting Symphony: Dispatch the seasoned cauliflower into the heated oven, roasting for 20 minutes. Midway through the cooking process, delicately rotate the steaks to achieve uniform caramelization and tender consistency.
- Cheese Finale: Blanket the roasted cauliflower with a luxurious layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, punctuating the surface with Italian seasoning. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a molten, golden masterpiece.
- Culinary Presentation: Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and optional balsamic glaze, creating a visually stunning and flavor-rich dish. Serve immediately while the cheese remains irresistibly warm and inviting.
Notes
- Slice Carefully: Use a sharp chef’s knife to create clean, even 3/4-inch thick cauliflower steaks, ensuring they hold together during roasting.
- Season Thoroughly: Coat both sides generously with olive oil and spices to maximize flavor absorption and prevent dryness.
- Monitor Caramelization: Watch closely during roasting to achieve golden-brown edges without burning, which adds depth and sweetness to the cauliflower.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese in the final cooking stage to prevent burning and create a perfectly melted, golden-brown topping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg