Three Fun Ways To Use Cauliflower In the Kitchen

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Cauliflower is healthy and delicious, but it has a reputation for being boring – and in reality, it’s anything but. In fact, pretty much anyone can make a tasty cauliflower side dish or main course. With the below three ideas for using cauliflower in the kitchen, you can easily create your own cauliflower delights.

1. Cauliflower steak

Rich, thick cut slabs of cauliflower seasoned, then roasted, to perfection.

For this recipe, cut a cauliflower head into slices just under an inch thick after washing and trimming. Spray or toss the steaks in extra virgin olive oil while you preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Next, spice your cauliflower slabs. Use your favorite spices and season to taste. An especially delightful seasoning combo could be oregano, basil, cumin, garlic powder, Himalayan pink salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Place your cauliflower steaks on a lightly buttered baking sheet, which you should place in your preheated oven. Bake the steaks for 15 minutes, flip them, and give them another 10 minutes in the oven. 

You’ll ultimately wind up with crunchy and juicy veggies that, after being crisped, have a delightful texture. This simple meal can be great for vegans, vegetarians, and other plant-based eaters who find themselves short on time and energy after a long day.

2. Creamy cauliflower soup

This update to a classic veggie soup is the perfect hearty, home-cooked meal.

For this recipe, you’ll need chicken stock and an assortment of vegetables to help flavor your stock base. Celery, yellow onion, carrots, and mushrooms can make for tasty additions.

To start, melt a stick of butter in a large pot, then add your diced vegetables. Saute your veggies over medium-high heat for just over five minutes, then add your chicken stock and your bite-sized cuts of cauliflower. Add your favorite seasonings as you bring your pot to a boil. Reduce the heat to just under medium low, then allow the pot to simmer for about 15 minutes before adding the cream sauce.

In another pan, melt more butter and add some flour. Cook this mixture and whisk it constantly to form a roux. Once the flour begins to moisten and clump, add milk and bring your concoction to a light boil. Turn the heat way down low and add your preferred style of cheese. A great choice might be a white sharp cheddar with some freshly grated parmesan.

Finally, add the cream sauce to the tenderly cooked vegetables and top with whatever your heart desires. You might enjoy bacon and chives here, but breadcrumbs and more cheese can be just as delicious.

3. Cauliflower casserole

This exciting cauliflower dish is a cross between a loaded baked potato and a dish called cauliflower au gratin. Cream cheese, greek yogurt, russet potatoes, parmesan, chives, and bacon are the required ingredients for this recipe.

First, use butter or nonstick spray to grease a casserole dish, then line a baking sheet with foil. Next, oil and spice your cauliflower florets, spread them into an even layer at the bottom of the casserole dish, and bake them at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until tender. Place your bacon and some diced potato pieces on your foil-lined sheet alongside your casserole dish, and bake everything until crisp.

Remove your bacon, then crumble your slices. In a bowl, combine your cream cheese and greek yogurt with some cheese and part of your bacon crumbles. Add this mixture and your baked potato bites to your casserole dish and stir it all just a little. Place the rest of your cheese, chives, bacon, and spices on top, then broil for one to three minutes.

How do you cook cauliflower? Share your tips in the comments!