Cauliflower is turning up everywhere as a low-carb or gluten-free substitute. Pizza crust, rice and mashed potatoes all have versions where the white cruciferous vegetable takes a starring role. Cauliflower also works if you need to swap out meat in some dishes, which is great if you have vegetarians and vegans in your life. But here's the thing: Cauliflower is a worthy vegetable in its own right. Sure, you can make a buffalo cauliflower recipe instead of buffalo chicken wings, but you should do it because cauliflower tastes good that way.
If your only experience with cauliflower is the raw veggie tray or the cauliflower pizza crust, we've got something better for you to try. There 15 cauliflower recipes are delicious, easy and the definition of comfort food. Give these a shot and see why cauliflower is a vegetable you need to get to know.
1. Roasted Cauliflower
The best cauliflower is the easiest cauliflower. Break up cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season and roast. The vegetable gets caramelized by the high heat, turning it into something you won't even recognize from that old veggie tray.
Get the recipe here.
2. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Like a good beef steak, cauliflower steak is done best when it's done simply: Olive oil, salt, and black pepper, high heat. Add some lemon and fresh herbs, or top with a chimichurri sauce for a world-class dish. It's a fast luxury for a weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe here.
3. Cauliflower Casserole
If you're not sure yet about switching up your vegetable routine, try this creamy cauliflower casserole. Rich with cheese and bacon, it'll have you on team cauliflower in no time flat.
Get the recipe here.
4. Best Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon and Cumin
Cauliflower works so well with so many different spices. In this recipe, cumin gives it warmth and the harissa spice blend gives it a sweetness. The lemon brightens the dish. Serve this with a tahini or hummus dip, or as a side dish for any roasted meat or fish.
Get the recipe here.
5. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe
Crispy roasted cauliflower gets even better with a garlic, Parmesan cheese and breadcrumb crust. Crispy and oven-baked, it's the perfect balance between comfort food and healthy.
Get the recipe here.
6. Cauliflower Hash Browns
Any recipe where you can use a potato, you can use cauliflower. This keto-friendly side dish works for breakfast, brunch or breakfast-for-dinner.
Get the recipe here.
7. Healthy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Healthy for you doesn't necessarily mean bland and boring. These cauliflower florets are anything but bland; serve this appetizer on game day and of course, people are going to know they're not chicken, but we promise that nobody is going to care.
Get the recipe here.
8. Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Anyone who says cauliflower can't be fancy has never had a whole roasted cauliflower. Poach the head of cauliflower for flavor, then roast it on high heat until golden brown. This recipe serves a delightful whipped goat cheese alongside the cauliflower, but you can also roast it in a butter sauce.
Get the recipe here.
9. Cauliflower Soup
Roast cauliflower and then take it one more step to make this amazing soup. It's so creamy (without using any cream) and tasty. You can garnish it lightly with green onions, or you can go fully loaded and toss some shredded cheddar and bacon bits on it.
Get the recipe here.
10. Cauliflower Salad
If you like pickled vegetables, you'll like this tangy salad recipe with cauliflower, pickled onions, and chickpeas. Give the cauliflower a little bit of time to sit in the dressing so that they soften and take on the lemony taste.
Get the recipe here.
11. Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Romesco
Crispy cauliflower is the main ingredient in this plant-based, gluten-free soft taco. Turn Taco Tuesday into a party with a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Get the recipe here.
12. Romanesco Cauliflower Pasta with Olives, Capers, and Parsley
Romanesco, or Roman cauliflower, is the star of this gorgeous dish. You'll find romanesco in the stores in late fall through winter, which makes this pasta perfect for long, cold days without being too heavy. If you can't find the green cauliflower, you can substitute the regular white cauliflower.
Get the recipe here.
13. Chicken-fried Cauliflower
Yes, you can chicken-fry anything and holy not-cow is this savory dish good. Serve this fried cauliflower recipe with a side of gravy for Sunday dinner.
Get the recipe here.
14. Korean Fried Cauliflower
This vegetarian-inspired spin on Korean fried chicken is so good. It's deep-fried in a kind of tempura-style batter, and the end result is sweet and savory, you'll never go back to take out.
Get the recipe here.
15. Bacon-Wrapped Cauliflower
We're going to repeat ourselves here, but just because it's a vegetable, doesn't mean it has to be boringly healthy. This head of cauliflower is stuffed with spinach cheese dip and wrapped in bacon. Although this cauliflower recipe calls for roasting, we dare someone to go full state fair and deep fry this snack!
Get the recipe here.
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