Savory Baked Cauliflower Steaks with Garlic & Herbs

Crispy edges, tender centers, and bold herb-garlic flavor—these cauliflower steaks are a beautiful, healthy vegetarian dish that works as a main or an elegant side.

 Time & Yield

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Bake: 30–35 minutes
• Total: ~45 minutes
• Serves: 3–4

 Ingredients

• 1 large cauliflower (or 2 small)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Zest of ½ lemon (optional)

Optional Finishes

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

1. Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Remove outer leaves and trim stem slightly (keep core intact).
3. Slice cauliflower into ¾–1 inch thick steaks. Save loose florets for roasting separately.

Step 2: Season

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
2. Brush both sides of cauliflower steaks generously with the mixture.

Step 3: Bake

1. Arrange steaks in a single layer on the tray.
2. Bake 20 minutes, flip carefully, then bake 10–15 minutes more until golden with crispy edges and fork-tender centers.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

• Sprinkle with Parmesan (if using) and return to oven 2–3 minutes to melt.
• Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

 Serving Suggestions

• As a vegetarian main with quinoa, lentils, or chickpea salad
• As a side dish with grilled chicken or fish
• Great for meal prep—reheats well in oven or air fryer

 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: ~140
• Protein: ~4 g
• Fat: ~10 g
• Carbs: ~12 g
• Fiber: ~5 g

 Dietary & Allergen Info

• Naturally gluten-free
• Vegan (omit Parmesan)
• Nut-free
• Dairy-free (unless cheese added)

 Q & A

Q: Why do my cauliflower steaks fall apart?
Cut through the core and use a sharp knife. Outer pieces may break—roast them alongside.

Q: Can I air-fry instead?
Yes. Air-fry at 190°C / 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.

Q: How do I get them extra crispy?
Use high heat, don’t overcrowd the pan, and flip halfway through.

Q: Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.

 Pro Tips

• Add chili flakes for heat
• Swap herbs with oregano or sage
• Finish with a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce for extra richness

• Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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