If you’re looking for ways to incorporate more veggies into your meals, you’re in for a treat! I love reinventing dishes with cauliflower, and I’ve gathered my favorite cauliflower recipes.
Whether you’re into Cauliflower Rice or trying Cauliflower Pizza Crust, these creative dishes are deliciously satisfying alternatives to traditional meals.
The 18 Best cauliflower recipes
1. Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower Rice is a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It features finely processed cauliflower florets, sautéed with olive oil, onions, and garlic, seasoned with salt and black pepper, and optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
1 medium head of cauliflower
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions
1. Remove the leaves and cut the cauliflower into large florets. Use a food processor to pulse the florets until they reach a rice-like consistency. Be careful not to over-process.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
4. Season the cauliflower rice with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
2. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Cauliflower pizza crust is a gluten-free, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza bases, crafted by combining processed cauliflower florets with Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, oregano, garlic powder, and salt, then baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the cauliflower florets until they resemble fine crumbs. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes until softened. Let cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible.
3. In a bowl, combine the cauliflower, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Press the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared baking sheet into a pizza crust shape, about 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings.
3. Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower is a simple, delicious dish made by roasting bite-sized florets of cauliflower tossed in olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss together until the florets are evenly coated.
4. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
4. Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a delicious and spicy vegetarian alternative to traditional wings. Made with cauliflower florets coated in a batter of flour, water, and garlic powder, they’re tossed in hot sauce and butter for irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a smooth batter. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until they are fully coated.
3. Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they start to become crispy and golden.
4. While the cauliflower is baking, combine the hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl. Once the cauliflower is done baking, toss it with the hot sauce mixture and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy. Serve hot.
5. Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower Soup is a comforting, creamy dish made with cauliflower, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. This simple yet flavorful soup combines these wholesome ingredients, made rich with a touch of olive oil.
Ingredients
Cauliflower, 1 medium head, chopped
Onion, 1 small, chopped
Garlic, 2 cloves, minced
Vegetable broth, 4 cups
Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the chopped cauliflower to the pot and stir to coat it with the oil and onion mixture.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender.
4. Puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
6. Cauliflower Mash
Cauliflower Mash is a delicious low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, made by blending steamed cauliflower with butter, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, optionally garnished with fresh chives.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cut the cauliflower into florets and steam them until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
2. In a pot, combine the steamed cauliflower, butter, heavy cream, and minced garlic.
3. Use an immersion blender or a food processor to blend the mixture until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper, stir in the Parmesan cheese, and blend again to incorporate. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve garnished with fresh chives if desired.
7. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a comforting, low-carb twist on a classic dish. It features tender cauliflower florets enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with shredded cheddar, heavy cream, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the cauliflower florets in a pot of boiling salted water for about 5 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, cream cheese, and butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to simmer. Add the Dijon mustard and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the cooked cauliflower to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve immediately.
8. Cauliflower Tacos
Cauliflower Tacos are a delicious plant-based option featuring roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, all served in corn tortillas. They’re perfect for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy, stirring halfway through.
4. Serve the roasted cauliflower in warmed corn tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings like avocado, cilantro, lime, and salsa.
9. Cauliflower Curry
Cauliflower Curry is a delicious, aromatic dish featuring cauliflower florets cooked with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ground turmeric, and cumin seeds, all simmered in creamy coconut milk.
Ingredients
Cauliflower florets
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic cloves, minced
Ground turmeric
Cumin seeds
Coconut milk
Instructions
1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and sauté until they begin to sizzle.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and cook until the onions become translucent.
3. Stir in the ground turmeric, then add the cauliflower florets. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
10. Cauliflower Gnocchi
Cauliflower Gnocchi is a delightful dish made with steamed cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, and all-purpose flour, combined with an egg, salt, and pepper to create soft, pillowy bites perfect with any sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 10 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly, then transfer to a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into four pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a long rope, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and serve with your favorite sauce.
11. Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri
Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri is a delightful plant-based dish featuring roasted cauliflower slices brushed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s topped with a vibrant chimichurri sauce made from fresh parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for chimichurri)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower while keeping the core intact. Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch thick slices.
2. Brush the cauliflower steaks with olive oil on both sides and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
3. In a bowl, combine chopped parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix well to create the chimichurri sauce.
4. Serve the roasted cauliflower steaks hot, drizzled with chimichurri sauce on top. Enjoy!
12. Bang Bang Cauliflower
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a spicy and crispy dish made by coating cauliflower florets in a batter of flour and water, rolling in panko breadcrumbs, and serving with a sauce of mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour and water to create a batter. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off, then roll in panko breadcrumbs until well-coated. Arrange on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. While baking, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce to make the bang bang sauce. Serve the baked cauliflower with the sauce on the side or drizzle on top before serving.
13. Cauliflower Ceviche
Cauliflower Ceviche is a delightful dish featuring finely chopped cauliflower florets mixed with red onion, tomato, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño. Lime juice adds a citrusy punch, making it a refreshing and vibrant appetizer.
Ingredients
Cauliflower florets (1 small head, finely chopped)
Red onion (1/2, finely diced)
Tomato (1, seeds removed and diced)
Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped)
Lime juice (from 2 limes)
Jalapeño (1, seeds removed and minced)
Salt (to taste)
Instructions
1. Finely chop the cauliflower florets into small, bite-sized pieces to resemble the texture of fish in traditional ceviche.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cauliflower, red onion, tomato, cilantro, and jalapeño.
3. Add the lime juice to the mixture and season with salt to taste. Toss everything together to coat the vegetables well.
4. Let the ceviche sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
14. Lemon Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
Lemon Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower is a vibrant dish featuring cauliflower florets seasoned with olive oil, ground turmeric, lemon zest, and juice. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances its flavor.
Optional parsley adds a fresh garnish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, turmeric, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the cauliflower mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
15. Cauliflower and Quinoa Sushi Rolls
Cauliflower and Quinoa Sushi Rolls combine grated cauliflower and cooked quinoa with rice vinegar, layered on nori sheets. Filled with julienned carrot, cucumber, and avocado, these rolls offer a nutritious, plant-based sushi alternative.
Ingredients
Cauliflower florets (1 small head, grated or processed into rice consistency)
Cooked quinoa (1 cup)
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons)
Nori sheets (4 sheets)
Carrot (1 small, julienned)
Cucumber (1 small, julienned)
Avocado (1 medium, sliced)
Instructions
1. In a pan over medium heat, combine the grated cauliflower and cooked quinoa. Stir in the rice vinegar and cook until the mixture is soft and cohesive, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
2. Place a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat. Evenly spread a thin layer of the cauliflower-quinoa mixture over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Arrange a small portion of carrot, cucumber, and avocado in a line along the edge closest to you.
4. Carefully roll the mat away from you, firmly encasing the filling. Seal the roll by moistening the top edge of the nori. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve.
16. Cauliflower Tabbouleh
Cauliflower Tabbouleh is a refreshing, grain-free twist on a classic salad. It features grated cauliflower, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, mint, and a light lemon-olive oil dressing for a vibrant, healthy dish.
Ingredients
1 medium head of cauliflower
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
1. Begin by removing the leaves and stem from the cauliflower. Cut the cauliflower into florets and grate them using a box grater or pulse them in a food processor until they resemble the texture of couscous or rice.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cauliflower, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the cauliflower mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired before serving.
17. Cauliflower Nachos
Cauliflower Nachos offer a low-carb twist on a classic snack. These nachos feature roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with olive oil, chili powder, and garlic powder, topped with cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream or guacamole.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup sour cream or guacamole for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, chili powder, and garlic powder; spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Roast the cauliflower in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until tender and starting to brown.
3. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and jalapeños. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted.
4. Serve hot, topped with sour cream or guacamole as desired.