10 Creative Ways to Cook Cauliflower
Packing a nutritional punch of vitamins, fiber and folate, cauliflower is well worth adding to your diet if you want to diversify your palate and boost your healthy food intake. On top of its impressive nutrition profile, cauliflower can also do a pretty great job of imitating many delicious but less nutritious foods, including white rice, breads, potatoes and more. But if you’ve never cooked with it before, you might be intimidated when the time comes to cut into this delicious brassica. Keep reading for a few clever and creative ways to cook cauliflower as a side, main dish or even dessert at your dinner table.
1. Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower is very low in calories, which means it’s perfect for pairing with other foods that provide plenty of protein, carbs and fats. This Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice is an excellent way to get in some extra vegetables and fiber while still keeping your diet in check. It provides all the comfort-food flavor of traditional fried rice with an extra dose of nutrition.
See more: 9 Easy Cauliflower Recipes You Need to Try
2. Cauliflower Steaks
Serve these Cauliflower Steaks alongside your main dish at your next dinner party (or as the main dish itself), but make sure you have the recipe on hand because guests will definitely ask you to share. This is one of the easiest and most versatile ways to cook cauliflower there is. Thick cuts of cauliflower, a bit of oil or butter, and spices are all you need to get this dish on the table.
3. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Cauliflower pizza crust has grown increasingly popular over the years, primarily because it’s a low-carb and low-calorie alternative to traditional pizza crust. If you want to give this substitute a try the next time you host family pizza night, this easy Cauliflower Pizza Crust using riced cauliflower is the recipe for you.
4. Cauliflower Tacos
Need a good vegetarian recipe for Taco Tuesday? Look no farther than these Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Romesco. Dusted in cumin, chili powder and smoked paprika, these flavorful cauliflower bites are the perfect complement to the homemade taco sauce.
See more: 8 Excellent Sources of Plant-Based Protein
5. Cauliflower Tortillas
Speaking of tacos, did you know you can make tortillas out of cauliflower? They’re a little more labor-intensive than your standard flour or corn varieties, but if you want to lighten up or add a nutrition boost to your favorite dishes, this Cauliflower Tortilla recipe is well worth a try.
6. Cauliflower Gnocchi
Whipping up your own batch of homemade gnocchi is sure to impress all your dinner party guests. But did you know it’s actually a super easy pasta to make? This Cauliflower Gnocchi with Crispy Zucchini and Whipped Goat Cheese will make you feel like a serious five-star chef.
7. Mashed Cauliflower
One of the most popular ways to cook cauliflower is as a substitute for mashed potatoes. But why stop there? We recommend adding some cheddar cheese and fresh chives on top to kick the flavor up a notch with this easy Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower recipe.
See more: 10 Seasonal Recipes to Make This Spring
8. Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Do you love macaroni and cheese but hate that heavy feeling in your stomach after devouring an entire bowl? If that rings a bell, you may want to try this Roasted Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese. This quick recipe is just as comforting and cozy as the classic without leaving you with a bursting-at-the-seams belly at the end of the night.
9. Cauliflower Grits
If you want a unique twist on a traditional Southern favorite, cauliflower grits could be right up your alley. Complete with a rich and buttery cheese sauce and a kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, these Shrimp and Cheesy Cauliflower Grits are guaranteed to have you coming back for more.
See more: 25 Spring-Inspired Recipes for Any Occasion
10. Chocolate Brownies
Rich in fudgy flavor but packed with the vitamins and fiber found in cauliflower, these Cauliflower Fudge Brownies just might be your best bet for sneaking more vegetables into your diet. If you still feel skeptical, consider this: Cauliflower is a pretty neutral flavor, and once it’s masked by chocolate, you won’t even know it’s there!
See more: 17 Healthy Dessert Recipes to Make When You’re Craving Something Sweet