Cauliflower Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce and Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
Cauliflower steaks offer a delicious and low-carb alternative to traditional meat dishes. With a flavorful spice rub and creamy garlic sauce, this recipe transforms simple cauliflower into a satisfying main course. Perfect for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds), trimmed and cored
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim and core the cauliflower, creating a flat base for each steak.
- Step 2: Slice the cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks. Roast smaller pieces separately as florets.
- Step 3: Whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak with the spice mixture.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 6: Arrange cauliflower steaks on the baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Step 7: Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness with a fork; the steaks should be tender.
- Step 8: While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the creamy garlic sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 9: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Step 10: Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 11: Remove roasted cauliflower steaks from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
- Step 12: Spoon creamy garlic sauce over each steak.
- Step 13: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Step 14: Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the cauliflower steaks for 1-2 minutes at the end of roasting.
- Swap Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative to make the dish vegan-friendly.
- Add smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to complement the richness.
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower steaks and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid sogginess. The sauce can be warmed slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I grill cauliflower steaks instead of roasting?
Yes, grilling works well and adds a nice smoky flavor. Use medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until tender and charred.
How do I prevent the cauliflower steaks from falling apart?
Make sure the cauliflower is firm and slice the steaks carefully to keep them intact. Using a sharp knife and handling them gently when flipping helps maintain their shape.
PrintCauliflower Steaks with Creamy Garlic Sauce and Parmesan Recipe
This Cauliflower Steaks recipe offers a delicious low-carb option that features thick-cut cauliflower slices seasoned with a flavorful spice blend, roasted to tender perfection, and topped with a creamy garlic sauce. Ideal for a hearty vegetarian main or a satisfying side dish, this recipe combines simple ingredients with easy roasting and a luscious sauce to create a gourmet vegetable experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Cauliflower Steaks
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds), trimmed and cored
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Trim and core the cauliflower to create a flat base for each steak, allowing for even cooking and easy slicing.
- Slice Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks. Smaller pieces that don’t hold together well should be set aside to roast as florets.
- Make Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating.
- Season Steaks: Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak evenly with the spice mixture to infuse flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place the cauliflower steaks on the baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space and are not overcrowded for proper roasting.
- Roast Cauliflower: Roast the steaks for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Test tenderness with a fork; it should pierce easily but remain firm.
- Prepare Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season Sauce: Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste for a balanced, bright flavor.
- Rest Cauliflower: Remove roasted cauliflower steaks from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes to retain moisture.
- Assemble Dish: Spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over each cauliflower steak for rich flavor.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top for a savory and fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower steaks immediately while warm and saucy for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- If cauliflower steaks break apart, roast smaller florets separately.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity according to your heat preference or omit for mild flavor.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Use fresh parsley to add a bright herbaceous note complementary to the creamy sauce.
- Allowing the cauliflower steaks to rest briefly after roasting helps juices redistribute for better texture.
Keywords: cauliflower steaks, low carb recipe, roasted cauliflower, creamy garlic sauce, vegetarian, healthy side dish

