Baked Cauliflower Steak with Garlic Parmesan
Thick-cut cauliflower steaks roasted until golden, then topped with a savory garlic and Parmesan crust for a satisfying vegetarian main. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs large head (2 lbs) cauliflower, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large head (2 lbs) cauliflower
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut cauliflower head into 1-inch thick slices, removing core if needed. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Brush cauliflower slices with 2 tbsp olive oil, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bake for 20 minutes until edges are golden and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 3: Remove from oven and sprinkle 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley evenly over the top. Return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts and garlic is fragrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cauliflower Steak with Garlic Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Cauliflower Steak with Garlic Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cauliflower Steak with Garlic Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cauliflower Steak with Garlic Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Cauliflower Steak with Garlic Parmesan vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
