Oven-Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thick cauliflower steaks oven-roasted with garlic and Parmesan for a savory, tender side dish with a golden crust. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium (about 2 lbs) cauliflower head, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove leaves and trim the stem of 1 medium cauliflower head, then slice into 3/4-inch thick steaks, about 3-4 pieces.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak generously with the garlic-oil mixture.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the cauliflower steaks on the baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Flip each steak carefully, then sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of each.
  4. Step 4: Continue roasting for another 10 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and the Parmesan is golden and crisp at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Oven-Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks?

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 Oven-Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks?

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 Oven-Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks 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 Oven-Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.