23 Cauliflower Recipes That Make This Versatile Vegetable the Star of Any Meal
These cauliflower recipes include cheesy casseroles, roasted cauliflower, flavorful curries, fresh salads, creamy soups, and easy dinner ideas worth trying.
Cauliflower is one of those vegetables I think people underestimate until they try it prepared properly. A little browning in the oven, a generous coating of spices, or a good cheese sauce can completely change its character. And while I have nothing against a simple side of steamed vegetables, there’s so much more you can do with a head of cauliflower.
Think crispy tacos, creamy pasta, fragrant curries, crunchy fritters, and salads with unexpected combinations. Some of these recipes are made for busy evenings, others deserve a little more time in the kitchen, but they all offer a reason to look at cauliflower differently. Here are 27 ideas to add to your recipe collection.
Cauliflower Recipes
1. Cauliflower and Potato Curry
Potatoes have a habit of making any curry feel a little more substantial, and they’re particularly good with cauliflower. Here, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, turmeric, and cumin create the aromatic base, allowing both vegetables to soak up plenty of spice. I’d serve this with basmati rice and warm naan, especially if there’s enough sauce left to mop up at the end.
2. Cauliflower and Chickpea Tagine
A tagine is a lovely excuse to bring sweet and savory ingredients together. Cauliflower and chickpeas simmer with Moroccan-inspired spices, creating a fragrant, hearty dish with plenty of character. Dried apricots and preserved lemon are classic additions to this style of cooking, bringing sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
3. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of those dinners that makes excellent use of whatever is sitting in the fridge. In this version, finely chopped cauliflower takes the place of regular rice, tossed with vegetables, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and aromatics.
4. Crispy Cauliflower Tacos
You know those evenings when you’re craving Chinese takeout but have a few vegetables in the fridge that really need using? This is a fun way to turn them into dinner. Finely chopped cauliflower takes the place of rice, joining scrambled eggs, vegetables, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce in a hot pan.
5. Hoisin Cauliflower & Coconut Rice Noodles
Somewhere between a noodle stir-fry and a comforting coconut noodle bowl, this combination makes a rather good change from the usual weeknight dinner. The hoisin sauce brings a sweet, savory depth to the cauliflower, while coconut rice noodles add a creamy, delicate element to the dish. Finish with fresh herbs, spring onions, or a little chili if you enjoy some heat.
6. Cauliflower Shawarma Pitas
Shawarma seasoning gives cauliflower a completely different personality, especially when the florets are roasted until their edges are browned. Tuck them into warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce for a handheld dinner that doesn’t need much else. It’s also a good opportunity to use up leftover tahini dressing or pickled onions.
Roasted Cauliflower Recipes With Plenty of Character
7. Garlic and Paprika Roasted Cauliflower
Paprika and garlic are a dependable pairing, but they work particularly well here because cauliflower has a mild flavor that lets the seasoning shine. Spread the florets out on a baking tray rather than crowding them together, that gives the edges room to brown instead of steaming.
8. Tandoori-Style Roasted Cauliflower
Yogurt, ginger, garlic, and warming spices give this preparation its tandoori-inspired character. The yogurt coating clings to the florets as they roast, creating a deeply seasoned exterior with tender cauliflower underneath. It’s an interesting side for rice dishes, but I’d also serve it with flatbread and a cooling cucumber accompaniment.
9. Roasted Cauliflower With Turmeric Sauce
Turmeric-spiced coconut milk is a much more interesting finishing touch than another sprinkle of dried herbs. The sauce is really the detail that makes this preparation stand out, particularly if you’re accustomed to serving roasted vegetables plain.
10. Roasted Cauliflower With Dates, Spiced Chickpeas and Green Tahini
Dates in a savory vegetable dish might sound unexpected, but their sweetness makes an excellent contrast to spiced chickpeas and preserved lemons. There’s sweetness, acidity, nuttiness, and plenty of texture in one serving.
11. Classic Cauliflower Cheese
I have a soft spot for recipes that turn a humble vegetable into something people actually look forward to eating, and cauliflower cheese does exactly that. The florets are tucked into a rich cheese sauce, then baked until the top is bubbling with those golden, slightly crispy patches.
12. Broccoli and Stilton crumble
Blue cheese isn’t everyone’s first choice, but its strong, salty character makes it particularly interesting in a crumble. Rather than relying on a mild cheese sauce, this version gives cauliflower a much bolder finish. It’s a good accompaniment to roasted meats, especially when the rest of the meal is relatively simple.
13. Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Bacon, cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, and scallions: this casserole borrows the best parts of a loaded baked potato and brings them to cauliflower. Put it out at a casual dinner or serve it when you’re craving the flavors of a loaded potato without making one.
14. Macaroni and Cauliflower Cheese
Mac and cheese already has a loyal following in most households, so why not give it a little vegetable company? Cauliflower florets are folded into the macaroni and creamy cheese sauce, adding another texture to all that cheesy goodness. The best part is getting a forkful with a little bit of everything. Add a crispy breadcrumb topping before baking if you like a bit of crunch.
15. Pasta Shells With Creamy Cauliflower Sauce
This is an interesting way to use cauliflower for something other than a side dish. Blended into a creamy sauce, it coats pasta shells and creates a smooth base that holds onto all those little pockets of pasta. It’s worth considering when you want a comforting pasta dinner with a different sauce from the usual tomato or Alfredo.
16. Roasted Cauliflower Tabbouleh
Pomegranate and feta aren’t the first ingredients I’d think to pair with cauliflower, but they make this salad particularly interesting. A hint of cinnamon and allspice ties everything together. It’s the sort of salad that might steal a little attention from the main course.
17. Warm Roasted Cauliflower Salad With Garlicky Tahini Dressing
Tahini is one of those ingredients that can make a simple vegetable salad feel much more substantial. Its nutty, creamy character pairs naturally with warm roasted cauliflower, while garlic gives the dressing a sharper finish. I’d add a handful of fresh herbs and serve this with warm flatbread for a lunch that doesn’t rely on lettuce to feel like a salad.
18. Cauliflower Chowder
Chowder usually brings potatoes to mind, so cauliflower is an interesting addition to this creamy, comforting style of soup. Paired with potatoes, it creates a substantial bowl with a smooth texture and plenty of savory character. This is the kind of lunch I’d serve with toasted sourdough, preferably with enough bread to make sure none of the soup goes to waste.
19. Roasted Cauliflower and Cashew Soup
Cashews bring a nutty richness to this roasted cauliflower soup, but the tomato soup is what makes the combination particularly interesting. They introduce a tangy, spiced crunch against the smooth soup, giving you something different in every spoonful. It’s a welcome departure from the usual plain crouton topping.
20. General Tso’s Cauliflower
Takeout-inspired cauliflower is a particularly fun idea for anyone who enjoys sweet, savory, slightly tangy sauces. Serve it over steamed rice with sliced spring onions, or put it out as a sharing dish when you’re making an Asian-inspired dinner.
21. Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo sauce has a very recognizable combination of heat and sharpness, and cauliflower makes an excellent vehicle for it. These spicy bites take inspiration from Nashville-style hot chicken, with Louisiana-style hot sauce, cayenne, and vinegar providing the punch.
22. Homemade Cauliflower Pizza Crust
The secret to a successful cauliflower pizza crust is getting rid of excess moisture before baking. It’s a little different from traditional pizza dough, but a fun kitchen project when you want to experiment with homemade pizza.
23. Cauliflower Hummus
Hummus doesn’t always have to start with chickpeas. Cauliflower offers another interesting base for a creamy dip, particularly when blended with the familiar flavors of tahini, lemon, and garlic. It’s also a nice addition to a mezze-style spread alongside olives, roasted vegetables, and other small plates.
