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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the cauliflower into steaks: Remove the leaves and the stem from the cauliflower head. Carefully cut the cauliflower into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick slices (steaks). Depending on the size of your cauliflower, you should be able to get about 2-4 steaks. Keep any leftover florets for another dish like cauliflower rice or a stir-fry.
- Season the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the steaks and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano (or Italian seasoning). Rub the seasonings into the cauliflower to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Step 2: Roast the Cauliflower
- Roast until golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower steaks for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cauliflower should be golden brown on the edges and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Check for doneness: The cauliflower steaks should have a slightly crispy exterior while remaining tender and flavorful inside. If you like a bit more browning, you can broil the steaks for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of roasting.
Step 3: Add Marinara and Cheese
- Top with marinara sauce: Once the cauliflower steaks are roasted, remove them from the oven. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each steak. Use the back of a spoon to spread the sauce evenly over the top.
- Add cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara-covered cauliflower steaks. If you like extra cheese, add a sprinkle of grated parmesan for a rich, nutty flavor.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
- Bake until bubbly: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is golden and bubbly. If you want the cheese to be extra golden, you can broil the steaks for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once the cheesy marinara cauliflower steaks are out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat).
- Serve: Serve these cheesy cauliflower steaks as a main dish with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of garlic bread. They also make a great side dish for pasta or grilled meats.
Tips and Variations:
This recipe is very customizable, so feel free to make it your own with these variations:
- Add More Veggies: For extra flavor, top your cauliflower steaks with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach before adding the marinara sauce and cheese.
- Make it Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy twist. The heat will contrast beautifully with the richness of the cheese and marinara.
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, simply substitute dairy-free cheese for the mozzarella and parmesan. There are many great vegan cheese options available that melt beautifully and taste amazing!
- Change the Sauce: While marinara is a classic, you can experiment with other sauces like pesto, alfredo, or tomato-basil for a different flavor profile.
- Make it a Cauliflower Parmesan: If you’re craving a more indulgent version, coat the cauliflower steaks in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese before roasting. This will give you a crispy, breaded exterior that’s reminiscent of classic eggplant parmesan.
Why You Should Try Cheesy Marinara Cauliflower Steaks
This dish offers the best of both worlds: a healthy and nutrient-packed vegetable base, paired with the rich, comforting flavors of marinara sauce and melted cheese. The roasted cauliflower steaks have a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender interiors, while the marinara sauce brings a tangy, savory element that complements the cheesy topping.
Cheesy Marinara Cauliflower Steaks are:
- Low in calories but big on flavor
- Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-carb
- A great source of vitamins and fiber
- Easy to prepare, with just a few simple ingredients
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meat-free main dish or a flavorful side for your next meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meals but don’t want to sacrifice flavor, Cheesy Marinara Cauliflower Steaks are the perfect choice. They’re satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to enjoy cauliflower in a completely new way.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be amazed at how this simple vegetable transforms into a delicious and comforting dish. Trust us, even non-vegetarians will be going back for seconds!
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