Golden Crusted Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks are a game-changer for any dinner table. These hearty, oven-roasted slices of cauliflower are blanketed in a rich layer of melted cheese and crisped to golden perfection. They’re savory, satisfying, and surprisingly meaty—without the meat. Whether you’re cutting back on carbs, leaning into plant-based meals, or just looking for something fun and different, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts (and taste buds).

Think of these cauliflower steaks as the ultimate veggie comfort food. They’re crispy on the outside, tender in the center, and loaded with cheesy goodness in every bite. Plus, they look downright stunning on a platter, making them ideal for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or just a cozy night in. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these steaks are as easy as they are impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Golden Crusted Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
- Vegetarian-friendly with a rich, indulgent twist.
- Packed with fiber, flavor, and satisfying texture.
- An easy way to turn cauliflower into a main course.
- Budget-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable with different cheeses or spices.
What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Cauliflower Steaks?
While cheddar is the go-to for its melty richness and sharp bite, you can experiment with blends like mozzarella for stretch, parmesan for extra umami, or even a touch of gruyère for nutty complexity. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well and develops a crispy edge in the oven.
Ingredients for the Golden Crusted Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
Each ingredient in this dish has a purpose—either for enhancing flavor, achieving the right texture, or creating that signature cheesy crust.
- Cauliflower Head: The star of the show, sliced thick to create “steaks” that hold up during roasting.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the cauliflower caramelize beautifully.
- Garlic Powder & Paprika: These spices add warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of cauliflower.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a bubbly, crispy golden crust. You can also mix with mozzarella or parmesan for extra flair.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a pop of color and freshness.
How To Make the Golden Crusted Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and keeps the cheese from sticking.
Step 2: Slice the Cauliflower
Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem. Slice the head into 1-inch thick steaks. You should get about 2 to 3 full slices from a medium head.
Step 3: Season Generously
Place the cauliflower steaks on the baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Roast the Cauliflower
Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Flip halfway through so both sides get a nice caramelized edge.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over each steak and return to the oven. Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy crisp edges!

How to Serve and Store Golden Crusted Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
These cheesy cauliflower steaks are best served hot out of the oven when the edges are crispy and the cheese is at peak gooeyness. They’re filling enough to be a main dish but also work great as a side for hearty mains.
This recipe yields 2 to 3 steaks, perfect for serving 2 people as a main or 3 to 4 as a side. If you’re cooking for more, double the batch using two trays.
To store leftovers, let them cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispness.
What to Serve With Golden Crusted Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks?
🍝 Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the roasted crunch of cauliflower.
🥤 Simple Arugula Salad
A peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.
🍚 Herbed Couscous or Quinoa
Light, fluffy grains with herbs add a nice balance.
🥗 Roasted Tomato Soup
The acidity of tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the cheese.
🍼 A glass of Chardonnay or Sparkling Water
For a refreshing sip between cheesy bites.
🧏🏼♂️ Grilled Chicken Breast
If you want to add a protein, grilled chicken complements it well.
🥜 Sauteed Mushrooms with Thyme
Earthy mushrooms enhance the savory notes of the cauliflower.
🥤 Crusty Sourdough Bread
Great for soaking up all the cheesy bits left on your plate.
Want More Veggie-Centric Ideas?
If you love these Golden Crusted Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks, check out some other vegetarian-friendly dishes from Nora Nosh:
- Easy Veggie Patties: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight
- Avocado, Egg, and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs
- Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
- A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup
- Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings: A Flavor-Packed Plant-Based Delight
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest veggie board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you mix up the cheese? Add any extra toppings?
I love seeing your delicious takes on these recipes. Got a question or suggestion? Drop it below—we’re all about sharing and learning together.
Explore beautifully curated veggie-packed meals on Nora Nosh Recipes and find your next go-to comfort dish!
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Golden Crusted Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get ready to fall in love with cauliflower all over again! These Golden Crusted Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks transform a simple veggie into a stunning main dish or hearty side. Roasted until caramelized and topped with gooey, crispy cheese, this recipe is the perfect blend of indulgence and plant-based simplicity. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, quick dinner idea, or a standout dish for your next gathering, these cheesy cauliflower steaks deliver every time. Perfect for anyone craving easy recipes, comfort food ideas, and low-carb vegetarian meals.
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove the outer leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower, then slice into 1-inch thick steaks.
3. Place steaks on the baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on both sides.
5. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even caramelization.
6. Top each steak with shredded cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve hot.
Notes
These steaks are best served immediately for peak crispiness.
For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
