Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks Turn Pizza Night on Its Head

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We ditch traditional pizza crust in favor of cauliflower “steaks” for these cheesy pizzas. The steaks are cooked just enough to develop a sweet roasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the toppings. While we love this veggie-packed version, you can top your cauliflower-steak pizza with just about anything. You’ll have leftover cauliflower after cutting the steaks. Enjoy it raw in a chopped salad, or save the florets for roasting the following day.

a recipe photo of the Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
Photo:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
4

Nutrition Notes

Is Cauliflower Good for You?

Cauliflower is a low-carb cruciferous vegetable—and cruciferous veggies offer a wealth of health benefits. There is evidence that suggests eating cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower, can support heart health, fight cancer and improve blood pressure and may prevent cognitive decline.

Is Mozzarella Cheese Healthy?

Like other types of cheese, mozzarella cheese provides protein and calcium, as well as other nutrients, including phosphorus and zinc. Mozzarella also provides probiotics, which are necessary for a healthy gut. Compared to other types of cheese, mozzarella tends to be lower in both sodium and saturated fat.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy cold or reheated in an air fryer for crispy results.

What Can I Do with the Leftover Cauliflower?

There is so much you can do with leftover cauliflower. Make it into cauliflower rice using a food processor or box grater and pair it with chicken or fish, or turn it into a salad. You can also blanch and freeze cauliflower to use in future dishes or smoothies. To do this, chop the cauliflower florets and stems so they’re about the same size. Blanch in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Then, pat the cauliflower dry and place it in freezer-safe bags labeled with a “use-by” date of up to six months. You can use the florets and stems in a variety of recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Serve with Cauliflower-Steak Pizza?

You can pair these cauliflower pizzas with any dish you might serve with regular pizza. Try a Grilled Caesar Salad or Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings alongside these steaks. Or, serve these cauliflower steaks as a side to chicken or beef any night of the week.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

the ingredients to make the Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Ingredients

  • 2 medium heads cauliflower (about 2 lbs. each)

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 cup lower-sodium marinara sauce

  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

  • 4 quartered artichoke hearts, halved lengthwise

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves

Directions

  1. Position oven rack in upper third; preheat to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.

  2. Remove leaves and trim stems of cauliflower. Cut each head in half lengthwise; trim the sides to create 2 (1-inch-thick) “steaks” from each head. Arrange the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet; reserve the trimmed florets for another use.

    a photo of the cauliflower cut up into slices

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

  3. Stir oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and pepper together in a small bowl. Brush the mixture evenly over the cauliflower steaks. Bake until browned and tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

    a photo of the olive oil and seasonings being brushed onto the cauliflower

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

  4. Remove from oven; top evenly with marinara, mozzarella, tomatoes, onion, artichokes and crushed red pepper.

    a photo of the cauliflower being topped with cheese and vegetables

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

  5. Bake until the mozzarella is melted and browned in spots, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and top with basil.

EatingWell.com, April 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

256 Calories
16g Fat
21g Carbs
10g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cauliflower steak
Calories 256
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 7g 23%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 10g 21%
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Vitamin A 90µg
Vitamin C 85mg 94%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 3mg 23%
Folate 136µg
Vitamin K 52µg
Sodium 364mg 16%
Calcium 227mg 17%
Iron 2mg 10%
Magnesium 59mg 14%
Potassium 877mg 19%
Zinc 2mg 14%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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