Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the cauliflower:
Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem, but leave the core intact.
Slice the cauliflower into thick steaks, about 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick. Depending on the size of your cauliflower, you should get about 4-6 steaks. If there are any smaller florets that fall off, you can roast them alongside the steaks.
Season the cauliflower:
Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Roast the cauliflower:
Place the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender.
Add the cheese and bacon:
Once the cauliflower steaks are roasted, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each steak.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the melted cheese.
Garnish and serve:
Remove the cauliflower steaks from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve immediately as a side dish or main course.
Notes:
Vegetarian Option: You can skip the bacon for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Cheese Options: Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or a mix of cheeses.
Serving Suggestions: These cauliflower steaks pair well with a simple green salad or a grain like quinoa or rice.
This dish is a delicious way to elevate cauliflower into a hearty, cheesy delight. Enjoy!
