10+ Cauliflower Recipes to Try for Easy and Delicious Meals

Cauliflower’s one of those veggies that’s always surprising me. It fits into all kinds of recipes, whether you’re after a healthy side or a main that’s actually satisfying.

You can whip up cauliflower dishes that are simple, flavorful, and honestly pretty easy. No need to overthink it.

Let’s dig into some new ways to cook cauliflower with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen. The steps are straightforward, so you’ll be eating in no time.

1) Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

This Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a go-to for me. It’s cheesy, garlicky, and just the right amount of crispy on the outside.

Roasting brings out the best in cauliflower, giving you a soft middle and a golden edge. I like pairing it with pasta or just snacking on it straight from the pan.

You only need a handful of ingredients. Toss everything together, roast, and you’re done.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
3. In a big bowl, toss florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and Parmesan.
4. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until golden and tender.
6. Serve warm—seriously, that’s it.

If you want more details, check out Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower.

2) Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

Air frying cauliflower is one of those “why didn’t I try this sooner?” things. You get crispy edges and a soft center with barely any oil.

Just chop the cauliflower into florets. Toss with oil and whatever spices you’re feeling.

Set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Cook for about 15 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through.

It’s a solid snack or side. I like adding garlic salt or smoked paprika for a little kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt (optional)
• Any seasonings you like (salt, pepper, paprika, etc.)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cut cauliflower into small florets.
2. Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
3. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
4. Place florets in a single layer in the basket.
5. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
6. Add a couple more minutes if you want extra crisp.

3) Cauliflower and Tahini Roast

Roasting a whole cauliflower with tahini sauce is way easier than it sounds. You just roast until golden and tender, and that’s when the magic happens.

The tahini sauce is creamy and nutty, with a tang from lemon. Mix tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water, then drizzle over the warm cauliflower.

Add toasted sesame seeds or fresh herbs on top if you want to get fancy. It looks impressive but takes almost no effort.

Ingredients

• 1 whole cauliflower
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: toasted sesame seeds, chopped parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim leaves and stem from the cauliflower.
3. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 40-50 minutes, until tender and golden.
4. Mix tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, salt, and pepper for the sauce.
5. Drizzle sauce over roasted cauliflower.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and parsley if you like.

4) Cheesy Cauliflower Fritters

Cheesy cauliflower fritters are one of my favorite “eat your veggies” tricks. You mix riced cauliflower with cheddar, eggs, and a little flour to pull it all together.

They cook up crispy on the outside and gooey inside. Chopped green onions or herbs make them even better.

These work as a snack, side, or a light meal. Plus, they’re low-carb and sneak in a good dose of veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 lb cauliflower florets (riced)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour or regular flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Rice the cauliflower in a food processor or with a grater.
2. Mix with cheese, eggs, flour, green onions, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Shape into small patties and fry 3-4 minutes per side, until golden.
5. Let them drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Want the full recipe? Check out chewy cauliflower fritters here.

5) Miso Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Bisque

This bisque is creamy and cozy, but there’s no cream at all. Sweet potato and cauliflower make it silky, and the flavor is mellow.

Miso paste gives it a little umami boost. The soup comes together fast, which is always a win on busy nights.

It’s dairy-free, and you can use butter, ghee, or olive oil—whatever you’ve got. If you’re after something healthy and warming, this does the trick.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter, ghee, or olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter or oil in a big pot over medium.
2. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, until veggies are soft.
5. Blend until smooth (immersion blender is easiest, but a regular blender works too).
6. Stir in miso paste, season with salt and pepper.
7. Warm gently—don’t boil after adding miso.
8. Serve hot.

For the full recipe, see this miso sweet potato & cauliflower bisque.

6) Creamy Parsnip & Cauliflower Soup

This soup is smooth and comforting, with a little sweetness from parsnips. Cauliflower keeps it mellow and light.

You can throw in rosemary or chives if you’re feeling it. The soup is easy to tweak—make it vegan, or top with crispy bacon if that’s your thing.

It works as a starter or a light meal. I like having a bowl with crusty bread on a chilly night.

Ingredients

• 1 cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or chives (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add cauliflower and parsnips, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until veggies are tender.
6. Blend until smooth.
7. Stir in rosemary or chives, season to taste.
8. Serve warm.

7) Cauliflower Caponata

Cauliflower Caponata is a fun riff on the classic Sicilian dish. Swap eggplant for roasted cauliflower and you get a hearty, veggie-packed stew.

Roast the cauliflower, then mix with capers, raisins, and pine nuts for that sweet-and-tangy flavor. Everything cooks together so the flavors really meld.

It’s lighter than the fried version, and you can eat it warm or at room temp. I love it with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 4 cups small cauliflower florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cauliflower with 2 tablespoons oil and roast for 20 minutes.
3. Heat the last tablespoon of oil in a pan, sauté onion and celery until soft.
4. Add raisins, capers, pine nuts, tomato paste, and vinegar. Stir.
5. Mix in roasted cauliflower, cook on low for 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.

Want more ideas? Check out cauliflower caponata recipes.

8) Cauliflower Masala Fry (Gobi Pepper Fry)

Cauliflower Masala Fry—also called Gobi Pepper Fry—is a spicy, flavorful dish that’s super simple. You cook cauliflower with black pepper and a mix of spices, and the result is addictively good.

Blanch the cauliflower first to keep it crisp. Then toss it with turmeric, salt, and pepper, and cook with onions and more spices.

It’s awesome as a side with rice or roti, or just as a snack when you want something with a little heat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Blanch the cauliflower in hot water for 5 minutes. Then drain it well.

2. Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onions until they turn golden.

3. Add the cauliflower, salt, turmeric, and pepper powder.

4. Cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, letting the cauliflower get tender.

5. Stir every so often so nothing sticks or burns.

6. Serve hot with rice or roti.

For more details, see this Cauliflower Pepper Fry recipe.

9) Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Stir-Fry

You’ll love this sweet and sour cauliflower stir-fry—it’s quick and genuinely tasty. Start by roasting the cauliflower until the edges get a little crispy.

For the sauce, grab some ketchup, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Combine them in a small pot and heat until the sauce thickens a bit.

When the cauliflower’s ready, toss it in the sauce.

Stir-fry everything for a few minutes so the sauce really clings to the florets.

It’s got bold flavors without needing to deep fry, which is always a win.

You can eat this as a main dish or as a side. Serve it with rice or noodles if you’re hungry.

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss the cauliflower with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes, until it turns golden.

3. In a small pot, mix ketchup, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Heat the mixture until the sauce thickens.

4. Toss the roasted cauliflower in the sauce.

5. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes so everything gets coated. Serve warm.

For a detailed recipe, check this Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Recipe.

10) Roasted Cauliflower with Aioli Dip

Roasted cauliflower really is one of the simplest ways to get something delicious out of this vegetable. Just toss the florets in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and maybe add your favorite spices if you’re feeling it.

Spread them out on a baking sheet, crank the oven up to 425°F (220°C), and let them roast for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden and get those crispy edges.

The real magic happens when you bring in a creamy aioli dip. Stir together some mayonnaise, minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

That dip—especially with a hint of lemon—adds a bright, tangy kick that plays so well with the warm, roasted cauliflower. It’s honestly hard not to just eat the whole tray standing at the counter.

Serve these as a side or even as a snack if you’re in the mood. They’re easy to whip up and fit right in with just about any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Pinch of salt for aioli

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and paprika.
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. Mix mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to make aioli.
6. Serve roasted cauliflower hot with the aioli on the side.

For more ideas on roasted cauliflower with aioli, check this recipe from Texas Granola Girl.