30 Cauliflower Recipes That Even Haters Will Love

We promise you’ll find a way to appreciate this controversial veggie.

October 20, 2023

The wide range of cauliflower recipes out there—from tossing it in buffalo sauce for game day or grating it into dough for pizza night—prove one thing for sure: The crunchy florets are cool these days. Whatever gets you eating it, we’re here for it, because this versatile veggie deserves all the hype it gets.

Cauliflower has a mild flavor, making it perfect to toss into all kinds of recipes. It’s also hydrating, Sammi Brondo, MS, RD, CDN, a New York–based registered dietitian, tells SELF. For starters, it’s made up of 92% water, so it can help you replenish your fluids on days when it’s hot or you’re not feeling well, Brondo says. What’s more, it’s rich in nutrients: Cauliflower is packed with vitamin K, a fat-soluble micronutrient that encourages healthy blood clotting. It also rivals oranges in vitamin C content, which helps your body fight off infections. Toss one cup of cauliflower into a stir-fry and you’ll nearly meet your recommended daily allowance for the vitamin, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

If you’ve been sticking to the same buffalo cauliflower wing recipe for parties though, it might be time to shake it up a bit. There’s nothing wrong with having a favorite go-to way to prep the veggie, but there are a whole bunch of other ways to use it. So why not try something new, like tossing the florets in a sweet and spicy glaze or baking them in creamy mac and cheese?

There are just so many ideas out there for cooking this all-star veggie. We’ve pulled together 30 cauliflower recipes for you to test out, whether you’re making a spread for game day, cooking for a holiday celebration, or simply prepping your meals for the upcoming week. Check out the options below; you’ll be thrilled with what these florets can do.

Isabel Orozco-Moore via Isabel Eats
1
Cauliflower Tacos from Isabel Eats
Toss cauliflower florets, olive oil, and a bunch of spices like ancho chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into a bowl. Then roast on a baking sheet. The result? A crispy veggie filling for vegan tacos. Don’t forget the garnishes, like plant-based cilantro aioli or shredded cabbage, for some creaminess and crunch.
Get the recipe here.
Jeanine Donofrio via Love and Lemons
2
Cauliflower Rice from Love and Lemons
Everyone needs a good cauliflower rice recipe to have on hand. Save this one and prep a big batch to serve as a side with all kinds of meals. (Or as the base for some of the recipes on this list!) Simply pulse the florets in a food processor until they turn into grain-size pieces.
Get the recipe here.

Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea
3
Everything Bagel Cauliflower Bites from Orchids + Sweet Tea
If you’re tired of traditional buffalo cauliflower wings, try this recipe’s unique take on it. Grab your air fryer, toss the florets in everything-bagel seasoning, and cook until golden brown and crispy. Then dip them in a glaze made of spices, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
Get the recipe here.
Laura Wright via The First Mess
4
Buffalo Cauliflower Salad With Tahini Ranch from The First Mess
Dress this roasted cauliflower salad with a creamy tahini ranch dressing and sprinkle on some chickpeas for extra crunch and protein. It’s the perfect recipe for lunch when you’re craving a hearty yet refreshing meal.
Get the recipe here.

Maryanne Cabrera via The Little Epicurean
5
Baked Kimchi Cauliflower Rice from The Little Epicurean
Serve this kimchi cauliflower rice as a side dish or main entree. If you want to make a whole meal out of it, add toppings like a fried egg, sliced scallions, and sesame seeds for more satisfying protein and delicious flavor. (Not sure how to turn your cauliflower into rice? Check out #2 for all the deets.)
Get the recipe here.
Chungah Rhee via Damn Delicious
6
Orange Cauliflower Bowls from Damn Delicious
Save this recipe for when you’re in a meal-prep rut and can’t decide what to make for the week. Stir-fry cauliflower until golden brown and crispy, and then coat the florets in a sriracha glaze for a sweet and spicy finish. Pack it in your Tupperware container with a scoop of fluffy rice or quinoa.
Get the recipe here.

Alex Overhiser via A Couple Cooks
7
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower from A Couple of Cooks
To make roasted cauliflower even more delicious, toss the florets in extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan cheese and bake them until caramelized. It makes a great side dish to bring to a holiday gathering or for your weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea
8
Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad from Orchids + Sweet Tea
Upgrade your roasted cauliflower salad by pouring green goddess sauce over it. This dressing is made by blending vegan mayo, jalapeños, kale, basil, almond milk, lemon juice, and a bunch of seasonings like dill, parsley, and garlic powder.
Get the recipe here.

Isabel Orozco-Moore via Isabel Eats
9
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice from Isabel Eats
Sure, you can serve plain cauliflower rice as a side dish, but why not add more flavor? Here’s a cool place to start: Use a food processor to chop up your florets and then add fresh lime juice and cilantro for some tangy and savory bites.
Get the recipe here.
Laura Wright via The First Mess
10
Creamy Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Chowder from The First Mess
Cauliflower soup may not sound that comforting at first, but this recipe stews it into a chowder to give it that cozy feel. It’s packed with warm seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and cumin, and it pairs deliciously with a toasted piece of bread or crunchy oyster crackers.
Get the recipe here.

Chungah Rhee via Damn Delicious
11
Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara from Damn Delicious
The next time you make carbonara, try tossing some roasted cauliflower into the mix. That way, you can spoon up bites of pasta coated in Parmesan along with crispy and caramelized florets.
Get the recipe here.
Sammi Brondo via Sammi Brondo
12
Cauliflower Grilled Cheese from Sammi Brondo
This gluten-free grilled cheese recipe uses cauliflower as the bread and stuffs it with delicious add-ins like Parmesan and cheddar. Even though there’s no sourdough involved, the crust still gets caramelized when heated on a buttered pan—just like the real thing.
Get the recipe here.

Sonja Overhiser via A Couple Cooks
13
Vegetarian Burrito Bowl With Cauliflower Rice from A Couple of Cooks
The next time you make a burrito bowl, use cilantro lime cauliflower rice as the base if you’re looking for a new spin on the classic lunch. (Check out #2 for a rundown on how to make the grain substitute.) Top it with all your favorite fixings—creamy avocado, roasted peppers, spicy salsa, and refried beans—to give the meal some heartiness.
Get the recipe here.
Ashlea Carver via All The Healthy Things
14
Loaded Mashed Cauliflower from All The Healthy Things
Loaded mashed potatoes are a great side dish for game nights or holiday parties. This recipe swaps the starch for tender cauliflower and relies on fan-favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives for that nostalgic vibe.
Get the recipe here.

Caroline Phelps via Pickled Plum
15
Gluten Free Cauliflower Pizza Crust Alla Margherita from Pickled Plum
Baking homemade pizza can take hours, especially if you make the dough from scratch. This recipe only takes 35 minutes, thanks to the cauliflower crust. It’s also gluten-free, making it a great option for folks with dietary restrictions.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea
16
Creamy Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chickpea Soup from Orchids + Sweet Tea
Try this cauliflower soup recipe if you stan chowders but need a dairy-free version. Blend veggies and extra virgin olive oil with a bunch of seasonings (cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric) for extra flavor and spice. The coconut milk is the key for adding richness and creaminess to the dish.
Get the recipe here.

Kate Hackworthy via Veggie Desserts
17
Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Garlic and Paprika from Veggie Desserts
Grab a head of cauliflower and drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil plus some minced garlic and smoked paprika to give it a savory finish. It’s stunning as a holiday main dish, and a it’s great option as a turkey substitute for vegan folks.
Get the recipe here.
Jocelyn Delk Adams via Grandbaby Cakes
18
Cauliflower Grits from Grandbaby Cakes
Mashed cauliflower is delicious, especially when you add Parmesan to give it a cheesy and creamy finish. Serve it for brunch with a side of pan-seared fish or breakfast sausages.
Get the recipe here.

Lisa Kitahara via Okonomi Kitchen
19
Herb Crusted Cauliflower Steaks from Okonomi Kitchen
Cook some thick, breaded cauliflower steaks the next time you’re looking for a hearty swap to red meat. You can serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.
Get the recipe here.
Ashlea Carver via All The Healthy Things
20
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese from All The Healthy Things
Try tossing in cauliflower to your mac and cheese recipe. The process is simple: Boil the florets until tender, strain them, and add to a casserole dish with loads of shredded cheddar and sour cream. Bake this mixture until the top is golden brown and the inside is melted.
Get the recipe here.

LaKita Anderson via Simply LaKita
21
California Roll Bowl from Simply Lakita
This meal prep idea combines two delicious things: Sushi and a refreshing veggie bowl. For the base of this dish, use cauliflower rice (find out how to make it in #2 if you’re not quite sure), then layer on delicious toppings like crab, cucumber, avocado, sriracha, ginger, nori sheets, and wasabi for a bit of heat.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea
22
Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta With Roasted Cauliflower from Orchids + Sweet Tea
There’s nothing like a creamy pasta topped with Parmesan cheese during the colder seasons. This recipe takes it further by adding in roasted cauliflower seasoned with warm spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and cajun seasoning to give the meal extra flavor.
Get the recipe here.

Rachel Conners via Bakerita
23
Hidden Cauliflower Banana Smoothie from Bakerita
Since cauliflower has such a mild flavor, you can mix it into all kinds of recipes—including drinks. This smoothie is a combo of blended dates, almond milk, berries, bananas, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to give it a warm and creamy finish.
Get the recipe here.
Caroline Phelps via Pickled Plum
24
Thai Yellow Curry With Cauliflower from Pickled Plum
Stew a big batch of this curry and serve it with rice or naan to eat right away, or pack it into Tupperware containers to dig into throughout the week. It’s loaded with hearty fixings like cauliflower, chickpeas, and ginger, making it a perfect cold weather recipe.
Get the recipe here.

Sommer Collier via A Saucy Kitchen
25
Pesto Cauliflower Rice Breakfast Bowls from A Saucy Kitchen
If you’re tired of oatmeal, try tossing in cauliflower rice as the base for a bowl instead. It’s the perfect bed for a hearty fried egg, creamy avocado, and dollops of pesto to help you power through until lunch.
Get the recipe here.
Shanika Graham-White via Orchids and Sweet Tea
26
Southern Hot Honey Cauliflower Wings from Orchids + Sweet Tea
Toss some florets into your air fryer, and once they’re crispy, coat them with a hot honey glaze. This recipe is a great way to level up your traditional buffalo cauliflower with a sweet and spicy twist.
Get the recipe here.

Alex Overhiser via A Couple Cooks
27
Cauliflower Fried Rice from A Couple of Cooks
Stir-fry some cauliflower rice with delicious add-ins like edamame, scrambled eggs, scallions, and soy sauce to amp up the flavor. Eat it for dinner on its own or serve it as a side with grilled chicken or tofu.
Get the recipe here.
Laura Wright via The First Mess
28
Maple Tahini Glazed Cauliflower With Chipotle from The First Mess
Toss cauliflower florets in chipotle powder and bake them on a sheet pan until they’re crispy and golden brown. Then drizzle on a tahini glaze to give the veggies a rich and creamy bite.
Get the recipe here.

Lindsay Ostrom via Pinch of Yum
29
Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls from Pinch of Yum
Planning on serving hummus at your next party? Add roasted cauliflower to your charcuterie board for a delicious and smoky bite—perfect for dunking into the creamy dip.
Get the recipe here.
Alex Overhiser via A Couple Cooks
30
Coconut Cauliflower Curry from A Couple of Cooks
This curry is full of delicious add-ins like cauliflower, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Stew in warm spices like cumin, garam masala, and cayenne pepper for extra heat to give the dish even more flavor. This is a recipe you’ll want to spoon up all winter long.
Get the recipe here.
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Ashia Aubourg joined SELF in April 2023 as the food writer. She's a recipe developer, entrepreneur, and food justice advocate. She received her BA in Food Studies and Policy Studies from Syracuse University, where she researched components that make up equitable food systems. She previously held print and digital roles... Read more

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

TopicsFood recipes cauliflower Breakfast lunch dinner meal prep

Cauliflower Tacos from Isabel Eats

Cauliflower Rice from Love and Lemons

Everything Bagel Cauliflower Bites from Orchids + Sweet Tea

Buffalo Cauliflower Salad With Tahini Ranch from The First Mess

Baked Kimchi Cauliflower Rice from The Little Epicurean

Orange Cauliflower Bowls from Damn Delicious

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower from A Couple of Cooks

Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad from Orchids + Sweet Tea

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice from Isabel Eats

Creamy Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Chowder from The First Mess

Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara from Damn Delicious

Cauliflower Grilled Cheese from Sammi Brondo

Vegetarian Burrito Bowl With Cauliflower Rice from A Couple of Cooks

Loaded Mashed Cauliflower from All The Healthy Things

Gluten Free Cauliflower Pizza Crust Alla Margherita from Pickled Plum

Creamy Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chickpea Soup from Orchids + Sweet Tea

Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Garlic and Paprika from Veggie Desserts

Cauliflower Grits from Grandbaby Cakes

Herb Crusted Cauliflower Steaks from Okonomi Kitchen

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese from All The Healthy Things

California Roll Bowl from Simply Lakita

Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta With Roasted Cauliflower from Orchids + Sweet Tea

Hidden Cauliflower Banana Smoothie from Bakerita

Thai Yellow Curry With Cauliflower from Pickled Plum

Pesto Cauliflower Rice Breakfast Bowls from A Saucy Kitchen

Southern Hot Honey Cauliflower Wings from Orchids + Sweet Tea

Cauliflower Fried Rice from A Couple of Cooks

Maple Tahini Glazed Cauliflower With Chipotle from The First Mess

Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls from Pinch of Yum

Coconut Cauliflower Curry from A Couple of Cooks