If there’s a chameleon of the culinary world, it’s cauliflower. Though you can go as simple as tossing it in your favorite spice blend and roasting it, there are so many cauliflower recipes to love and try. The mild flavor seems endlessly adaptive to a wide variety of preparations—from pizza, gnocchi, and hummus to grits and tots.
When shopping for cauliflower, look for heads that are heavy and firm, with tightly packed florets and minimal brown spots. The leaves at the base should be crisp and green, indicating freshness. You can also opt to grab bagged cauliflower that is pre-cut or even pre-riced for a speedy dinner. Cauliflower can last several weeks in the crisper drawer if kept in the bag it comes in, and any brown spots that develop during storage can be trimmed off. If you’re ready to get cooking, here are five cauliflower recipes that showcase its true potential to start your journey.
Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado Crema
Cauliflower can stand in for a traditional protein in this delicious vegetarian take on a fish taco. The florets are dipped in a simple spiced batter before roasting at a high heat, giving them a crisp, golden crust. Finally, they are paired with a crunchy cabbage slaw and an avocado yogurt sauce—so good you’ll be surprised at how satisfying these tacos taste. For an extra little kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished taco.
Get the recipe: Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado Crema
Sausage and Cauliflower Stuffed Shells
Riced cauliflower is a great way to lighten up any dish and sneak vegetables into unexpected places. Case in point: these healthier-than-you’d-expect stuffed shells featuring cauliflower, sausage, and cottage cheese. The cauliflower is cooked alongside the sausage and mixed directly into the ricotta, blending seamlessly so your family won’t even notice they’re getting a full serving of vegetables and a bump of fiber. Enjoy this delicious, veggie-packed twist on a classic comfort food.
Get the recipe: Sausage and Cauliflower Stuffed Shells
BBQ-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower and Green Beans
High heat is the secret to achieving crispy, golden edges on cauliflower, and this fully loaded sheet pan dinner uses that technique to cook a complete weeknight meal. Everything roasts together on one pan, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the pork. If you have other spice mixes at home, such as garam masala, ras el hanout, or a Cajun blend, try swapping your favorite in place of the barbecue dry rub for a delicious twist.
Get the recipe: BBQ-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower and Green Beans
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
This creamy, cheesy dish is a veggie-packed twist on a classic mac and cheese, featuring whole florets mixed in with the macaroni. The comfort is dialed up with three kinds of melty cheese and sliced ham, all topped with crunchy panko crumbs and baked until golden. It’s exactly what we crave on chilly fall evenings, and we promise the kids won’t complain when dinner is a bowl of cheesy goodness.
Get the recipe: Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Taco Skillet with Beef and Cauliflower Rice
Frozen riced cauliflower is a great timesaver when you’re trying to get a weeknight dinner together, and it helps get this one-pan meal on the table in just 15 minutes. The cauliflower rice cooks exceptionally quickly and absorbs all the flavor from the beef and the spices. Just like a DIY taco night, you can keep additional toppings like pickled jalapeño for the adults or dollop with creamy guacamole—let everyone customize their meal the way they like it. Just grab a bag of tortilla chips for dipping and dig right in!
Get the recipe: Taco Skillet with Beef and Cauliflower Rice
