A vegetarian twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, using thick-cut cauliflower steaks as the base. This recipe creates a satisfying, cheesy dish with caramelized vegetables and a golden crust.
Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Steaks
Prep Time: 15M
Cook Time: 35M
Total Time: 50M
Servings: 4
Vegetarian cheese steak Nutrition (per serving):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Total Fat | 23 g |
Saturated Fat | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
Total Sugars | 6 g |
Protein | 12 g |
Sodium | 680 mg |
Ingredients cheesy cauliflower steaks
The Cauliflower Steaks:
- 2 large heads of cauliflower
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
The Caramelized Vegetables:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions to perfectly cook cauliflower steaks:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Remove leaves from cauliflower and trim stem (keeping core intact)
- Place cauliflower head stem-side down and cut vertically into 1-inch thick steaks
- Mix olive oil with all seasonings in a small bowl
- Brush both sides of steaks with seasoned oil
- Reserve smaller florets for another use
- Place steaks on a lined baking sheet
- Roast for 15 minutes
- Carefully flip and roast another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and tender
- Edges should be crispy and caramelized
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat
- Add onions, cook 15-20 minutes until golden
- Add peppers, cook 10 minutes more
- Add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper
- Cook 2-3 minutes more
- Combine all cheeses and cream in a microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
- Add white pepper and stir until smooth
- Keep warm
Pro Tips for healthy vegetarian steak recipe:
- Choose the largest cauliflower heads possible for better steaks
- Don’t discard smaller florets – use them for cauliflower rice or roasted florets
- Press down slightly on steaks while roasting for better caramelization
- Keep cheese sauce warm but not hot to maintain proper consistency
Variations for Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Steaks :
- Buffalo Style: Add buffalo sauce to the cheese mixture
- Mushroom Lover’s: Add sautéed mushrooms to the vegetable mix
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños and chipotle peppers
- Mediterranean: Use feta cheese and add olives and roasted red peppers
If you love Cauliflower Steaks, be sure to visit this site for more delicious cauliflower-based recipes
Storage Tips for vegetarian cheese steak substitute:
- Best served immediately
- Components can be prepared separately up to 2 days ahead
- Reheat cauliflower steaks in oven at 350°F until warm
Try our 15-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli or Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (40-Minute Comfort Food) for more recipe.
FAQs
Can I make cauliflower steaks ahead of time?
Yes. Roast them up to 2 days ahead and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Use vegan cheese and coconut cream instead of dairy.
What can I serve with cauliflower cheese steaks?
Pair with a side salad, roasted potatoes, or garlic bread.
Can I grill cauliflower steaks instead of roasting?
Yes. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
How do I stop cauliflower from falling apart when cutting?
Keep the core intact and use a sharp chef’s knife.
What other cheeses work for the sauce?
Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix of fontina and mozzarella.
Can I freeze cauliflower steaks?
Freezing is not ideal, as they can become mushy when reheated.
How do I make them spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or mix hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
How thick should cauliflower steaks be?
About 1 inch thick for even cooking and stability.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Not for steaks — fresh works best to hold shape and roast well.
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