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.
Ingredients
For 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)
For 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
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 Cauliflower Steaks:
- 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:
- 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
Storage:
- Best served immediately
- Components can be prepared separately up to 2 days ahead
- Reheat cauliflower steaks in oven at 350°F until warm
If you love Cauliflower Steaks, be sure to visit this site for more delicious cauliflower-based recipes