Sometimes a powerful pizza craving hits, but you’re looking for something on the lighter side that still feels satisfying and delicious. This recipe is the perfect answer.
We are transforming a simple head of cauliflower into hearty, savory pizza steaks. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy all the classic pizza flavors you love in a low carb, vegetable-forward dish.
What You’ll Need
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbs grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian herb blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
- 2 oz mini pepperoni
- Garnish: chili pepper flakes and fresh basil
Tools Required
- Large Knife
- Cutting Board
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Small Bowl
- Pastry Brush
Pro Tips
Here are a few tips from my kitchen to help you get this recipe just right on your first try. These small steps make a big difference.
- The Perfect Slice: To get solid “steaks” that hold together, leave the stem and core intact. Slice the entire head of cauliflower in half through the core first, then cut 1-inch thick steaks from each flat side.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the steaks plenty of space on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate properly, making them tender-crisp instead of steaming them, which can lead to a soft texture.
- Season Generously: The seasoned oil mixture is where the flavor starts. Be sure to brush it evenly over the front, back, and all the little edges of each steak. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Wait to Sauce: Do not add the marinara sauce and cheese until the cauliflower steaks are almost fully cooked. This prevents the toppings from burning and the cauliflower from becoming soggy.
How to Make Cauliflower Pizza Steaks
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (or air fryer to 400°F). Line a medium baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the cauliflower by removing the outer leaves and slicing it into 1-inch thick steaks. Try to get at least four steaks. Place them carefully on your prepared baking tray.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Brush this oil mixture generously over all sides of each cauliflower steak. Ensure they are fully coated.
Step 5: Bake for about 20 minutes, or until fork-tender, flipping the steaks halfway through. If using an air fryer, cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 6: Remove the tray from the oven. Gently brush each steak with marinara sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and top with mini pepperonis.
Step 7: Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden. Garnish with fresh basil and chili pepper flakes before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is very customizable. You can easily adjust it to fit different dietary needs or preferences.
| Diet / Preference | Ingredient Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. | Be sure to use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella. |
| Vegetarian | Replace pepperoni with sliced mushrooms or black olives. | Sliced bell peppers or red onions also work beautifully. |
| Different Cheese | Try a provolone or an Italian cheese blend. | A sprinkle of feta after baking adds a nice salty bite. |
Nutrition and Meal Ideas
This dish is a great way to enjoy a meal that is both delicious and mindful of your health goals.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 284kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 24g |
- Meal Pairing: Serve these pizza steaks with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a light vegetable soup.
- Time-Saving Tip: You can mix the spice blend ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. This makes prep even faster on a busy night.
Leftovers and Storage
If you have leftovers, they store quite well. Allow the cauliflower steaks to cool completely to room temperature first.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven or in an air fryer until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My cauliflower fell apart when I sliced it. What can I do?
Ans: This is very common. To help prevent it, use a fresh, firm cauliflower and slice carefully through the core. If some florets break off, you can still roast them on the pan alongside the steaks and enjoy them.
Q2. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Ans: It is best to use a fresh head of cauliflower for this recipe. Frozen cauliflower contains a lot of excess water and will result in a soft, mushy texture rather than a firm steak that can be picked up.
Q3. How do I get my cauliflower steaks extra crispy?
Ans: Ensure your oven is fully preheated and do not overcrowd the pan. Giving the steaks space helps them roast instead of steam. You can also broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, to get the cheese extra bubbly.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for stopping by to check out this recipe. I hope you enjoy making these Cauliflower Pizza Steaks as much as we do.
If you give this dish a try, I would be so appreciative if you took a moment to leave a comment and rate the recipe below. It helps so much, and I love to hear about your experience!