Parmesan Cauliflower on the Grill

After returning from a super fun month on the road camping in our airstream trailer, I was inspired to post dishes that I’ve created over the years while camping. This recipe for Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Parmesan Cheese Sauce is one of our all-time favorites!

Here are a few of the reasons to love this recipe:

1. Unique flavor. Grilling the cauliflower steaks gives them a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy Parmesan cheese sauce.
2. Ease and speed of preparation. Slicing and grilling the cauliflower takes around 20 minutes total, and the sauce can be made in only 5 minutes with available ingredients you probably already have in your refrigerator. So quick and easy!
3. Versatility. Don’t have a grill? No problem – you can also roast these Cauliflower Steaks (directions included). And, you can vary the sauce ingredients to your taste, or to match what you have on hand. Toss in some chopped herbs, green onion, shallots or garlic – or substitute Greek yogurt for some/all of the sour cream. (See more suggestions below.)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this impressive side dish (quantities are included in the recipe card below):

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Large cauliflower head
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Italian parsley, for garnish

Variations and Substitutions

while this cauliflower with mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese is delicious as is, it’s also very versatile and can be modified to your tastes. For example, you can additional ingredients to amp up the flavor even more, including: chopped fresh dill, parsley, chives or cilantro, green onion, shallots and/or chopped garlic. And, in terms of substitutions here are a few ideas:

• Sour cream – substitute Greek yogurt for part/all
• Dijon mustard – use another type of mustard (stone ground, yellow, brown)
• Parmesan cheese – substitute Romano cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil – use a flavored olive oil (garlic, herb, lemon)
• Parsley – substitute cilantro, chives or dill

Here’s an overview of how to create this amazing side dish:

1. Prep grill.
   Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Mix Parmesan sauce ingredients.
   In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, cheese and lemon juice to taste.
3. Cut cauliflower head into steaks; grill one side.
   Slice cauliflower head into 3/4-inch thick slices (see “how to” details below). Brush one side of cauliflower with olive oil. Place on a grill pan, oiled side down, cover and grill about 7 minutes or until starting to brown.
4. Flip; add sauce; finish grilling.
   Turn slices over and brush top with oil, then top with Parmesan sauce. Cover and grill for an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until the cauliflower is crisp-tender.
5. Season and serve.
   Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately, garnishing with chopped parsley.

If you don’t want to grill, you can also roast these Cauliflower Steaks:

1. Prep oven and baking sheet.
   Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Roast cauliflower steaks on one side.
   Place cauliflower slices on prepared baking sheet in a single layer and brush top with olive oil. Roast for 15 minutes.
3. Flip; add sauce; finish cooking.
   Turn slices over and brush top with oil and roast an additional 5 minutes. Brush tops with Parmesan sauce and continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes or until cauliflower is crisp-tender.
4. Season and serve.
   Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately, garnishing with chopped parsley.

Most often I serve these Cauliflower Steaks with Parmesan Sauce as a side dish with one of the following entrées:

• Braised Baby Back Ribs
• BBQ Chicken
• Spicy Pork Tenderloin
• Chimichurri Pork Chops
• Grilled Chicken with Rosemary Dijon Marinade
• Salmon Patties