See how to cook cauliflower, some recipes to level up the humble vegetable, and why it is now being lauded for its versatility.

Once maligned as stodgy and bland, cauliflower has made a strong comeback lately as a favorite of the health-conscious and low-carb eaters. See how to cook cauliflower, some recipes to level up the humble vegetable, and why it is now being lauded for its versatility.

By Clara Gonzalez - Last revised Oct 2, 2025. Original Apr 12, 2023.

How to cook cauliflower

Who would ever have imagined it? Cauliflower has re-emerged like Cinderella after a visit by the fairy godmother, almost becoming the belle of the ball. Here are my favorite recipes to prepare this healthful vegetable.

Soups: Cauliflower works astonishingly well in curries and hot and chilled soups. Cauliflower texture lends itself well to creamy soups, especially when enhanced with a dollop of sour cream. Its subtle taste becomes an asset as it highlights other flavors like aniseed or dill.

Fried cauliflower: It is also fabulous battered and fried pakora or tempura-style.

Cauliflower gratin: You will also love this cheesy cauliflower recipe, in which I mixed it with other vegetables, cooked them in butter, and covered it in melted cheddar.

Roasted cauliflower: Place cauliflower florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, and garnish with rosemary, then roast in the oven. A dish that's as easy as it is impressive.

One pot dinners: Cauliflower and wild rice is a great vegan dish that combines some health food-lovers' favorites. Great as a side dish and even as a main dish.

Air fryer cauliflower: Coat cauliflower florets with a fine oil mist, and coat with a mixture of grated parmesan cheese, panko, dried parsley flakes, and onion and garlic powder. Air fry at high temperature for 30 minutes or until golden brown. If your air fryer basket is too small, you may need to do this in batches.

Spanish-style cauliflower rice with shrimp.

Cauli rice: At the same time, cauliflower is also gathering an impressive pace as a tasty, nutritious, low-carb, and high-fiber alternative to rice, like this Spanish cauliflower rice. It has less than one-fifth of the calories of white rice, so you can even allow yourself a more generous serving.

Vegan cauli cheese: Cauliflower is also incredible in updated jazzed-up versions of the old aforementioned staple, cauliflower cheese.

Cauliflower mash: Mashed steamed cauliflower is also great as a low-carb substitute to mashed potatoes. I love adding it to more stodgy root vegetable mashes to lower their carb content, like I did with this keto "mangú".

Cauliflower steaks: Cut a head of cauliflower into thick slices, brush with your favorite BBQ sauce, and grill until they are tender and have it beautiful grill marks. Serve with a sprinkle of lemon juice, and garnish with some fresh parsley - a perfect vegan dish.

How to make cauliflower rice

Cauli rice is now the darling of the internet. Making cauliflower rice is quite straightforward: After discarding the leaves and thick stem, grate a whole head of cauliflower with a box grater or the thick grating blade of the food processor.