Forget complicated tofurkeys and lackluster vegetable sides. These Roasted Cauliflower Steaks are here to be the showstopping vegetarian centerpiece your holiday table deserves.
Thick-cut, savory, and roasted until perfectly caramelized, they’re seasoned with traditional Thanksgiving spices like thyme and poultry seasoning to ensure every bite complements your classic side dishes. This recipe is simple to execute but delivers a flavor and presentation that feels every bit as special as the main event.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes
Yields: 4 large steaks (plus extra florets)
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Steaks
- 1 large head of cauliflower, firm and with a sturdy core
- cup olive oil (or melted butter/vegan butter)
Thanksgiving Seasoning Blend
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- tsp dried thyme
- tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Seasoning
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or butter), poultry seasoning, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Cut the Cauliflower Steaks
- Remove the tough outer green leaves from the cauliflower but leave the core intact. The core is crucial for holding the slices together.
- Place the cauliflower stem-side down on a cutting board.
- Slice the head vertically into 1 to 1 ½ -inch thick "steaks", starting from the center. You should get 2 to 4 intact steaks.
- Pro-Tip: Roast any loose florets alongside the steaks.
4. Season and Roast
- Place the cauliflower steaks (and florets) on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Using a pastry brush, liberally brush both sides of the steaks with the seasoned oil mixture.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the tray, gently flip the steaks, and brush with any remaining oil mixture.
- Return to the oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender in the center and has golden-brown, caramelized edges.
5. Finish and Serve
- During the last 3 minutes of cooking, take the tray out of the oven.
- Serve immediately as a stunning vegetarian centerpiece.
Serving Suggestion
Serve on a bed of mushroom gravy, or alongside your traditional mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. The flavor profile is designed to be a perfect complement to a classic Thanksgiving feast.