A Must-Try Veggie Delight: Bloomin' Cauliflower

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and adds a cheesy flavor.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories while still melting well.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is often less expensive and works for roasting.

breadcrumbs

🥗Healthier: ground oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Crushed crackers can be a cost-effective substitute for texture.

Soak the cauliflower in a deep bowl of cold water with about 2 tablespoons of salt for 10 to 15 minutes to draw out dirt and bacteria.

Remove as much of the leaves from the cauliflower as possible while leaving the core intact for structure.

Trim the stem of the cauliflower to create a flat base.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the soaked cauliflower in a pot of boiling water and boil for about 10 to 15 minutes until the knife goes in easily but the cauliflower is still firm.

Let the cauliflower cool enough to handle after boiling.

Transfer the cooled cauliflower onto a greased baking sheet with olive oil.

Make slits in the cauliflower from the center to about three-quarters down without breaking it apart.

Pour melted vegan butter over the slits to help it penetrate the cauliflower.

Rub the coating mixture made from Panko bread crumbs, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried ground thyme, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper all over the cauliflower, ensuring an even coating.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the cauliflower.

While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the blooming dipping sauce by mixing together about 1/2 cup of vegan mayo, horseradish ketchup, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.

Allow the dipping sauce to sit in the fridge for about half an hour to let the flavors meld.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens