Get ready to elevate your grilled side dishes with this loaded grilled cauliflower recipe. This dish brings together the mouth-watering combination of grilled cauliflower, savory bacon, melted cheese and cool ranch dressing. It's not just a side dish, but a star in its own right, filled with different textures and flavors.
Photos of Loaded Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you may need to make a trip to the supermarket for a few items. The cauliflower, of course, needs to be fresh. The cheddar cheese should ideally be a block of good-quality cheddar that you grate yourself. Bacon adds a rich, savory flavor. Don't forget to pick up some chives for garnishing and a bottle of your favorite ranch dressing.
Ingredients for Loaded Grilled Cauliflower
Cauliflower: The main star of this dish, cauliflower provides a hearty and healthy base.
Olive oil: Used for brushing the cauliflower for grilling, it imparts a mild flavor and helps in getting those beautiful grill marks.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor to the cauliflower.
Paprika: Gives a slight pungent sweetness and a vibrant color to our dish.
Cheddar: Melts beautifully over the grilled cauliflower, adding a creamy, tangy flavor.
Ranch Dressing: Adds a tangy, cool element to the dish, complementing the hearty grilled cauliflower.
Bacon: Provides a crispy, salty, and smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
Chives: Adds a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of color, used as a garnish.
One reader, Ediva Brown says:
This loaded grilled cauliflower recipe is a game-changer! The cauliflower steaks are perfectly charred and the cheese adds a delicious richness. The bacon and chives on top take it to the next level. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a tasty and healthy dish.
Essential Techniques for Loaded Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
How to grill cauliflower steaks: Grilling cauliflower steaks requires a specific technique to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice char without falling apart. It involves brushing the cauliflower with the olive oil mixture and grilling until tender and charred in spots.
How to melt cheese on cauliflower: Melting cheese on the grilled cauliflower steaks requires covering the steaks with cheese and allowing it to melt over the heat until gooey and delicious.
How to cook bacon: Cooking bacon to crispy perfection involves placing it in a skillet over medium heat and flipping it occasionally until it reaches the desired crispiness.
How to grill cauliflower florets: Grilling cauliflower florets involves tossing them in the olive oil mixture and grilling until they are charred and tender, adding a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
How To Make Loaded Grilled Cauliflower
This loaded grilled cauliflower recipe is made from thinly sliced cauliflower seasoned with spices and topped with cheese and bacon upon serving.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2large heads cauliflower
- ¼cupsextra virgin olive oil
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ½tsppaprika
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2cupscheddar,shredded
- ranch dressing,for drizzling
- 8bacon slices,cooked, crumbled
- 2tbspchives,finely chopped
Instructions
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Remove and discard leaves from each cauliflower head, then trim the stem so that the cauliflower can lie flat on the cutting board.
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Cut each cauliflower into thick steaks about ¾-inch thick. Reserve any loose florets to cook with the steaks.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika. Season mixture with salt and pepper.
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Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Brush one side of each steak with olive oil mixture and place the brushed side down on the grill.
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Brush the top sides with olive oil mixture and cook until tender and both sides are charred in spots for about 8 minutes per side.
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Top each cauliflower with cheese and cook until melted. Toss any extra florets in the olive oil mixture and grill, turning often, until charred and tender for about 6 minutes.
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Drizzle cauliflower with ranch dressing, then sprinkle cooked bacon and chives on top.
Nutrition
- Calories: 740.92kcal
- Fat: 60.12g
- Saturated Fat: 22.94g
- Trans Fat: 0.86g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 25.69g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.28g
- Carbohydrates: 24.07g
- Fiber: 9.00g
- Sugar: 8.86g
- Protein: 31.58g
- Cholesterol: 105.60mg
- Sodium: 1305.42mg
- Calcium: 550.95mg
- Potassium: 1458.94mg
- Iron: 2.46mg
- Vitamin A: 190.76µg
- Vitamin C: 203.32mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Loaded Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
When grilling the cauliflower steaks, it's important to keep the heat at a medium level. Too high heat can cause the outside of the cauliflower to char and become too crispy before the inside has had a chance to fully cook and soften. Also, don't forget to brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the olive oil mixture. This not only adds flavor but also helps to prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the grill. Lastly, when melting the cheese on top of the cauliflower, you can cover the grill for a few minutes. This will help the cheese to melt more evenly and quickly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the cauliflower is grilling, cook the bacon and prepare the toppings to save time.
Use pre-shredded cheese: This will save you the time of grating the cheese yourself.
Grill in batches: If your grill or grill pan is not large enough, grill the cauliflower in batches to save time and ensure even cooking.
Keep it simple: Stick to basic seasonings and toppings to minimize prep time and maximize flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Loaded Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli has a similar texture and flavor to cauliflower, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for extra virgin olive oil in this grilled recipe.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Using fresh minced garlic will provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor that can enhance the grilled taste of the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity.
cheddar - Substitute with gouda: Gouda cheese has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, which can complement the grilled cauliflower.
ranch dressing - Substitute with Greek yogurt and herb mix: A mixture of Greek yogurt and herbs can provide a tangy and creamy alternative to ranch dressing.
bacon - Substitute with smoked turkey bacon: Smoked turkey bacon can offer a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture as traditional bacon.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color similar to chives.
How to Beautifully Present Loaded Grilled Cauliflower
Elevate the cauliflower steaks: Carefully arrange the grilled cauliflower steaks on the plate, ensuring they are positioned elegantly and with precision.
Garnish with crispy bacon: Place the crispy bacon on top of the cauliflower steaks, ensuring it adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
Drizzle with ranch dressing: Artfully drizzle the ranch dressing over the cauliflower steaks, ensuring it adds a touch of creaminess and flavor to the dish without overpowering it.
Sprinkle with chives: Sprinkle the chives over the dish, ensuring they are evenly distributed and add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Arrange grilled florets: Artfully arrange the grilled florets around the cauliflower steaks, creating a visually appealing composition that showcases the various elements of the dish.
Add a touch of paprika: Lightly dust the plate with a touch of paprika for a subtle yet impactful visual enhancement that complements the flavors of the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers to the presentation, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall plating.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the natural beauty of the dish to shine through without overwhelming the senses.
Essential Tools for Making Loaded Grilled Cauliflower
Grill or grill pan: A cooking tool used for grilling the cauliflower steaks and florets. It imparts a smoky flavor and char marks to the cauliflower.
Small bowl: Used for mixing the olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika to create a flavorful marinade for the cauliflower.
Brush: Used to apply the olive oil mixture onto the cauliflower steaks before grilling.
Tongs: Essential for flipping the cauliflower steaks on the grill to ensure even cooking and charring.
Baking sheet: Used for cooking the bacon in the oven until crispy, and for assembling and serving the loaded grilled cauliflower.
Storing and Freezing Loaded Grilled Cauliflower
Let the grilled cauliflower cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the cauliflower from becoming soggy and help maintain its texture.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled cauliflower steaks in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
If you have any leftover toppings like cheese, bacon, or chives, store them separately in the refrigerator and add them to the cauliflower when reheating.
To freeze, place the cooled cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours.
Once frozen, transfer the cauliflower steaks to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen grilled cauliflower will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, place the frozen cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the cauliflower steaks in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
If you have any leftover toppings, add them to the cauliflower steaks after reheating.
Enjoy your delicious leftover loaded grilled cauliflower within a few days of storing or freezing for the best quality and taste!
The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Grilled Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover loaded grilled cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the cauliflower loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quicker option, use your microwave. Place the loaded grilled cauliflower on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cauliflower to become mushy.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat the loaded grilled cauliflower in there. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cauliflower on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the loaded grilled cauliflower on your grill or grill pan. Preheat the grill to medium heat and place the cauliflower on the grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your reheated loaded grilled cauliflower, sprinkle some fresh shredded cheese, chopped bacon, or chives on top before reheating. This will give it a fresh, flavorful twist.
Interesting Fact About Loaded Grilled Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used as a low-carb alternative to grains and legumes. It is high in fiber and B-vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Is Making Loaded Grilled Cauliflower at Home Cost-Effective?
The loaded grilled cauliflower recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Cauliflower is an affordable and versatile vegetable, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be a great alternative to traditional grilled meats. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Grilled Cauliflower Recipe Healthy?
This loaded grilled cauliflower recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of olive oil, which is high in calories and fat.
- Cheddar cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
- Bacon is also high in saturated fat and sodium, and has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
- Ranch dressing is typically high in calories, fat, and sodium.
However, cauliflower itself is a nutritious vegetable, low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used, or opt for a healthier cooking method like roasting or steaming.
- Use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a smaller amount of a stronger-flavored cheese like sharp cheddar or parmesan.
- Replace bacon with a leaner protein source like grilled chicken or shrimp, or use a vegetarian alternative like smoky tempeh.
- Make your own ranch dressing using Greek yogurt as a base, which will reduce the calorie and fat content while increasing the protein.
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as grilled bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
Editor's Opinion on Loaded Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
This loaded grilled cauliflower recipe is a delightful and innovative twist on a classic vegetable dish. The combination of charred cauliflower steaks, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the cauliflower while adding a smoky depth. The addition of chives provides a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a satisfying and indulgent experience that will surely impress your guests and elevate any meal.
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Why trust this Loaded Grilled Cauliflower Recipe:
This loaded grilled cauliflower recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their vegetable game. The cauliflower steaks are infused with a flavorful blend of extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring a mouthwatering taste in every bite. The addition of cheddar takes this dish to the next level, while the crispy bacon and zesty ranch dressing add a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. With its simple yet innovative approach, this recipe promises to impress even the most discerning palates. Trust in this recipe to deliver a memorable and satisfying dining experience.
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