15 Creative Ways to Cook Cauliflower

Cauliflower has never been this versatile or delicious! From Instant Pot mashed cauliflower and cheesy casseroles to spicy air fryer bites and whole roasted gochujang cauliflower, there’s a recipe for every craving. Enjoy comforting options like roasted cauliflower soup, Italian beef and cauliflower rice skillet, or slow cooker butter chicken with cauliflower rice. With creative twists like salt and vinegar popcorn cauliflower, teriyaki wings, and pickled cauliflower, these recipes make cauliflower exciting, easy, and full of flavor.

Instant Pot Cauliflower

A bowl of cooked cauliflower florets topped with black pepper, with a fork holding one floret above the bowl. — Instant Pot Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Cauliflower cooks quickly in an instant pot, retaining flavor and tenderness. Pressure cooking softens the florets while keeping shape intact. Seasonings can be added during cooking. It is convenient for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

This version blends cooked cauliflower with melted cheese in the instant pot. The result is smooth, creamy, and flavorful. The top can brown slightly if finished under a broiler. Each scoop is rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with ground meat and herbs from a black cast iron skillet. — Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef and cauliflower rice cook together with Italian herbs and spices. The mixture develops a rich, savory flavor. Each bite is hearty and filling. It is quick to prepare and serve straight from the skillet.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A close-up of a cheesy vegetable casserole with broccoli, cauliflower, and sliced green onions in a baking dish. — Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli and cauliflower are baked in a cheesy sauce for a comforting casserole. Toppings like breadcrumbs or extra cheese create a golden finish. Each serving combines soft textures with rich flavor. It is easy to portion and serve.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Maple Sriracha Roasted Cauliflower

A plate of roasted cauliflower florets, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes. — Maple Sriracha Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Eat Fresh Glow.

Cauliflower florets are coated with a sweet and spicy maple sriracha sauce. Roasting caramelizes the edges for added depth. Each bite balances heat and sweetness. It makes a lively side dish.
Get the Recipe: Maple Sriracha Roasted Cauliflower

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

A bowl of cooked cauliflower rice with seasoning, served with a white spoon on a light-colored surface. — xr:d:DAFbZunPAsE:95,j:8365843199986233984,t:23102308

Cauliflower rice is spread on a baking sheet and baked until lightly golden. The oven enhances flavor while slightly crisping the edges. Seasonings adhere easily. It is simple to prepare in advance.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Pickled Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets are preserved in a tangy vinegar solution. Pickling adds a crunchy texture and bright flavor. They can be eaten alone or as part of salads and sides. The tang balances richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara

A brown casserole dish filled with baked cauliflower, cheese, herbs, and a wooden spoon resting inside. — Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

Cauliflower is roasted and tossed into a creamy carbonara sauce with pasta. The edges caramelize for flavor. Each bite combines smooth sauce with tender roasted pieces. It makes a satisfying comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

A bowl of creamy cauliflower soup garnished with roasted cauliflower florets and fresh thyme. — Roasted Cauliflower Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted cauliflower blends into a creamy, flavorful soup. Seasonings enhance the natural taste. The texture is smooth and warm. It can be served as a starter or light main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon. — Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Butternut squash and cauliflower cubes roast with bacon for a flavorful medley. The vegetables caramelize slightly in the oven. Bacon adds a savory depth to the dish. Each bite is a mix of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Salt and Vinegar Popcorn Cauliflower

A basket lined with newspaper holds roasted cauliflower pieces garnished with herbs, with a fork resting on the side. — Salt and Vinegar Popcorn Cauliflower. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cauliflower florets are coated and baked to mimic popcorn with a tangy seasoning. The exterior becomes crispy while the inside stays tender. Salt and vinegar flavor gives a punchy taste. It works as a snack or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Vinegar Popcorn Cauliflower

Simple Stir Fry Cauliflower Recipe: Sichuan Style

Stir-fried cauliflower with mushrooms, dried red chilies, and green onions on a white plate. — Simple Stir Fry Cauliflower Recipe: Sichuan Style. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Cauliflower is stir fried with bold Sichuan spices and aromatics. The high heat keeps it slightly crisp. The sauce coats each piece evenly. It is ready quickly and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Simple Stir Fry Cauliflower Recipe: Sichuan Style

Slow Cooker Dairy Free Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of chicken tikka masala served over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by a piece of naan bread. — Slow Cooker Dairy Free Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Cauliflower rice absorbs the flavors of a dairy-free butter chicken sauce. The slow cooker melds spices and tender meat. Each bite combines creamy sauce with soft rice. It is convenient for an easy, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Dairy Free Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Bite-sized cauliflower pieces are seasoned and baked or fried. They hold together and have a satisfying crisp exterior. Flavors cling well to the surface. They are easy to share as an appetizer or side.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower

Whole roasted cauliflower topped with grated cheese and herbs, served on a plate. — Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A whole cauliflower head is coated with spicy gochujang sauce and roasted. The edges caramelize while the center remains tender. The bold flavor infuses throughout. It makes an impressive main or side.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower