What to Serve with Cauliflower Steaks? 35 Best Side Dishes

Cauliflower steaks are a delicious and healthy alternative to meat.

They are perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and people who are trying to eat less meat.

But what do you serve with cauliflower steaks?

You can serve cauliflower steaks with all kinds of sides, from salads and roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes and rice. If you want to keep things light, a simple vinaigrette or herb sauce would be a good choice. For something heartier, you could opt for a cream or cheese-based sauce.

In this article, I’m sharing 35 of the best side dishes for cauliflower steaks including salads, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, rice, and more.

Whether you are looking for a light side dish or something more substantial, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Steaks? 35 Best Side Dishes

Cauliflower steaks are a delicious and healthy alternative to meat.

But what do you serve with them?

Here are 35 of the best dishes to go with cauliflower steaks:

1. Roasted Vegetables

It’s important to get your veggies in, and what better way to do it than by roasting them?

Roasted vegetables are not only healthy, but they’re also delicious.

And, they make a great side dish to cauliflower steaks.

1. To roast your veggies, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Then, wash and chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces.
3. Next, toss them with olive oil and salt and pepper.
4. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly browned.

I like to roast a mix of veggies, like Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red onions.

But you can really use any veggie you like.

Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Nothing is as easy as boiled potatoes mashed with some butter, milk, and salt.

But this classic side dish can be taken up a notch by adding in some garlic, chives, or even roasted cauliflower.

For a complete meal, add in some grilled chicken or fish.

And if you want to get really fancy, top it with some caviar or truffle oil.

3. Crispy Quinoa Patties

I bet you haven’t tried making something as special as these quinoa patties before!

They make the perfect side to any meal, but especially cauliflower steaks.

To make them, you’ll need:

• 1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cauliflower steaks (for serving)

Instructions:

1. To make the patties, mix together all of the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Then, form the mixture into small patties.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the patties to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.
5. Serve with cauliflower steaks and enjoy!

4. Garlic Butter Rice

If you want to keep things ultra simple, just roast your cauliflower steaks with some olive oil, salt, and pepper.

But if you want to step it up a notch, this garlic butter rice is the perfect side dish.

It’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients: rice, butter, garlic, salt, and water.

You can even make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

To turn this into a complete meal, just add a protein of your choice. grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be great options.

5. Moroccan Couscous with Sweet Potato and Chickpeas

I love how pretty this side dish is with the orange sweet potatoes and green chickpeas, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables.

The couscous can be flavored with anything you like, but I love the combination of cumin, paprika, and cinnamon.

You could also add in some chopped dried apricots or dates for a little sweetness.

6. Farro Salad

Looking for something on the healthier side to serve with your cauliflower steaks?

This farro salad is a great option.

It’s full of fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, and it’s tossed in a light vinaigrette.

You can also add some feta cheese or grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal.

And, if you want to add a little bit of heat, you can always toss in some crushed red pepper flakes.

Just be sure to taste the salad before you serve it, so you can adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Sometimes, the classic side dishes are the best.

Garlic Parmesan roasted green beans are a great option to serve alongside cauliflower steaks.

To make them, you’ll need:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Spread the green beans on a baking sheet, and roast for about 10 minutes, until they’re crisp-tender.
4. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve immediately.

8. Oven Roasted Broccoli

It’s time to turn on your oven, because we’re making roasted broccoli!

This simple side dish is perfect for when you want to add a little something extra to your meal, but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!

All you need is a head of broccoli, some olive oil, and your favorite seasonings.

I like to add garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.

1. Cut the broccoli into florets, toss with the olive oil and seasonings, and then spread out on a baking sheet.
2. Roast in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and slightly browned.

You’ve just made a delicious side dish that goes great with just about anything.

9. Honey Butter Roasted Carrots

If you want a side dish that your kids will actually eat, try honey butter roasted carrots.

They’re simple to make and only require a few ingredients: carrots, butter, honey, and salt.

You can also add in some thyme or other herbs for extra flavor.

1. First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Then, wash your carrots and slice them into thin strips.
3. Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
4. Once it’s melted, remove from heat and stir in the honey.
5. Place the carrots on a baking sheet and drizzle with the honey butter mixture. Make sure they’re evenly coated and then sprinkle with salt (and any other herbs you want to use).
6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly browned around the edges.
7. Serve hot!

10. Mashed Cauliflower

Serving cauliflower with cauliflower just makes sense.

I mean, they’re both in the same family, so they’ll get along just fine.

Plus, mashed cauliflower is a great way to add some extra veggies to your meal without feeling like you’re eating a salad.

Simply boil or steam some cauliflower florets until they’re nice and soft, then mash them up with some butter, milk, and salt to taste.

You could also add in some shredded cheese, green onions, or roasted garlic for extra flavor.

11. Mexican Street Corn Salad

When you’re craving Mexican street corn but don’t want all the calories that come with it, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect solution.

It’s packed with the same flavors – sweet corn, smoky cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing – but in salad form.

And, it’s just as easy to make as the traditional dish. The best part is that it can be made ahead of time, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Plus, it’s a great side dish to serve with cauliflower steaks.

Just add a little extra flavor with some chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili powder.

12. Eggplant Parmesan Boats

When you want to impress your guests with a delicious and healthy side dish, Eggplant Parmesan Boats are the way to go.

1. Slice an eggplant in half lengthwise, then scoop out the flesh, being careful not to puncture the skin.
2. Chop the eggplant flesh and mix it with some tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Spoon the mixture back into the eggplant halves, then bake in a preheated oven until the eggplant is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For extra flavor, you can add some chopped fresh basil or oregano to the mixture before baking.

13. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

If you have a pan just waiting to be used after cooking your cauliflower steaks, then mushrooms are the perfect side dish to throw in.

They cook quickly and can take on a lot of flavor, which is perfect for this dish.

I like to add garlic and butter to my mushrooms, as it really brings out their natural flavor.

You could also add some thyme or rosemary if you want an extra herby flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a splash of white wine before cooking them down.

Just be sure to cook the alcohol out before adding anything else to the pan.

14. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

This salad has been popular in my family for years, and we always make it when we have company over.

It’s simple to put together, and can be made ahead of time so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Plus, it goes great with just about any main dish.

To make it, you’ll need: cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt & pepper.

1. Start by slicing the tomatoes in half, and then alternate them on a plate with the mozzarella balls and basil leaves.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt & pepper to taste.

You can make this salad up to an hour before serving, and just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to eat.

15. Grilled Corn on the Cob

I love grilling.

And, in the summer, one of my favorite things to grill is corn on the cob.

It’s so easy to do and it’s a great way to add some extra flavor to your cauliflower steaks.

All you need to do is husk the corn, brush it with some olive oil, and then grill it for about 10 minutes.

I like to put my corn on the grill right before I put the cauliflower steaks on.

That way, they’re both done at the same time and they’re hot off the grill.

You can also add some butter, salt, and pepper to your corn while it’s grilling if you want to really pack in the flavor.

16. Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy, salty, and slightly sweet, these oven-roasted sweet potato fries are the perfect side dish to accompany cauliflower steaks.

The key to getting them crispy is to make sure they’re cut into even pieces so they cook evenly, and to roast them at a high temperature.

I like to add a little bit of smoked paprika and garlic powder to the fries for extra flavor, but you can really season them however you like.

Another great way to add flavor is to dip them in a sauce – I love BBQ sauce or ketchup.

17. Air Fryer Potato Wedges

If you have an air fryer, this is a great way to make potato wedges.

They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and only take about 15 minutes to cook.

1. Start by cutting your potatoes into wedges, then toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. I like to use garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Then, cook them in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
3. Serve them with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

18. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These cubes of roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish to any meal, but they go especially well with cauliflower steaks.

They’re easy to make and only require a few ingredients: sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

I like to add a little bit of smoked paprika for extra flavor, but that’s totally optional.

Simply cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and roast in a 400-degree F oven for 20-25 minutes.

That’s it!

You can even make them ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

19. Baked Beans with Bacon

Classy, smoky, and delicious, these baked beans are the perfect side dish to any meal, but especially cauliflower steaks.

They’re easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

And, they’re even better when made with bacon!

To really bring out the flavor of the bacon, cook it in the oven with the beans.

This will render the fat and give you crispy bits of bacon to top your beans with.

You can also add a touch of sweetness to the dish by stirring in some brown sugar or molasses before serving.

20. Refried Beans

Want something super simple yet flavorful to serve with your cauliflower steaks?

How about refried beans?

You can make them from scratch or use canned, it’s totally up to you.

If you want to go the homemade route, start by cooking some pinto beans until they’re soft.

Then mash them up and add in some sautéed onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt to taste.

If you’re using canned beans, just heat them up on the stove with a little water and add in the spices.

Serve the beans on the side of the cauliflower steaks and enjoy!

21. Avocado Black Bean Salad

This easy, cold lunch or side dish is perfect for when you want something healthy and filling, but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and can be made ahead of time.

I like to make a big batch at the beginning of the week and then have it for lunch throughout the week.

To add some extra flavor, I like to top it with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.

22. Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Sometimes, I just want something crispy to snack on.

But, I don’t want the guilt that comes along with eating a bag of chips.

That’s where these crispy roasted chickpeas come in.

They’re easy to make, and you can flavor them however you like.

My personal favorite is to add some curry powder and sea salt.

But, you could also go the savory route and add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Or, if you’re feeling a little sweet and spicy, add some cinnamon and cayenne pepper.

23. Roasted Cauliflower Soup

How about a warm and creamy roasted cauliflower soup to go alongside your cauliflower steaks?

This soup is packed with flavor, thanks to the roasted cauliflower, garlic, and onion.

Plus, it gets a little extra zing from the lemon juice and cayenne pepper.

If you want to keep it vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

And if you want to make it ahead of time, simply roast the cauliflower and garlic ahead of time, then store in the fridge until you’re ready to make the soup.

24. Broccoli Cheese Soup

Any cheese lover will tell you that broccoli and cheese go together like, well, cheese and crackers.

But have you ever thought about turning that classic combo into a soup?

If not, you should definitely give it a try.

It’s easy to make and can be a great way to use up any extra broccoli you might have.

Also, it’s the perfect side dish for cauliflower steaks.

1. To make the soup, simply sauté some chopped onion and garlic in a bit of butter or olive oil.
2. Then add in some chopped broccoli and chicken broth.
3. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes before adding in milk and shredded cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and you’re done!

25. Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup

Any creamy soup is always welcome on my table, but this roasted tomato soup is especially lovely served with cauliflower steaks.

The soup is made with roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onion, blended until smooth and then finished with a touch of cream.

You could also add in some fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, for extra flavor.

26. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Everybody loves a delicious sandwich on their plate, and a grilled cheese is the perfect pairing for cauliflower steaks.

The best way to make a grilled cheese is to use two pieces of sourdough bread, and add in your favorite cheese.

I like to use a sharp cheddar, but you can use whatever you like.

Once you have your cheese in between the slices of bread, butter the outside of the bread, and then place it on a skillet over medium heat.

Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Slice in half and serve!

27. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is one of my go-to’s when I need a side dish that will please a crowd.

It’s easy to make and can be served with just about anything.

The key to this dish is to cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy.

I also like to add a little bit of ranch dressing to the pasta salad, as it really ties all of the flavors together.

If you’re looking for an extra bit of flavor, you could also add in some chopped green onions or shredded cheese.

28. Watermelon Arugula Salad

It doesn’t get simpler than this watermelon arugula salad.

The sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the peppery arugula and the salty feta.

And, it only takes a few minutes to throw together.

I like to add a little bit of balsamic vinegar to the dressing to balance out the sweetness of the watermelon.

If you want, you can also add some chopped mint or basil to the salad.

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so if you’re making it ahead of time, just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

29. Lemony Pine Nut Arugula Salad

Lemony, pine nutty, and slightly bitter from the arugula, this salad is the perfect side to rich and savory cauliflower steaks.

The acidity of the lemon juice helps to cut through the richness of the cauliflower, while the pine nuts add a lovely crunch.

To make this salad extra special, I like to use a mix of baby arugula and spinach leaves.

The baby leaves are more tender and have a milder flavor, while the spinach adds a nice earthiness.

If you can’t find baby arugula, you can just use all spinach leaves.

I also like to add a few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top.

30. Kale Salad

Kale has a strong and earthy taste that goes great with the grilled flavor of cauliflower steaks.

For this salad, I like to use a massaged kale, which is where you massage the kale with a little bit of olive oil and salt to soften it up.

This helps to take away some of the bitterness that kale can have.

I also like to add in some other hearty vegetables, like roasted sweet potatoes, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese.

For the dressing, I usually go with a simple balsamic vinaigrette.

But feel free to get creative and use whatever dressing you like!

31. Caesar Salad

I can easily recommend a classic Caesar salad as the perfect side dish to go with cauliflower steaks.

It’s a simple salad to make, and it’s packed with flavor.

And, it’s a great way to get some greens in.

To make the salad, you’ll need some romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a Caesar dressing.

I like to add some extra flavor to my Caesar salad by adding in some grilled chicken or shrimp.

And if you really want to take it up a notch, you can drizzle on some truffle oil before serving.

32. Potato Salad

Sometimes, knowing what to serve cauliflower steaks with can be difficult.

But not to worry, I’ve got the perfect side dish for you: potato salad!

This dish is packed with flavor and goes great with cauliflower steaks.

Also, it’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can focus on grilling the steaks to perfection.

1. To add extra flavor to the potato salad, I like to use a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream.
2. Then, I add in some diced celery, red onion, and pickles for a little crunch.
3. Finally, I season it with salt, pepper, and a touch of vinegar.

33. Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so delicious, this Healthy Creamy Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish to serve with cauliflower steaks!

Packed with healthy ingredients like cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh basil, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit with everyone.

And the best part?

It’s so easy to make!

Just cook the pasta according to package directions, then add in the rest of the ingredients and mix everything together.

If you want to give it a little extra flavor, you can add in some crumbled feta cheese or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Yum!

34. Macaroni and Cheese

I still remember my mom making me boxed macaroni and cheese when I was younger.

It was my favorite!

And even now, as an adult, I still love a good bowl of mac and cheese.

But instead of the boxed stuff, I like to make a homemade version.

It’s so much tastier and you can control the ingredients.

And, it’s really not that hard to make.

For this recipe, I like to use a mix of cheddar and Gruyere cheeses.

They both have a nice sharp flavor that pairs well with the cauliflower steaks.

And to add a little bit of texture, I like to top the mac and cheese with some chopped bacon or pancetta.

35. Baked Potatoes

And lastly, baked potatoes are a great compliment to cauliflower steaks.

They are hearty and filling, yet still light enough not to overshadow the main dish.

And, they are so easy to make!

1. Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, wash your potatoes, and then slice them into thin wedges.
2. Toss with olive oil and sea salt, then bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
3. For extra flavor, you can top them with shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream.

FAQ

What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower Steaks?

You can serve roasted cauliflower steaks with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences. If you want something light and healthy, you can serve them with a salad or roasted vegetables.

If you are looking for something more filling, you can serve them with mashed potatoes or rice. For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish.

What Meat to Serve with Cauliflower Steaks?

The most popular meats to serve with cauliflower steaks are chicken, pork, and beef.

• Chicken pairs well with the vegetable because it is a light meat that does not overpower the flavor of the cauliflower.
• Pork is also a good option because it has a similar texture to chicken but is slightly richer in flavor.
• Beef pairs well with cauliflower steaks because the two have complementary flavors – the beef adds a savory element while the cauliflower provides a slight sweetness and crunch.

Click here to learn more about what meat to serve with cauliflower steaks.

What to Serve with Grilled Cauliflower Steaks?

You can serve grilled cauliflower steaks with a variety of sauces, depending on your personal preference. If you want something light and refreshing, you can try a lemon vinaigrette or tzatziki sauce. If you are looking for something richer, you can go for a Romesco sauce or aioli.

For sides, grilled cauliflower steaks pair well with roasted potatoes, quinoa salad, or roasted vegetables.

Click here to learn more about what to serve with grilled cauliflower steaks.

What Sauce to Serve with Cauliflower Steaks?

The best sauces to serve with cauliflower steaks are ones that are creamy and flavorful. A classic option is hollandaise sauce, but you could also try a cheese sauce, aioli, or even a simple garlic-butter sauce. If you want to add a little bit of sweetness to the dish, you could also serve it with a honey mustard sauce or a balsamic glaze.

Click here to learn more about what sauce to serve with cauliflower steaks.

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