24 cauliflower recipes

Some quick facts for you: cauliflower is a member of the brassica family and while it’s almost always white, you can also find purple and green varieties. It’s available all-year round but is best between December and mid-April; choose cauliflowers with bright white heads (no discolouration) and crisp, green leaves. Related to broccoli, a cauliflower’s head (the curd) is actually made up of hundreds of undeveloped flower buds. That collection of buds should be pure white when buying, and held within crisp green leaves, which can also be steamed and eaten, too.

Want expert advice for growing your own crop? Learn how to grow your own cauliflower from our friends at Gardeners’ World.

Cauliflower rice

When blitzed in a food processor, cauliflower resembles fine grains that can be used as a substitution for rice or couscous. You can stir-fry it, roast it or blast it in a microwave for a quick and healthy alternative to carbohydrates.

It’s great for vegetable and protein-packed bowls. Fry cauliflower rice in a drizzle of oil with salt and pepper and a few herbs or spices if you like. Tip into a bowl and top with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, lentils, beans, chickpeas, a few seeds and a dollop of yogurt or guacamole, and you’ve got yourself a super healthy protein-rich dinner.

Best cauliflower recipes

Cauliflower soup

Creamy cauliflower soup is comfort in a bowl, plus you can throw it together in just two simple steps.

Cauliflower fritters

In Ukraine, all sorts of things, from schnitzel to whole river fish are fried in batter. Here, cauliflower gets the treatment. These easy fritters with a simple dip make for great snacks, ready in just 25 minutes.

Bang bang cauliflower

Crispy baked cauliflower is the star in this flavour-packed recipe, served with a punchy sauce made from sriracha, sweet chilli, honey and lime.

Cauliflower mash

Creamy, buttery and extra garlicky cauliflower mash makes an amazing low-carb alternative to the original. Try it alongside your favourite meat or veggie main.

Vegetarian cauliflower chowder

Celebrate cauliflower season with this comforting bowl of creamy veggie chowder – a pinch of cayenne pepper gives a gentle warmth to this soup.

Veggie butter curry

Tender cauli, filling chickpeas and earthy spinach combine to make a comforting veggie curry. Serve, garnished with the almonds and coriander, with rice alongside.

Roast cauliflower korma

Check out our veggie korma recipe with roast cauliflower. This curry recipe is low in calories and ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for an easy midweek dinner.

Spiced cauliflower soup

Check out our creamy spiced cauli soup recipe. This simple veggie soup is low in calories and ready in under an hour.

Spicy cauli steak burgers

Check out our easy deep-fried cauliflower steaks with lightly toasted ciabatta rolls. Make these super simple veggie burgers for a quick dinner for four.

Cauliflower, anchovy and raisin spaghetti

Make the most of cauliflower in this low-calorie pasta with lightly toasted pine nuts and sweet smoked paprika.

Chinese dry-pot cauliflower

Try this vegan dry-pot cauliflower by chef Hannah Che for a filling vegan dinner. If you can’t find caulilini, the most common Chinese cauliflower variety, regular white cauliflower also works well.

Best ever cauliflower cheese

Cauli cheese. Arguably one of the heroes of British food. Is it really a roast dinner if there’s no super cheesy, crispy-topped, piping hot cauliflower cheese on the table? Easy to make, you may argue, but follow these handy hints and tips to make it unreal.

Cauliflower steaks with capers

Crispy buttery capers are poured over tender, caramelised cauli steaks. No we’re not saying they taste like a steak, but they are just as good!

Spanish cauli rice

Spicy and smoky chorizo, juicy prawns and hot paprika make this a quick but just-as-good alternative to the rice version.

Cauliflower and banana curry

Banana, the surprise ingredient in this vegan cauliflower curry, adds sweetness and thickens the sauce. It's a bit of a secret weapon, as it makes for a creamy, comforting dish.

Roasted harissa cauliflower with warm coriander hummus and dukkah

Chunky wedges of roasted rose harissa cauliflower, served with warm hummus and a super-simple homemade dukkah.

Tajín cauliflower bites

Tajín is a classic Mexican seasoning made from lime, chilli and salt. It works so well on these moreish cauli bites with the cooling soured cream.

Buffalo cauli wings with blue cheese dip

Check out our veggie buffalo wings with cauliflower and creamy blue cheese dip. Make these easy wings for a moreish veggie snack.

Whole tandoori cauliflower with jewelled rice salad

Check out this Indian spiced whole roasted cauliflower with fluffy rice, pomegranate seeds and crunchy pistachios. This flavoursome recipe makes a showstoping veggie dish to serve friends and family at your next bbq.

Turmeric and butter roasted cauliflower with pink pickled onions

A creamy tahini dressing and pink pickled onions make this a multi-tasking main, starter or side.

Cauliflower shawarma, pomegranate, tahini and pine nuts

Shawarma-spiced butter with cumin, all spice, cardamom, lemon and garlic, liberally smothered over a whole cauliflower, barbecued and served with all the toppings. This tastes even better than it looks!

Cauliflower crust pizza

Oh hello low-carb cauli pizzas! How you’ve changed no-pizza diet plans for us…

Buffalo cauliflower tacos

These vegan, low calorie buffalo cauliflower tacos are ready in just 35 minutes and are so packed with flavour that you won’t even notice you’re being virtuous.

Roasted cauli and couscous salad with zhoug and crispy shallots

Check out our vibrant cauliflower salad recipe with giant couscous, crispy fried onions and a punchy zhoug dressing. This easy salad is vegan and low in calories, too.