New Ways to Make Cauliflower

Looking for ways to up your daily veggie intake? Make some cauliflower for dinner tonight. This cruciferous vegetable is high in cancer-fighting antioxidants and is a tremendous source of B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium and protein. It has anti-inflammatory properties and protects your body against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, plus it is high in fiber. What's not to love? The taste, you say? If you have never been a great fan of this versatile veggie, perhaps preparing it in a different way will change your mind. Here are some ways to make cauliflower that even the most zealous vegetable critic will enjoy.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

This is one of the best ways to make cauliflower if you do not like the texture of it when it is steamed or boiled. Roasted cauliflower is easy to make and turns out enticingly crisp and flavorful. Feel free to play with the seasonings based on your personal tastes and what you have on hand.

Ingredients
1 head cauliflower
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 450F. Break or chop cauliflower into large bite-size florets and place into a baking dish or sheet in a single layer. Pour olive oil over florets. Sprinkle seasonings over the cauliflower and toss with your hands or wooden spoons to coat the florets with the oil and seasonings. Place in preheated oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cauliflower is golden brown and fork tender. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Easy, Cheesy Cauliflower

Another of my favorite ways to make cauliflower that even finicky eaters enjoy incorporates cheese and other creamy ingredients you probably have on hand. A bonus is that you use the microwave, so this cauliflower recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients
1 head cauliflower
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions
Rinse and drain cauliflower, then cut it up into large florets. Spray a microwave-safe dish with nonstick cooking spray and place florets into it. Add water to the dish. Microwave on high heat for 10 minutes. Drain the water from the dish. Combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread mixture over the cooked cauliflower. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and return to microwave. Heat on high in 30-second intervals just until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Sneaky Mashed Potatoes

This cauliflower recipe is one of the sneakiest ways to make cauliflower, but if you don't tell your family, there is a good chance they will never guess it is not just mashed potatoes. You can use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh to save some time.

Ingredients
2 1/2 lbs. potatoes
1 head cauliflower
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk or 1/4 cup cream
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 head roasted garlic (find helpful instructions on how to do this here)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Peel and quarter potatoes. Cut cauliflower into large florets. Place both into a large pan of boiling water. Cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain potatoes and cauliflower. Add oil and butter to the pan and mash the ingredients together. Mix in the remaining ingredients and stir to combine thoroughly.

The next time you need a healthy yet delicious side dish for a meal, try one of these new ways to make cauliflower. You will not be disappointed!