These Loaded Cauliflower Steaks are a low carb twist on cheesy loaded potatoes with thick roasted cauliflower and gooey cheddar. Crispy bacon and fresh chives take them over the top, making them the perfect easy side for any meal.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cauliflower Steaks Recipe

• Tasty low carb spin on loaded potatoes
• Thick cauliflower steaks
• Roasted until tender
• Loaded with gooey cheddar cheese and smoky bacon
• Perfect easy side to go with any protein

Cauliflower steaks might sound fancy, but this recipe is pure comfort food with just a few easy steps. The thick-sliced cauliflower roasts up soft in the center and just a little crispy around the edges, making it the perfect canvas for all the good stuff—bacon, cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. It’s hearty, cheesy, and somehow still totally easy to pull off on a weeknight.

I first made these when I was craving loaded baked potatoes but didn’t want the carbs. Since then, they’ve become my go-to side for grilled chicken, steak, even burgers. They come out of the oven hot, cheesy, and ready to serve, with no peeling or boiling that potatoes require.

If you looking for a similar recipe, maybe without the cheese and other toppings, you should try these simple, yet scrumptious Roasted Cauliflower Steaks.

🛒 Ingredients for Loaded Cauliflower Steaks

• Cauliflower: Look for large, firm heads so you can get good, thick slices.
• Cheddar cheese: Use freshly shredded for the best melt and that gooey finish.
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled adds the loaded potato vibe we’re going for.
• Olive oil: Helps the cauliflower roast to golden perfection and adds flavor.
• Chives: Fresh and mild, they’re the perfect finishing touch.
• Garlic salt: Brings a subtle garlicky kick without overpowering the rest.
• Black pepper: Adds a little depth and balances out the richness from the cheese.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Baking sheet
• Brush

🔪 How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Steaks

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Wash, dry and slice your cauliflower into 8 thick steak-like pieces, then set them on a baking sheet brushed with olive oil.

Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt and ground black pepper. 

Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven add the shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake for another 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Remove from the oven and add the bacon and chives over the top, then serve.

You can also add some sour cream over then tops if you’d like.  If you’re going to have leftovers, wait to add the sour cream until you are ready to serve.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy edges.

Freezer: This dish is not ideal for freezing once topped, but plain roasted cauliflower steaks can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven before adding fresh toppings.

🍴 What to Serve with Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks

In short…everything! 😉 But if you’re needing a little inspiration, here are some popular Keto main courses that go well with the flavors in roasted cauliflower.

• Seafood– Red Snapper with Compound Butter, Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers and Baked Salmon with Asparagus. 

• Steak– Cast Iron Steak with Mushrooms, Air Fryer Steak and Grilled Steak with Compound Butter. 

• Chicken- French Onion Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Keto Lemon Chicken.

• Pork- Pan Fried Pork Chops, Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Stuffed Pork Loin.

💡 Tips

• Start with a large head of cauliflower. Bigger stems make it easier to cut thick slices that hold together.

• Slice the cauliflower vertically through the core to help the steaks stay intact while roasting.

• Use a sharp chef’s knife so you can cut cleanly without crushing the florets.

• Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup quick and prevent sticking.

• Don’t skip the olive oil. It helps the cauliflower caramelize on the edges and stay tender inside.

• Shred your own cheddar cheese for a smoother melt. Pre-shredded cheese can turn out a little gritty.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor.

• Peppers: Add thin-sliced jalapeños or pickled peppers on top for a spicy kick.

• Bacon: Use turkey bacon or pancetta if you want to change up the smoky flavor.

• Sour cream: Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch just before serving.

• Seasonings: Stir a little smoked paprika or ranch seasoning into the olive oil before brushing it on.

Why Are My Cauliflower Steaks Falling Apart?

Make sure to keep the core attached when slicing. It helps hold each piece together.

How Thick Should I Slice Them?

About ¾ to 1 inch thick is just right. Too thin and they’ll fall apart, too thick and they may not cook evenly.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

You can roast the cauliflower ahead, then reheat and top with cheese and bacon just before serving.

Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower?

Not for steaks. You’ll need fresh cauliflower to get the shape and texture right.

Why is My Cauliflower Soggy?

Make sure your cauliflower is fully dry before roasting and don’t overcrowd the pan.

🍽️ More Cauliflower Recipes

• Cauliflower Risotto
• Coconut Cauliflower Rice
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower
• Easy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Cauliflower Potato Salad