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Whether you’re a cauliflower fanatic or just looking to add a healthier twist on holiday sides, this fluffy veggie has become one of the best things you can add to your Thanksgiving menu. With its mild, nutty flavor and sheer versatility, cauliflower makes a great base for both classic and modern Thanksgiving side dishes. Today, we’re going to share with you some easy, delicious ideas to inspire you for the holiday season. But first, let’s talk about everything cauliflower has to offer.
Health Benefits of Cauliflower and Why It’s Perfect for Thanksgiving
Cauliflower is a highly nutritious, nutrient-dense veggie that offers a ton of great health benefits. For starters, it’s packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber, and is amazing at supporting immune function, bone health, and digestion. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect you from cell damage. And, BONUS! Cauliflower is naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, which makes it a popular choice for those on low-carb or keto diets.
Give cauliflower a chance at Thanksgiving-time, and watch it really shine. From creamy cauliflower soup to roasted cauliflower or cauliflower au gratin, it’s a surprisingly effective way to create hearty, comforting dishes that are also vegetarian-friendly, which makes it perfect for guests with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Cauliflower also makes for an ideal substitute in classic Thanksgiving dishes, especially if you’re looking to enjoy lighter options without sacrificing flavor or texture. Its ability to take on rich flavors, creamy sauces, and hearty spices makes it even more of a Thanksgiving table asset. And there are so many ways you can prepare it.
Different Ways to Cook Cauliflower for Thanksgiving
This remarkably versatile ingredient can take on all kinds of different flavors and textures depending on how you cook it. Here are some popular cooking methods for cauliflower side dishes:
Roasting
Roasting brings out cauliflower’s natural nutty flavor and creates a caramelized, golden brown exterior. When cauliflower is roasted on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, it becomes crispy on the edges, but stays tender inside. Roasting also allows you to experiment with flavors, like parmesan cheese, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs. Plus, this cooking method works beautifully for simple roasted cauliflower dishes or as part of a veggie medley with brussels sprouts.
Steaming
Steaming is a quick and healthy way to cook cauliflower and it retains more of its nutritional value this way, especially vitamin C and fiber. It’s also great for making softer, creamier dishes, like cauliflower mash, which is super easy to whip up. Just steam a whole head of cauliflower or cauliflower florets in a large pot or dutch oven until they’re tender, then blend or mash with your favorite seasonings. Steaming can also be a good prep step if you’re making a cauliflower gratin recipe that will be baked afterward. Check out how to Steam Cauliflower in the Microwave here!
Sautéing
Sautéing cauliflower allows it to absorb flavors quickly and achieve a slightly crispier texture. Use olive oil or melted butter in a hot skillet, and add cauliflower florets along with spices like garlic powder and a sprinkle of sea salt. This is a super quick method that keeps cauliflower’s texture firm but slightly caramelized. It’s also great for when you need a last-minute dish and works well with lemon zest, fresh herbs, or a bit of tomato paste for extra depth.
Baking
Baking cauliflower in a casserole or gratin is another great way to incorporate it into a Thanksgiving dinner. When baked, cauliflower becomes deliciously tender, especially when it’s combined with ingredients like gruyere cheese, creamy sauce, or crispy breadcrumbs. Baking is the best method for creating cauliflower au gratin or cauliflower casserole dishes. And, even better, these dishes can be prepped ahead of time.
Blending for Soups or Purees
Blending cauliflower into soups or purees is a great way to create creamy, cozy sides without heavy ingredients. For creamy cauliflower soup, cook the cauliflower until very soft, then blend with vegetable stock, a bit of sour cream, and seasonings like black pepper and sea salt. The blended cauliflower takes on a smooth, creamy texture that’s perfect for whenever you need a warm, comforting side. (Check out our recipe for Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Bacon and Gorgonzola here!)
5 Cauliflower Sides to Make For Thanksgiving
Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs
For a simple but super flavorful side, try roasted cauliflower with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Start by tossing cauliflower florets in olive oil, then spread them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper and roast at medium-high heat until golden brown. Finish with a dusting of parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color and flavor. This easy side dish will bring a delicious crunch and a boost of vitamin C to your holiday table.
Check out our Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan Recipe here!
Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
When it comes to creamy, cheesy sides, cauliflower gratin is hard to beat. This cauliflower casserole combines tender florets with a creamy cheese sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. In a baking dish, layer lightly steamed cauliflower with a bechamel sauce. (You can find a great recipe here.) Bake until bubbly and golden brown for a dish that rivals any au gratin recipe out there. It’s the perfect side dish for pairing with your Thanksgiving turkey.
Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts Medley
If you’re a big fan of roasted veggies, try combining cauliflower florets and brussels sprouts together for a nutrient-packed medley that’s big on color and flavor. Toss both vegetables with olive oil, black pepper, and sea salt before spreading them on a baking sheet. Roast until the edges are crispy to bring out their natural sweetness. This side is also a great way to offer a lighter veggie option and balance out heavier sides like sweet potato casserole and savory stuffing.
Cauliflower Mash with Roasted Garlic
For a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash is a delicious side dish with a similar creamy texture. Steam a whole head of cauliflower in a large pot until tender, then blend with roasted garlic, sour cream, and a bit of vegetable stock until smooth. Add black pepper, sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. This mash is super easy because it’s made with simple ingredients and offers a lower-carb, nutrient-dense veggie option to your Thanksgiving spread.
Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon and Fresh Herbs
Cauliflower steaks are full or flavor and it doesn’t hurt that they also look extremely appetizing. Start with a whole head of cauliflower, slicing it into thick “steaks.” Brush each side with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and a dash of garlic powder, then roast on a baking sheet until tender and caramelized. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a handful of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of freshness. It’s a healthy, but hearty veggie option.
Tips for Cauliflower Side Dishes
- Season Generously: Cauliflower loves flavor and it absorbs it well. Whether you’re adding garlic powder, fresh herbs, or a little lemon zest, don’t hold back on the seasoning.
- Get the Right Texture: Avoid overcooking to keep it tender but not mushy.
- Prep Ahead: Many cauliflower dishes can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat before serving to save time on busy cooking days.
What Cauliflower Dishes Will You Be Making this Holiday Season?
We’d love to know! Whether you’ve got a tried and true cauliflower recipe or will be experimenting with one you’ve never tried, we want to hear about it. Drop a comment below.
