Welcome to grilling season. When the weather is warm and the grill is hot, this grilled cauliflower recipe is exactly the kind of easy vegetable dish you will want to make again and again. The cauliflower becomes smoky, tender, and lightly crisp around the edges, while the garlic seasoning and parmesan cheese add bold flavor without making the recipe complicated.
Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
This grilled cauliflower with parmesan is a flavorful, low carb vegetable recipe that works beautifully as a side dish or a light main course. Thick slices of cauliflower are brushed with a savory garlic marinade, grilled until charred, then finished with grated parmesan while they are still hot. The result is simple, satisfying, and full of smoky barbecue flavor.
Cauliflower is mild on its own, which makes it perfect for soaking up seasonings. In this recipe, oil, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper seasoning create a marinade that gives every bite a rich, savory taste. Once the cauliflower hits the grill, the edges caramelize and crisp up, adding texture and depth.
If you are looking for an easy grilled vegetable recipe for summer cookouts, this bbq cauliflower is a great option. It is hearty enough to feel substantial, yet light enough to serve with grilled fish, chicken, steak, pork, or a fresh salad. Even people who do not usually get excited about cauliflower may change their minds after tasting it grilled with parmesan cheese.
VIDEO: Easy Grilled Garlic Cauliflower Recipe
This easy grilled garlic cauliflower recipe is all about slicing the cauliflower thick enough to hold together, coating it well with marinade, and grilling it until the edges are charred and tender.
Tips on How to Make Grilled Cauliflower
- The marinade is what makes this grilled cauliflower extra flavorful. The blend of oil, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt adds savory depth before the cauliflower ever touches the grill.
- When slicing the head of cauliflower, keep as much of the stem attached as possible. The stem helps hold the slices together so they look more like cauliflower steaks. Some small pieces will break away, but you should still get a few larger slices from the center.
- Slice the cauliflower about 1/2 inch thick. If the pieces are too thin, they may fall apart easily. If they are too thick, they may take longer to cook through.
- Use parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty finish, or try another cheese that melts well. Cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack can add a different flavor depending on what you are serving with the cauliflower.
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts after grilling. For heat, sprinkle on chopped chilies or a pinch of spicy seasoning.
- If you are grilling smaller broken pieces, use a grill basket so they do not fall through the grates.
- Serve the cauliflower while it is hot so the cheese softens and melts over the charred edges.
What to Serve with this Cauliflower?
There are many easy ways to serve grilled cauliflower with parmesan. It can stand on its own as a low carb meal, but it also works well as a side dish for almost any grilled dinner.
- Enjoy it on its own as a low carb or keto-friendly dish.
- Serve it with a crisp green salad for a simple vegetarian meal.
- Add chickpeas, arugula, herbs, and a light dressing to turn it into a Mediterranean-inspired cauliflower salad.
- Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, steak, or pork for a complete barbecue meal.
- Serve the smaller grilled pieces in bowls, wraps, or over greens for an easy lunch.
- However you serve it, this grilled cauliflower recipe brings smoky flavor, satisfying texture, and a delicious parmesan finish to the table.
Helpful BBQ Tools
A few simple grilling tools can make this recipe easier, especially when working with cauliflower steaks and smaller florets. Long tongs help you turn the slices gently, while a grill basket is useful for catching any broken pieces. A clean, hot grill also helps the cauliflower develop the best char and flavor.
Strong BBQ tongs are useful for turning cauliflower steaks without breaking them. Choose a sturdy pair with a good grip so you can handle the slices gently and confidently.
A reliable grilling guide can help with heat control, timing, and technique. Understanding how your grill cooks makes it easier to get beautifully charred vegetables.
A grill light is helpful if you cook outdoors in the evening. Good visibility makes it easier to watch the cauliflower and prevent over-charring.
A charcoal grill or smoker adds deep, smoky flavor to cauliflower. Keep the heat steady and avoid moving the slices too often so they can develop a good crust.
A gas grill is convenient for quick weeknight cooking. Preheat it well before adding the cauliflower so the slices sear properly.
Grill baskets are perfect for smaller cauliflower pieces that break away while slicing. They let you cook everything evenly without losing pieces through the grates.
Grilled Cauliflower with Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower , sliced about 1/2 inch thick
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or herbs of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning or seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- kosher salt , to taste
- black pepper , to taste
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons minced parsley or cilantro
Instructions
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Preheat the grill to medium-high or high heat. Scrape the grates clean so the cauliflower does not stick.
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In a bowl, whisk together the oil, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, lemon pepper or seasoning salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush the marinade on both sides of the cauliflower slices. Season the tops with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Gently place the marinated cauliflower steaks on the grill. Cook for about 2 to 4 minutes per side, or until the edges are charred and the cauliflower is tender.
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Transfer the hot cauliflower to a platter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese so it softens over the steaks. Finish with parsley or cilantro and serve warm.
Video
For the best results, watch the cauliflower closely while it grills. The goal is a tender center with smoky, crisp edges.
Nutrition Information per Serving
More Easy Recipes:
- Cauliflower fried rice
- Low carb sriracha cauliflower
- Skillet beef and cauliflower
- More delicious cauliflower recipes
- More grilled and BBQ recipes
- This recipe was originally published in 2018 and republished in 2019 with an updated video.