Once the vegetable our moms would have to beg us to try ("just a bite!"), today, we can't get enough of cauliflower. It practically defines the word versatile: It's a great stand-in to help make comfort foods healthier, but still tastes delicious on its own. We can't help but think if our 8-year-old selves had encountered cauliflower as a pizza (or covered in Parmesan) we probably would have come around a lot sooner.
For some tempting recipes (and more), click through.
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Chipotle-Lime Roasted Cauliflower
Make your cauliflower kick-ass by spicing up some florets with this chipotle-lime glaze.
Photo: Courtesy of The Brewer & The Baker.
Who says you have to completely transform cauliflower to enjoy it? Just try a little garlic, parmesan, and parsley for a simply savory dish.
Photo: Courtesy of Damn Delicious.
Fried Cauliflower With Lemon Tahini Sauce
When in doubt, fry your cauliflower and cover it in tahini.
Photo: Courtesy of Heather Christo.
These cauliflower "grits" are creamy, delicious, and take only 5 minutes to make.
Photo: Courtesy of Wicked Spatula.
Roasted Cauliflower with Sage Browned Butter
Browned butter with crispy sage and pancetta make anything decadent — even cauliflower.
Photo: Courtesy of The Brewer & The Baker.
We never thought we'd see caramel and cauliflower together in the same recipe — but we dig it.
Photo: Courtesy of Sprouted Kitchen.
Rosemary Lemon Alfredo Chicken & Cauliflower Lasagna
Instead of traditional tomato lasagna, this dish switches it up with a creamy cauliflower base.
Photo: Courtesy of Gingralicious.
Cauliflower-Feta Fritters With Pomegranate
Bright pomegranate seeds and creamy feta add major flavor to these fritters.
Photo: Courtesy of Smitten Kitchen.
Serve these crunchy and cheesy bites with your favorite dipping sauce (we're thinking a Sriracha aioli).
Photo: Courtesy of Damn Delicious.
These meatballs are actually meatless — secret super-ingredient cauliflower strikes again.
Photo: Courtesy of Pinch of Yum.
This creamy soup gets a veggie boost from, you guessed it, oven-roasted cauliflower.
Photo: Courtesy of Pinch of Yum.
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These hot poppers are just like the real deal (minus the chicken).
Photo: Courtesy of Gimme Delicious.
This golden-crunchy cauliflower burger is sandwiched between a jalapeño cheddar bun, chipotle mayo, and avocado magic green sauce. Mic drop.
Photo: Courtesy of Pinch of Yum.
Creamy Portobello & Pancetta Cauliflower "Risotto"
Cauliflower successfully sneaks in to replace risotto in this creamy dish.
Photo: Courtesy of Gingralicious.
Fried Cauliflower With Whipped Feta
Who said veggies can't be decadent? Try frying them and then dipping them in a whole bunch of cheese.
Photo: Courtesy of The Candid Appetite.
You'd never guess that this sweet and spicy dish is vegetarian.
Photo: Courtesy of Connoisseurus Veg.
You won't be able to get enough of these crispy, cheesy fritters.
Photo: Courtesy of Gimme Delicious.
This dish is exactly like a loaded baked potato!
Photo: Courtesy of Skinnytaste.
Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos
Forget fish tacos and try this crispy cauliflower version instead.
Photo: Courtesy of Cookie+Kate.
Fresh lunch on the go with an extra serving of veggies.
Brownies made from cauliflower? Just when you think you've seen it all...
Photo: Courtesy of iBreathe I'm Hungry.
Use cauliflower for a dairy-free version of your favorite creamy pasta sauce.
Slow Cooker Red Lentil Cauliflower Curry
A dish worth dusting off your slow cooker for.
Photo: Courtesy of Well Plated.
Cauliflower gets a lot of love for being a sneaky replacement for starches, but it can also be a delicious addition to a carby, comforting pasta dish, too.
Photo: Courtesy of The Brewer And The Baker.
Bang bang is a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that tastes good on everything, so, of course, we love the idea of drizzling it on crunchy cauliflower.
Photo: Courtesy of Kirbie's Cravings.
Loaded Mashed Cauliflower Casserole With Bacon And Caramelized Onions
In case you needed proof that cauliflower can be decadent.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeanette's Healthy Living.
Simple roasted cauliflower gets extra oomph with the addition of powdered ranch.
Photo: Courtesy of The Gunny Sack.
Healthier pizza that's also easier to pack? We're in.
Photo: Courtesy of Wicked Spatula.
Thai Cauliflower Rice Salad With Peanut Butter Sauce
Take cauliflower rice to the next level by simmering it in coconut milk.
Photo: Courtesy of The Awesome Green.
Maple Sriracha Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower obsession, meet our hot sauce obsession.
Photo: Courtesy of Baker By Nature.
Only cauliflower could make what is essentially a bowl of veggies into a comfort food.
Photo: Courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats.
Roasting cauliflower in the oven caramelizes it, giving it an irresistible and savory crunch.
Photo: Courtesy of Rasa Malaysia.
Everything tastes good as a pancake. Cauliflower is no exception.
Photo: Courtesy of Clara Persis.
We love you, bread, but we'd like to see other people.
Photo: Courtesy of Damn Delicious.
In our book, this is pretty much the definition of "comfort food."
Photo: Courtesy of Give Recipe.
You definitely won't miss the meat when you're eating this hearty sandwich.
Photo: Courtesy of Hot For Food.
Yep, cauliflower noodles are a thing. And we want some.
Photo: Courtesy of The Iron You.
Cauliflower Roasted Red Pepper Soup
A veggie-packed soup is a perfect packed lunch or light dinner.
Photo: Courtesy of Gal On A Mission.
Bet your favorite Chinese delivery spot can't do this.
Photo: Courtesy of The Woks Of Life.
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