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Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Cheesy Pesto served on a plate with spoon.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Cheesy Pesto

I tried various methods for cooking a whole cauliflower head & this one seems to be the winner. It’s a low and slow roast, giving a caramelized outside with an oh so tender inside.
5 from 4 votes
Total Time: 2 hours
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Keyword: Plant-Based, Vegan
Author: Sara
Servings: 1 cauliflower

Ingredients
 

  • 1 small head cauliflower 1 1/2 lbs-2 lbs
  • 1-2 tbls neutral oil
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded vegan cheese I used vegan mozzarella
  • 2 tbl pesto
  • non dairy milk not flavored

Instructions

  • Prep the oven: place oven safe pan/cast iron pan on rack in the center. Fill a small baking pan with hot water & place on the floor of oven. Preheat to 375 F
  • Prep Cauli: Turn cauliflower with stem facing up. Break off/ cut off surrounding leaves. Then shorten center stalk with a knife so cauliflower can sit upright when turned over. Trim other visible leaves being careful not to break surrounding florets.
  • Rinse cauliflower, no need to dry. Massage entire cauliflower with 1 tbl oil, season with plenty of kosher salt & pepper.
  • Carefully place cauliflower on pan in oven. Basting with oil 2-3 times. Roast 1-2 hrs till tender in center.
  • Make Cheese Sauce: in a small sauce pan set on low heat, add cheese. Add 1 tbl non dairy milk, stir till cheese melts, adding more milk slowly about 2-3 tbls to reach a smooth & somewhat thick consistency, turn off heat, add pesto, stir to combine.
  • Pour cheese sauce on roasted cauliflower, using a spatula to help spread on entire head
  • Broil 3-5 min on top rack till top of cheese on browns a bit. Top with fresh herbs. Enjoy!!! Serve by slicing like a pie. Serve with extra cheesy pesto for dipping.

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