This Steamed Cauliflower is so darn good topped with Parmesan Cheese. This vegeable recipe is fast, delicious, and easy for everyone in the family to eat.
While there is no magic formula to get every kid to like every vegetable, I’ve had a lot of success with simple recipes like this one.
This Steamed Cauliflower takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and requires no special cooking gear or techniques.
The cauliflower is mild, yet flavorful, which is a great combination. You can also let the kids add their own sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (or shredded cheddar) on top, which could be an easy way to engage them with the food.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is simply steaming the cauliflower florets and then tossing with flavorful enhancements—butter or olive oil and cheese. We usually find that cheese helps almost any veggie go down easier!
This is a favorite way to cook cauliflower for kids. (And you might also like my Roasted Frozen Broccoli and Roasted Carrot Fries, too.)
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
To make this Steamed Cauliflower recipe, you’ll just need to have the following simple ingredients on hand and ready to go.
- Cauliflower: You can use a head of cauliflower and cut into florets yourself or start with a bag of precut florets. Or, you can use frozen cauliflower florets.
- Butter or olive oil: This adds flavor to the cooked cauliflower.
- Parmesan cheese: I prefer to use grated Parmesan (which tends to have better flavor than shredded for some reason) or another shredded cheese that your family enjoys.
- Salt, optional to taste.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making this cauliflower recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full recipe, including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. Add the cauliflower florets to a steamer basket fit into a pot with 1-2 inches of water.
Step 2. Cover, bring to a simmer and cook until soft. Stir in butter or olive oil and sprinkle with cheese.
TIP: We like Parmesan here, but you can also use shredded cheddar!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cutting cauliflower into bite-sized florets helps them cook evenly so you don’t end up with some pieces mushy and others still firm. And it makes it easier for kids to eat.
Steaming cauliflower typically takes about 5–7 minutes until the florets are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Adjust a minute or two if you want them softer or firmer.
Simple seasoning with olive oil, salt, and Parmesan highlights cauliflower’s natural flavor and makes it more appealing for kids.
Serving Suggestions
We like this side dish with pasta and Healthy Meatballs, Baked Chicken Tenders, hot dogs, Zucchini Burgers, or really, anything else that needs an easy side dish!
Make-Ahead Tips
You can for sure prep the cauliflower if you buy it in a whole head. Simply cut into florets and discard the stem. Wash and dry well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I often use quart-size Mason Jars.
One head of cauliflower typically yields about 4-5 cups, so you can portion it into one or two family dinner sides depending on the size of your family. You can also cook the cauliflower and let it cool fully, then reheat briefly with the cheese.
Best Tips for Success
- Try to cut the florets into roughly equal sizes so that they cook evenly.
- Use a steamer basket that fits into a medium size pot.
- Season to taste with salt if desired (or let the cheese add the flavor).
- Add fresh herbs (like snipped parsley or basil) if your kids like additional flavor.
- If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can also simmer the cauliflower florets in a medium pot with an inch or two of water until tender. You’ll want to cover the pot and stir once to endure that the veggies cook evenly.
- For another veggie recipe, try my Oven-Roasted Asparagus.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share!
Quick Steamed Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower (chopped into florets; or about 4-6 cups)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add about 1 inch of water to a medium saucepan. Place a steamer basket inside.
- Add the cauliflower, cover, and set over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 additional minutes after that, lowering the heat slightly if it’s rapidly boiling.
- Remove lid and remove cauliflower into a bowl.
- Stir in the butter or oil and salt, if using, and top with cheese. Serve!
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
This post was first published in February 2022.
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