What Main Dish Goes Well With Cauliflower (8+ Yummy Sides)
If you’re like me, then you might sometimes find it challenging to find good main dishes to serve with cauliflower. This is because cauliflower can be a hard vegetable to work with, especially when you’re also trying to find something that will pair well with it.
But don’t worry, because I’m here to help. Over the last few months, I’ve tried a variety of different main dishes with cauliflower and I’ve found that they all work really well together. So if you’re looking for some new ideas, or you just don’t know what to make with your cauliflower, then read on!
I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite main dishes that work well with cauliflower, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
List of main dishes to serve with cauliflower
- Fried Okra
- Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
- Cheese Grits
- Lemon-Garlic Sauteed Green Beans
- Beef Stew
- Tomato Salad
- Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Fried Okra
Sure, you could just serve up a big ol’ bowl of steamed cauliflower as your main dish. But where’s the fun in that? If you’re looking to really impress your dinner guests, why not try something a little bit different and fry up some okra?
Not only is it a delicious way to enjoy this healthy vegetable, but it also has some great health benefits. Okra is a good source of fiber and vitamins, and it can help to lower cholesterol levels. Plus, it’s a tasty way to get your kids to eat their vegetables!
When frying okra, be sure to use a light hand with the breading. You don’t want it to be too heavy, or else it will overpower the delicate flavor of the okra. Serve it with a simple side of rice and steamed cauliflower, and you’ve got a healthy and delicious meal that will surely please everyone at the table.
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy scalloped potatoes are a classic: they’re rich and creamy, and they pair well with just about anything. But when you pair it with cauliflower, the latter can be the star of the show when you top it with the former. Cauliflower is a delicious and nutritious meal when paired with creamy scalloped potatoes.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using creamy scalloped potatoes as the main dish. First, it’s important to choose a potato that is high in starch content. This will help to thicken the sauce and make it creamier.
Second, be sure to add plenty of seasoning to the potato dish. This will help to balance out the richness of the cream sauce. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. You can add cheese, bacon, or even green onions to the dish for an extra flavor boost.
Cheese Grits
One of my favorite things to make is cheese grits with roasted cauliflower. I love the grits’ creamy texture and the roasted cauliflower’s crispy edges. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables.
First, choose a sharp cheese that will hold its own against the bold flavor of the cauliflower. Second, make sure to cook the grits until they are nice and creamy. This will help to balance out the crunchy texture of the roasted cauliflower.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. I like adding a bit of garlic powder and red pepper flakes to my cheese grits, but you can use any combination of spices you like.
Lemon-Garlic Sauteed Green Beans
When it comes to side dishes, green beans are a classic. But why not shake things up and turn them into the main event? Lemon-garlic sauteed green beans are simple, yet packed with flavor. Plus, they’re healthy and can be easily paired with a variety of other dishes.
This is the perfect option if you’re looking for a hearty yet healthy meal. Just be careful not to overcook the green beans, as they can quickly become mushy. And if you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to leave it out. But trust me, it really makes the dish sing.
Go ahead and give this unique twist on a classic a try. You might just find that you’re serving green beans for dinner more often than you thought.
Beef Stew
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting main dish, beef stew is a great option. And if you’re looking to add a little more nutrition to your meal, cauliflower is the perfect side dish, since it is packed with vitamins and minerals and a great fiber source.
When pairing beef stew with cauliflower, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the stew is nice and thick – otherwise, it will water down the cauliflower. Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings. A little bit of cumin or smoked paprika can really give the dish some depth of flavor.
And finally, if you’re serving the stew over rice or noodles, consider adding some chopped kale or brussels sprouts to the mix. They’ll add some green leafy goodness to the dish and round out the meal nicely.
Tomato Salad
Tomato salad is the perfect main dish for cauliflower. The two vegetables complement each other perfectly, and the salad provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. It is also a good source of fiber, which helps to promote digestion and prevent constipation.
When pairing cauliflower with tomato salad, it is important to choose a dressing that will complement the flavors of both dishes. A light vinaigrette or balsamic vinegar are good choices. For a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken or salmon to the salad. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some crumbled blue cheese or chopped fresh herbs.
However, it is important to use ripe tomatoes, as unripe tomatoes can be quite acidic and may not taste as good in the salad. Also, if you are using a dressing with a high acid content (such as vinegar or lemon juice), make sure to add it sparingly. Too much acid can cause the cauliflower to become mushy.
Creamy Mac and Cheese
Creamy mac and cheese is a portion of classic comfort food that can also make a great main dish. Topped with roasted cauliflower, it’s a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this cheesy favorite. When paired with mac and cheese, cauliflower makes for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
There are a few things to keep in mind when making this dish, however. First, be sure to use quality cheese for the best flavor. Second, don’t overcook the cauliflower, or it will become mushy.
And lastly, if you’re looking for a bit of a crunch, consider topping the dish with some chopped nuts or croutons. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will love.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to side dishes, roasted brussels sprouts are a cauliflower’s best friend. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a host of health benefits. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make. Simply toss them in some olive oil and roast them in the oven until they’re crispy and golden brown. Trust me, your guests will be impressed.
But you’ll want to make sure that the two vegetables are cooked to the same degree of doneness. Second, you’ll want to choose a complementary flavor profile. I typically like to pair roasted brussels sprouts with a milder-flavored cauliflower, such as white or orange cauliflower. However, feel free to experiment and see what you like best.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can really take these dishes to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to cook cauliflower?
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the cauliflower into small florets and spread them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 20-25 minutes.
- Steaming: Cut the cauliflower into small florets and add them to a steamer basket. Place the basket in a pot of boiling water and steam for about five minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Sauteing: Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cauliflower and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add some salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
Can I eat cauliflower raw?
Yes! Cauliflower is a great raw vegetable. You can add it to salads, or you can dip it in hummus or any other type of dip.
Conclusion
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with many different main dishes. It’s a great side dish for the main course and delicious on its own. In this blog post, we’ve talked about some of the best options for what to eat with cauliflower.
So whether you’re looking for something new to try or just need some inspiration, we hope this blog post has helped!