Mexican Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

This Mexican Street Style Cauliflower Recipe is made with cauliflower, chili powder, sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, limes, cotija cheese and cilantro.

This was one of those recipes I came up with and I was so excited to try it. I googled it (some variations already existed) but I gave it my own twist. I was thinking of making a street style corn recipe but instead using cauliflower for a more healthy version. It was absolutely delicious, and don’t forget to use the tortilla chips for that crunch. This will forever be your favorite veggie side dish once you try it. It is gluten free and paleo friendly!

I love a good roasted vegetable, especially when prepared well. Roasted cauliflower has always been on the top of my list and it never fails to impress. It is so versatile and you can almost make it in so many ways. This dish is spicy, tender, flavorful, salt all at the same time.

If you like this recipe, feel free to try my Cauliflower Tacos and my Buffalo Cauliflower.

Jump to:

• Why should you eat cauliflower?
• What makes this Mexican Street Style Cauliflower so special?
• Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking?
• Mexican Street Style Cauliflower Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Mexican Street Style Cauliflower Recipe
• Why is my roasted cauliflower mushy?
• Substitutions
• Mexican Street Style Cauliflower Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Mexican Cauliflower
• Mexican Street Style Cauliflower Recipe Top tips
• Mexican Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
• Food safety

Why should you eat cauliflower?

Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that provides many health benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding cauliflower to your diet:

• Rich in nutrients: Cauliflower is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
• Low in calories: Cauliflower is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great choice for people who are trying to lose weight or manage their blood sugar levels.
• High in fiber: Cauliflower is a good source of fiber, which can help improve digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
• May help reduce the risk of certain diseases: Cauliflower contains compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
• Versatile and easy to prepare: Cauliflower can be prepared in a variety of ways, including roasted, steamed, mashed, or added to soups and stews. It's also easy to incorporate into many different recipes.

What makes this Mexican Street Style Cauliflower so special?

Mexican street corn style cauliflower is a delicious and unique way to prepare cauliflower that draws inspiration from the popular Mexican street food, elote (grilled corn on the cob). Here are some reasons why Mexican street corn style cauliflower is so special:

• Flavorful: Mexican street corn style cauliflower is bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of smoky, grilled cauliflower with the tangy, creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices.
• Unique texture: The charred cauliflower florets provide a slightly crispy and caramelized texture that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
• Versatile: Mexican street corn style cauliflower can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main dish when paired with rice or beans.
• Healthy: Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When prepared without too much added fat or salt, Mexican street corn style cauliflower can be a healthy and satisfying addition to your diet.
• Fun and festive: The bright colors and bold flavors of Mexican street corn style cauliflower make it a fun and festive dish that's perfect for entertaining or bringing to a potluck.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking?

Soaking cauliflower before cooking is a technique often used to clean the vegetable and remove any dirt, insects, or impurities that may be present in the florets. Cauliflower has a complex, branching structure, and its florets can sometimes harbor debris that is difficult to remove through a simple rinse.

Mexican Street Style Cauliflower Recipe Ingredients

• Cauliflower
• Chili powder
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Hot sauce
• Lime
• Cotija cheese
• Cilantro

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Mexican Street Style Cauliflower Recipe

Hint: Flip the cauliflower halfway if you want a more crispy cauliflower.

Why is my roasted cauliflower mushy?

Mushy roasted cauliflower often results from overcooking, high temperatures, overcrowding on the baking sheet, excess moisture, insufficient oil, or the use of frozen cauliflower. To prevent mushiness, monitor cooking time, roast at a moderate temperature, ensure proper spacing on the baking sheet, thoroughly dry the cauliflower before roasting, use an adequate amount of oil, and be cautious with frozen cauliflower. Achieving the right balance in these factors will help you enjoy perfectly roasted cauliflower with a crisp and tender texture.

Substitutions

• Oil: I love using olive oil, but you could use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or sunflower oil.
• Lime: I love using lime juice for this recipe. You can alternatively use lemon instead if that is all you have on hand.
• Mayonnaise: I absolutely love adding the spicy mayo for this (spicy mayo is mayonnaise and sriracha combination) but a great add on would be cream cheese, similarly to a Philadelphia roll.
• Cheese: Traditionally, street style corn is made with cotija cheese. You could always use feta cheese or parmesan cheese.
• Hot Sauce: I used frank’s hot sauce since I had it on hand, although I know Cholula or Crystal works well too. If you have a low spice tolerance, you can opt to using wing sauce.

Mexican Street Style Cauliflower Recipe Variations

Here are some variations on the Mexican roasted cauliflower recipe that you might want to try:

• Spicy Mexican roasted cauliflower: Add some heat to your cauliflower by adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice blend. You could also drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle some sliced jalapeños on top of the cauliflower after roasting.
• Cheesy Mexican roasted cauliflower: Top your roasted cauliflower with shredded Mexican cheese blend or crumbled queso fresco and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Vegan Mexican roasted cauliflower: Use a vegan mayonnaise or substitute with mashed avocado to make a vegan-friendly version of the sauce. You could also sprinkle the cauliflower with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
• Smoky Mexican roasted cauliflower: Add a smoky flavor to your cauliflower by using smoked paprika in the spice blend or adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Check out my Whole Roasted Cauliflower or my friend Kristi's Vegan Cauliflower Recipe!

Equipment

The equipment you'll need to make Mexican roasted cauliflower recipe includes:

• Baking sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet is essential for roasting the cauliflower. I love using my Caraway pots baking sheets for best quality. Get yourself a discount by clicking here.
• Mixing bowl: You'll need a mixing bowl to toss the cauliflower with the spices and oil.
• Spatula: A spatula makes it easy to flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: You'll need measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure out the ingredients.
• Oven: You'll need an oven to roast the cauliflower.
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional): Lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

How to store Mexican Cauliflower

To store Mexican roasted cauliflower, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, you can either reheat it in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

It's worth noting that the texture of roasted cauliflower may change slightly after refrigeration, becoming a bit softer. If you want to maintain the crispy texture, it's best to eat the cauliflower right after roasting.

Mexican Street Style Cauliflower Recipe Top tips

Here are some top tips to keep in mind when making Mexican roasted cauliflower:

• Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets: This will help ensure that the cauliflower cooks evenly.
• Dry the cauliflower thoroughly: Excess moisture can prevent the cauliflower from roasting properly and getting crispy. Pat the cauliflower dry with paper towels before seasoning and roasting.
• Use parchment paper or foil: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil can make cleanup easier and prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the pan.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: Make sure to spread the cauliflower out in a single layer on the baking sheet so that each piece has room to cook and get crispy.
• Roast at a high temperature: Roasting the cauliflower at a high temperature (around 425°F or 220°C) will help it get crispy and caramelized.
• Flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking: Flipping the cauliflower over halfway through cooking will help it cook evenly on all sides.
• Customize the spice blend: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to your liking by adding more or less of the spices, or adding different spices altogether.
• Serve with a dipping sauce: Mexican roasted cauliflower pairs well with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a yogurt-based sauce or a salsa verde.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.