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.
Want More R29 Food?
Whole Foods Is Offering Pi Day Deals
How To Shop Organic On A Budget
3 Magical Coffee Hacks That Will Save You Money
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.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Girl Scout Cookie Cereal Is Really Happening
Australians Are NOT Okay With What Americans Are Doing To Fairy Bread
Food FOMO Alert! Here's What Lazy Girls Snack On Around The World