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.
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Shrimp & Cauliflower Grits
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. Caramelized Cauliflower Soup
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 . Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
Serve these crunchy and cheesy bites with your favorite dipping sauce (we're thinking a Sriracha aioli).
Photo: Courtesy of Damn Delicious . Cauliflower Meatballs
These meatballs are actually meatless — secret super-ingredient cauliflower strikes again.
Photo: Courtesy of Pinch of Yum . Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
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 . Spicy Cauliflower Burger
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 . Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
You'd never guess that this sweet and spicy dish is vegetarian.
Photo: Courtesy of Connoisseurus Veg . Cauliflower Cheddar Fritters
You won't be able to get enough of these crispy, cheesy fritters.
Photo: Courtesy of Gimme Delicious . Loaded Cauliflower Mash Bake
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 . Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh
Fresh lunch on the go with an extra serving of veggies.
Cauliflower Brownies
Brownies made from cauliflower? Just when you think you've seen it all...
Photo: Courtesy of iBreathe I'm Hungry . Healthy Fettuccine Alfredo
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. Roasted Cauliflower Carbonara
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 Cauliflower
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. Ranch Cauliflower Bites
Simple roasted cauliflower gets extra oomph with the addition of powdered ranch.
Photo: Courtesy of The Gunny Sack. Cauliflower Pizza Bites
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. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Only cauliflower could make what is essentially a bowl of veggies into a comfort food.
Photo: Courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats. Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting cauliflower in the oven caramelizes it, giving it an irresistible and savory crunch.
Photo: Courtesy of Rasa Malaysia. Curried Cauliflower Fritters
Everything tastes good as a pancake. Cauliflower is no exception.
Photo: Courtesy of Clara Persis. Mini Cauliflower Pizzas
We love you, bread, but we'd like to see other people.
Photo: Courtesy of Damn Delicious. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
In our book, this is pretty much the definition of "comfort food."
Photo: Courtesy of Give Recipe. Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich
You definitely won't miss the meat when you're eating this hearty sandwich.
Photo: Courtesy of Hot For Food. Cauliflower Lasagna
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. General Tso's Cauliflower
Bet your favorite Chinese delivery spot can't do this.
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