20+ Reasons Cauliflower Is the Most Versatile Veggie on the Planet

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

Pinterest just released its Fall trends report, and among them is that cauliflower is the new kale. We've definitely seen this white cruciferous veggie flood restaurant menus, food blogs, and glossy magazines, and we expect the world to join in on the white-broccoli fanaticism throughout 2015. Since cauliflower is a blank canvas, capable of transforming into rice, pizza crust, mac and cheese, and even steak, we're obsessing over it, particularly these 20-plus ways to prepare it.

Cauliflower Snowflakes
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Cauliflower Snowflakes

Doesn't the recipe title alone — cauliflower snowflakes — inspire you to want to roast this white veggie?

Loaded Baked Cauliflower Soup
Sprinkled Side Up

Loaded Baked Cauliflower Soup

Instead of potatoes, sub cauliflower for this loaded baked cauliflower soup.

Fettuccine Alfredo
Heather Christo

Fettuccine Alfredo

Nope, there's no cream in this cauliflower-based fettuccine alfredo.

Cauliflower Crust Pizza
A Beautiful Mess

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

With cauliflower crust pizza, you won't even miss the bread!

Quick Cauliflower "Risotto"
Half Baked Harvest

Quick Cauliflower "Risotto"

Quick cauliflower "risotto" takes the time and carbs out of standard rice risotto.

Whole-Roasted Cauliflower
Alexandra's Kitchen

Whole-Roasted Cauliflower

Want a showstopping side dish? Turn to this whole-roasted cauliflower.

Vegan Cauliflower Tacos
POPSUGAR Photography

Vegan Cauliflower Tacos

Cauliflower absorbs flavor like no other, making it the perfect meat substitute in these vegan tacos.

Cauliflower Crust Pizza
POPSUGAR Photography

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Bake thin-crust cauliflower crust pizza in a half sheet pan. No special equipment needed!

Smoky Roasted Cauliflower
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Smoky Roasted Cauliflower

The most effortless and flavorful way to cook the cruciferous veg: this smoky roasted cauliflower recipe.

Paleo-Perfect Cauliflower "Rice"
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Iizuka

Paleo-Perfect Cauliflower "Rice"

It all begins with a basic: steamed cauliflower "rice."

Cauliflower Crust Pizza
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Though that looks like a thin-crust pizza, it's actually a cauliflower crust pizza, garnished with all the classic Margherita pizza fixings.

Cauliflower Couscous
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Cauliflower Couscous

No cooking is required for this Middle Eastern-flavored cauliflower couscous. The tiny cauliflower pieces really do have a similar texture and mouthfeel as wheat couscous.

Cauliflower Steak With Pancetta
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Cauliflower Steak With Pancetta

For nights where you're inspired to tackle something restaurant-grade, try cauliflower steak with pancetta, capers, and butter . . . lots and lots of it.

Cauliflower "Rice" Stir-Fry
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cauliflower "Rice" Stir-Fry

Paleo dieters and those looking to detox will appreciate whipping up a bowl of cauliflower "rice" stir-fry on a weeknight.

Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower
POPSUGAR Photography

Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower

Roasted, battered, fried, and coated in a spicy butter sauce, vegetarian buffalo cauliflower bites are anything but mere vegetables.

Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits

Cauliflower takes a Southern twist with shrimp and cauliflower "grits."

Asian Cauliflower Fried Rice
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Asian Cauliflower Fried Rice

Bacon-lovers: prepare to meet the fried rice of your dreams, loaded with cremini mushrooms, egg, and more.

Curry Cauliflower
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Curry Cauliflower

Spice up your veggies by adding curry powder to roasted cauliflower.

Gluten-Free No-Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Gluten-Free No-Mac and Cheese

Cauli takes the place of noodles in this no-mac and cheese.

Cauliflower Dirty Rice With Andouille Sausage
Always Order Dessert

Cauliflower Dirty Rice With Andouille Sausage

Cauli rice goes Cajun with this Paleo cauliflower dirty rice with andouille sausage.

Roasted Cauliflower With Salsa Verde
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Roasted Cauliflower With Salsa Verde

Cauliflower will never be boring again thanks to roasting it and coating it with salsa verde.

Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese
Healthy Recipe Ecstasy

Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

Sneak some veggies into this cauliflower-filled macaroni and cheese recipe.

Cauliflower Mash
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cauliflower Mash

Who needs potatoes when you can whip up cauliflower mash topped with bacon and scallions?