Spooky Cauliflower “Brain” Bake
This spooky Halloween bake features a whole roasted cauliflower that looks like a brain creamy, savory, and gluten-free. A fun, eerie dish perfect for Halloween gatherings or fall dinners!
Equipment
- baking sheet
- mixing bowl
- shallow baking dish
- oven
- knife
Ingredients
- 1 medium whole cauliflower head (leaves trimmed, core intact)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt or sour cream
- 0.25 cup tahini or smooth almond butter
- 0.5 lemon, juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 0.5 tsp cumin
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Pomegranate seeds (optional garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cauliflower head on a lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly all over the cauliflower. Roast uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until golden and tender.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, mix yogurt or sour cream, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Once cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a shallow baking dish. Pour the creamy mixture around the base to cradle the cauliflower. Bake for another 10 minutes, until bubbly and warm.
- Let it cool slightly, then garnish with pomegranate seeds, parsley, or toasted seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the spooky fun!
Notes
Use fresh, tight cauliflower for best results. Customize with cheesy or vegan twists, or add grains for a heartier meal. Leftovers can be turned into a creamy soup for the next day!
Nutrition
Calories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 6gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!