If there’s one dish that’ll steal the show at your Halloween table, it’s this Cauliflower Brain. It looks spooky, a little gory, and absolutely perfect for the season – yet it’s surprisingly delicious, even for those who usually skip the veggies. This recipe transforms a simple cauliflower into something golden, nutty, and full of flavor. The combination of olive oil, parmesan, sage, and red pepper flakes gives it that rich, savory taste that makes everyone go back for seconds.
The secret to getting it just right is all in the roasting. Once brushed with the olive oil and herb mixture, the cauliflower slowly caramelizes in the oven, developing that beautiful crust on the outside while staying tender inside. When it comes out, a quick sprinkle of parmesan followed by a few minutes under the broiler turns it into a gorgeous golden “brain” that’s begging for attention.
And let’s not forget the final touch – the marinara “blood.” It’s playful, a little wicked, and adds that perfect Halloween drama to the dish. You can pipe the sauce across the top to create realistic veins or simply drizzle it around the platter for that eerie effect. Either way, it’s fun, theatrical, and a real crowd-pleaser.
What’s wonderful about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With minimal ingredients and just a bit of prep, you’ll have something both visually striking and genuinely delicious. Serve it as a centerpiece for your Halloween dinner, or bring it along to a themed party and watch everyone’s reactions. Even the kids won’t be able to resist having a slice of this spooky brain – it’s proof that vegetables can be just as festive as candy!
So light those candles, cue the spooky music, and let this Cauliflower Brain take center stage. It’s creepy, it’s clever, and it’s comfort food with a Halloween twist.
Cauliflower Brain
Ingredients
- 1 whole head of cauliflower
- ¼ cup olive oil 60ml
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp chopped fresh sage leaves
- ¼ cup grated parmesan 25g
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinara sauce for décor and serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450ºF / 230ºC degrees.
- Trim the cauliflower and make a shallow ridge down the center to create the appearance of two brain lobes. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you want to keep the head intact.
- Mix together the olive oil, sage, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Brush this mixture all over the cauliflower, rubbing it in well to coat every crevice.
- Place the cauliflower in a baking tin, cover with foil, and roast for 50 minutes until tender.
- Remove from the oven and turn the broiler on.
- Uncover and sprinkle the parmesan over the top, then broil for 3–4 minutes until golden.
- Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a pan.
- To serve, spread some marinara sauce onto a platter and place the cauliflower on top. Pipe veins over the surface of the cauliflower using a piping bag filled with marinara for a realistic “brain” effect.
Notes
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