Cauliflower Elote (Printable Version)

Roasted cauliflower coated in creamy lime-chili sauce with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Sauce & Toppings

03 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
04 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
05 - 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus extra for garnish
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - Juice of 1 lime
09 - 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (feta substitute acceptable)
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
11 - 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
12 - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until florets are golden brown and tender with crispy edges.
04 - While cauliflower roasts, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lime juice in a large bowl until smooth.
05 - Transfer hot cauliflower to the bowl with sauce. Toss vigorously until thoroughly coated.
06 - Add half the cotija cheese, half the cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño. Toss to distribute evenly.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with remaining cotija, additional chili powder, and cilantro. Serve warm with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The roasted cauliflower gets these incredible crispy edges that soak up the sauce like little sponges
  • Everything comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all day on it
  • People literally cannot stop eating it, and the leftovers somehow taste even better
02 -
  • The cauliflower really needs to be hot when it hits the sauce, that's what makes everything cling and melt together
  • Don't skip roasting the cauliflower first, steaming or boiling gives you a completely different and mushier texture
03 -
  • Mix your sauce while the cauliflower roasts so you're ready to toss immediately
  • Keep the lime wedges on the side so guests can add more acid to their liking

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