How To Cook Cauliflower Babies And Toddlers 6 Yummy Ways

How to Cook Cauliflower

There are so many ways to make delicious cauliflower, but I’m going to focus on cooking cauliflower on the stove, roasting it in the oven, and turning it into cauliflower rice since those are the most common (and easy) ways. These methods are simple and have the benefit of also being versatile when it comes to adding different flavors to keep things interesting. I love cauliflower because it has a mellow flavor and it stores well in the fridge and freezer. Scroll down to the bottom to the recipe card for the full instructions for each method.

Cauliflower as Finger Food

I love having cauliflower around as a finger food for babies and toddlers since it’s so versatile. You can offer cauliflower rice on a spoon to babies and those doing baby led weaning, small soft pieces to those just starting with finger foods, and larger florets as they grow—with or without a dip! Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Tips for Choosing Cauliflower at the Market

The best thing to look for when buying a head of cauliflower is white flesh without black marks, which would likely be mold and possibly indicate that the vegetable has been sitting around too long. Since they are usually sold per head, rather than by the pound, I like to get the biggest one I can to make the most of my dollars.

How to Cut Cauliflower

Let’s start with the basics: How to cut up a whole head of cauliflower. (And yes, you can buy pre-cut florets in most produce sections near the bagged salad greens!) TIP: You can store cut cauliflower, when totally dry, in an airtight container such as a mason jar or zip-top storage bag, for up to 5 days in the fridge. It’s a great veggie to meal prep.

How to Cook Cauliflower on the Stove

You can steam, boil, or saute cauliflower on the stove depending on your preference. Here’s how to do each one.

*To Steam Cauliflower

Add 2 inches of water to a medium pot fitted with a steamer basket over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Add cauliflower florets, cover, and cook until tender. Transfer cauliflower to a bowl and season to taste with butter or olive oil and salt and pepper.

*To Boil Cauliflower

Add your cauliflower florets to a medium pot and just cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower to a simmer. Simmer until cauliflower is tender when poked with a fork. Drain and toss with butter or olive oil and salt.

*To Saute Cauliflower

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter or olive oil and when warm, add cauliflower florets. Toss to coat with oil. Cook, stirring often, until the florets are tender when poked with a fork or a knife. I often cover the skillet for about half of the cooking time to trap some steam and help the cauliflower cook evenly all the way through.

What are the best ways to season cauliflower?

You can add all sorts of flavorings to cauliflower to season it, but here are some great options:

Butter, salt, and pepper if desired.Olive oil, salt, and pepper if desired.Toasted sesame oil, with sesame seeds if desired.Sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.Sprinkled with shredded cheddar cheese.Sprinkled with nutritional yeast.

TIP: It really has such a mellow flavor that it can go in all sorts of directions flavor-wise!

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice has been super trendy and it’s a nice option for a healthy side dish for family dinners and toddler meals. It’s also a nice, soft texture to eat with a spoon so it can be a good way to serve cauliflower to babies and toddlers. TIP: You can also buy pre-made cauliflower rice fresh near the packaged salad mixes or frozen in the freezer aisle.

How to Make Cauliflower Rice

Here’s a look at a simple way to make cauliflower rice.

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

I love to use cauliflower rice to make a veggie-loaded Cheesy Rice. This is one of our lunch time staples and my youngest kiddo loves it so much!

How to Roast Cauliflower—in Florets or a Whole Head

Roasting cauliflower brings out the sweetness and is a super simple (and hands off!) way to cook it. Here’s how to do it. TIP: You may also like my other go-to Roasted Vegetables for Kids.

How to Make Cauliflower with Cheese

Cauliflower, whether sauteed, steamed, or boiled, is totally delicious with cheese. You can simply sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over warm cauliflower and let it melt before serving. Or you can make a Cauliflower Cheese Sauce to serve as a dip alongside your cooked cauliflower.

Kid-Friendly Recipes with Cauliflower

In addition to the basic techniques below, here are some recipes to try that use cauliflower! How do you like to serve cauliflower to your family? I’d love to hear in the comments!