Craving something warm, satisfying, and slightly indulgent—but still packed with vegetables?

Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Toast strikes the perfect balance. It’s one of her signature comfort dishes that combines roasted cauliflower, melted cheese, and sourdough bread for a flavor-packed bite. This open-faced toast is great as a light lunch, hearty snack, or appetizer.

What is Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast?

Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Toast is a gourmet-style open-faced sandwich featuring roasted cauliflower florets tossed in Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, layered on top of toasted sourdough bread. The cauliflower mixture is baked until bubbly and golden. It’s rich, cheesy, and elevated enough to serve at brunch or as a casual dinner.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast

Flavor-packed and satisfying – Roasted cauliflower meets creamy, nutty cheese
Great use of leftover cauliflower – Turns simple veg into something special
Perfect for brunch or lunch – Easy to pair with salad or soup
Elevated comfort food – Warm, cheesy, and beautifully rustic
Customizable – Add herbs, spice, or swap cheeses
Vegetarian-friendly – No meat, but full of flavor
Bakes in under 10 minutes – Ideal for busy days

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast

1 small head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Gruyère cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4 slices thick sourdough bread
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast

Roast the cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cauliflower florets on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

Prepare the cheese mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower with Gruyère, Parmesan, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Mix until evenly coated and cheesy.

Toast the bread

Lightly toast the sourdough slices in a toaster or under the broiler for a few minutes until crisp on the edges.

Assemble the toasts

Spoon the cauliflower-cheese mixture generously over each slice of toasted bread, spreading it evenly to the edges.

Bake until bubbly

Return the toast to the oven and bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden on top.

Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired, and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast

Pair with a simple green salad – Keeps the meal light and fresh
Serve alongside tomato soup – Classic combo with extra comfort
Add a fried egg on top – Makes it brunch-ready
Enjoy with pickled vegetables – Adds a tangy contrast
Include with roasted tomato or pepper soup – Elevates the meal
Serve as an appetizer board – Cut into small squares for guests
Pair with a glass of white wine – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works well

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast

Cut cauliflower into small pieces – Ensures even roasting and easy layering
Roast until deeply golden – Adds caramelized flavor and texture
Toast bread before topping – Keeps the base crisp under the cheese
Don’t overload with cheese – Balance is key for texture and taste
Use thick, sturdy bread – Sourdough holds up best
Add a touch of mustard – Brings depth and sharpness to the mixture
Garnish just before serving – Fresh herbs brighten the dish

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast

Add caramelized onions – For extra sweetness and depth
Top with sautéed mushrooms – Adds earthiness and umami
Mix in goat cheese or cream cheese – For a creamier texture
Try different cheeses – Fontina, sharp cheddar, or mozzarella
Add a layer of pesto under the cauliflower – For herby freshness
Use rye or multigrain bread – For a different flavor base
Sprinkle toasted pine nuts – Adds crunch and nuttiness

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast

Store leftovers in the fridge – In an airtight container for up to 2 days
Best enjoyed fresh – Toast loses crispness when stored
Reheat in oven or toaster oven – Avoid microwave to keep it crisp
Don’t freeze assembled toast – Bread and cheese won’t thaw well
Store cauliflower mixture separately – If making ahead, then assemble before baking

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Cauliflower Toast

Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) – For 8–10 minutes until warmed through
Use a toaster oven – Quick and keeps bread crispy
Avoid microwave – Makes toast soggy and cheese rubbery
Add fresh herbs after reheating – Restores brightness
Reheat uncovered – Prevents steaming the bread

Nutrition Value (per slice – based on 4 servings)

Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 11g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Cholesterol: 25mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s cauliflower toast ahead of time?

You can roast the cauliflower and mix it with cheese in advance. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and assemble the toast just before baking for the best texture.

What kind of bread works best for cauliflower toast?

Thick, sturdy slices like sourdough or artisan-style bread are ideal. They hold up well under the weight of the cauliflower and cheese without getting soggy.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Fresh cauliflower is recommended for better texture and flavor. If you use frozen, thaw it and pat it dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

How do I keep the toast crispy after baking?

Pre-toasting the bread before adding the topping helps maintain its crispness. Also, bake the assembled toast uncovered to allow steam to escape.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Toast is a cozy, cheesy twist on traditional toast that turns cauliflower into the star of the plate. With its rich flavor, satisfying texture, and wholesome ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is rooted in simple, fresh cooking. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or an elevated snack, this toast will quickly become a regular in your recipe lineup.