There’s a Much Easier Way to Cut Cauliflower. Here’s How.
Updated: Nov. 18, 2022
Wondering how to cut cauliflower without leaving a white, crumbly mess on your kitchen counter?
Is there anything cauliflower can’t do? Besides being the basis for all sorts of roasted, mashed or baked dishes, it’s also a wonderful substitute for rice. But it’s near-impossible not to scatter cauliflower all over the kitchen when you chop it. Until now.
Follow along to learn how to cut cauliflower without making a huge mess.
Ina Garten’s Advice
Ina Garten always knows what’s best for us. She’s shown us how to cut corn off the cob. Now she’s here to help us with a clean way to chop cauliflower. In a letter from a fan of the Barefoot Contessa, this question came up: “How do you cut cauliflower without getting it all over the kitchen?” Ina’s first thought was, “Why does it get all over your kitchen?” (That’s what she wonders aloud in her Instagram video.)
That’s when Ina realized, some home cooks were slicing cauliflower straight through the top, sending bits and pieces of cauliflower all over the countertop.
See more of Ina Garten’s best cooking tips.
The Mess-Free Method for Chopping Cauliflower
- Turn the cauliflower stem-side up.
- With a sharp chef’s knife, cut out the core.
- Pull the cauliflower apart into florets.
- Slice through the floret stems to create smaller florets, if needed.
The method Ina describes is ideal for making roasted vegetables, preparing cauliflower for soup or even when you’re making a veggie tray. It will save you all kinds of time on prep and clean-up!
Cauliflower Recipes You Should Know—But Don't
Buffalo BitesLow-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that's packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Learn how to store cauliflower the right way.
Kimchi Cauliflower Fried RiceThis healthier take on kimchi fried rice is one of my favorite recipes because it's customizable. If there's a vegetarian in the family, leave out the bacon and add your favorite veggies. —Stefanie Schaldenbrand, Los Angeles, California
Haven't made cauliflower rice before? Check out our step-by-step instructions for how to make cauliflower rice.
Cheesy Cauliflower BreadsticksThese grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Cauliflower CevicheMy 87-year-old mom showed me how to make this delicious vegetarian recipe that tastes so much like seafood ceviche. I often serve it with crackers on the side. —Beatriz Barranco, El Paso, Texas
Roast Cauliflower with PepperociniI never really enjoyed cauliflower but was determined to like it. I tweaked this recipe for many years and finally found an excellent mix of flavors and ingredients. —Hannah Hicks, Marina del Rey, California
Cauliflower au GratinCount on this dish to make new vegetable converts. Whenever I serve it, people ask me for the recipe. Sometimes I’ll substitute broccoli for all or half the cauliflower, and the green veggie tastes just as good! —Jacki Ricci, Ely, Nevada
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic MashI wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Marinated Cauliflower SaladI often serve this as an appetizer alongside a meat and cheese tray. But it can also be a side dish. —Stephanie Hase, Lyons, Colorado
Cauliflower with Roasted Almond & Pepper DipThis tasty vegetable side dish can set a chilling scene on Halloween if you style it to look like a brain—try adding spiders and spiderwebs to your table setting. You can also serve it on Thanksgiving and pair it with the turkey and dressing. The festive orange sauce takes some time, but it tastes incredible.—Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower "Rice"I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
Cauliflower CasseroleTo dress up cauliflower, Mom used a delightful mixture of a cheesy sauce, bright red and green pepper pieces, and crushed cornflakes. We enjoyed this casserole so much that leftovers were rare.
-Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio
Creamy Mashed CauliflowerFor weeknight dinner I want something fast, easy and not ordinary. This mashed cauliflower side dish is a perfect substitute for mashed potatoes.
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt SauceI created my own cauliflower recipe in honor of my grandma, who taught me to love this delicious and healthy vegetable. She cooked with it all the time.—Lidia Haddadian, Pasadena, California
Bacon Cauliflower SaladMy Aunt Lavern’s special cauliflower salad recipe combines crispy-crunchy ingredients with a creamy dressing that’s ever so slightly sweet. —Kelly Ward Hartman, Cape Coral, Florida
Cauliflower SoupThis cheesy recipe is way tastier than any other cauliflower soup I've tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Cauliflower Broccoli SaladThis broccoli cauliflower salad has been to as many family gatherings as I have! It holds well and leftovers are still tasty a day later. —Linda Kangas, Outlook, Saskatchewan
