Traeger Smoked Cauliflower

What’s a great side to pair with your brisket or smoked and stuffed chicken? You should try smoked cauliflower. Smoked cauliflower packs a punch of bold flavors! With the right spices, lots of butter, and some smoke, this simple veggie truly shines.

You’ve got to be careful smoking this type of fine vegetable though, because the edges can burn really easily if your smoker is set too high, or if you don’t put it in at the right time (if you’re cooking it with a larger bit of meat).

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Cauliflower Recipe

You’ll love this smoked cauliflower recipe because it’s super simple to do and delicious

It’s a fresh ingredient it’s full of flavor so even your friends or kids who don’t like vegetables will eat these. I don’t overcomplicate them too much. I add a simple flavoring to them to make them pop.

If you’re using the smoker this weekend, give cauliflower a shot as a side with your brisket or tri-tip. It works surprisingly well and adds a wonderful smoky twist.

What You’ll Need to Cook Smoked Cauliflower

Cauliflower

BBQ Rub

Oil (I use grapeseed oil)

How to Smoke a Cauliflower on Your Traeger

Step 1: Setting up Your Smoker

Put your wood chips in the smoker and heat to 230°F.

Step 2: Preparing Your Cauliflower

Remove the stem from the bottom of the cauliflower. Rinse and pat dry the cauliflower.

Step 3: Seasoning Your Cauliflower

Coat the cauliflower with light olive. Apply your BBQ rub.

Step 4: Smoke Your Cauliflower

Place cauliflower directly onto your smoker grill. Smoke at 230°F for about 2.5 hrs until fork tender. Smoke time will depend on how large your cauliflower is.

Want to Make Your Own Rub?

Prefer homemade rub to a store-bought one? I You can easily create one from the spices in your cupboard. But you don’t need to overcomplicate it. Oil helps the rub stick to the cauliflower and helps it keep its moisture so it doesn’t dry out while it’s in there smoking.

Some other options could be:

• Paprika
• Thyme and salt
• Fresh parsley, salt, and lemon
• Cajun and chili rub

You can also get a pre-chopped and pre-seasoned bag of cauliflower. 

What Oil Should I Use?

There are tonnes of different oils on the market now and it makes it hard to decide which one to use. People have different aversions to different oils as well, so there’s definitely something out there for everyone these days.

I’d personally avoid canola oil at all costs. Don’t use a spray oil; you want the oil to be thick and dripping so the rub can stick to it properly.

For this recipe, you can use:

• Macadamia oil
• avocado oil
• olive oil (extra virgin)
• hemp oil
• rice oil

Should You Cut The Cauliflower Into Bit Size Pieces?

You can cut the cauliflower into bite-size pieces, but it’s important that florets are cut in even bits so they cook evenly and some parts don’t burn. If they’re smaller it also means they don’t need as much cooking time.

Cut the cauliflower by slicing off the bottom end of it and spitting the head into smaller florets. If you do this use a tray to hold the florets in the smoker. 

What Temperature to Smoke Smoked Cauliflower On A Traeger at

The cauliflower needs to be smoked at 230°F. 

How Long to Cook Smoked Cauliflower On A Traeger

The cauliflower should be cooked for 2.5 hours. 

What To Serve With Smoked Cauliflower

• Bacon-wrapped jalapeno duck poppers
• Smoked lamb shoulder with rosemary and twice-smoked potatoes
• Smoked and stuffed chicken breasts with feta and spinach.
• Smoked duck breasts

How To Store Leftover Smoked Cauliflower

Store the cauliflower in a sealed container in the fridge. It can last for five days. 

My Favorite Wood Chips for Smoked Cauliflower

Your smoked cauliflower will pair well with fruitier and lighter woods. Pecan, apple, maple, oak, or cherry are all options. Vegetables don’t go overly well with heavier flavoured wood chips, and, if you’re throwing your cauliflower in halfway through, say, a brisket the cauliflower might come out being overpowered

Smoke On!

Charlie

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