We just made this smoked cauliflower recipe on my Traeger, and it’s delicious. It’s the perfect side to pair with your brisket or stuffed chicken, as you can throw it on the grill alongside your mains.
This whole head of cauliflower packs a punch of bold flavors! This simple veggie shines with the right spices, butter, and smoke.
You have to be careful smoking cauliflower because the edges can burn quickly 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 piece of meat).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this smoked cauliflower recipe because it’s super simple and delicious.
It’s a fresh ingredient, full of flavor, so even your friends or kids who don’t like vegetables will love it. I don’t overcomplicate them too much. I add a simple flavoring to make them pop.
If you’re using the smoker this weekend, try cauliflower as a side with your brisket or tri-tip. It works surprisingly well and adds a wonderful smoky twist.
The Three Ingredients
Cauliflower
BBQ Rub
Oil (I use grapeseed oil)
How to Smoke a Cauliflower on Your Traeger
Step 2: Prep
Put your wood chips in the smoker, heat to 230°F, and pick your wood pellets. Cauliflower pairs well with fruitier and lighter woods and heavier flavors like mesquite and hickory. This works well if you are already smoking something and placing the cauliflower alongside; you can just go with the wood pellets you are already using.
Remove the stem from the bottom of the cauliflower. Rinse and pat dry the cauliflower.
Step 2: Seasoning
Coat the cauliflower with the oil and give it a good rub your BBQ rub.
Step 3: Smoke
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.
Should You Cut The Cauliflower Into Florets?
You can cut the cauliflower into bite-size pieces, but it’s essential 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.
As you can see I like to smoke the cauliflower whole and then cut it.
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 Leftovers
Store the cauliflower in a sealed container in the fridge. It can last for five days.
Traeger Smoked Cauliflower
Equipment
- Traeger Grill
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 2 tbsp BBQ Rub
- 1 tbsp Oil I use grapeseed oil
Instructions
- Put your wood chips in the smoker and heat to 230°F.
- Remove the stem from the bottom of the cauliflower. Rinse and pat dry the cauliflower.
- Coat the cauliflower with light olive. Apply your BBQ rub.
- 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.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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