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Cauliflower with Rye Crumbs

This elegant vegetarian side dish elevates the humble cauliflower into a sophisticated centrepiece. By steaming the cauliflower whole, you maintain its delicate texture and natural sweetness, providing the perfect canvas for a crunchy, savoury topping. The combination of earthy caraway seeds and toasted rye breadcrumbs offers a wonderful depth of flavour and a satisfying contrast to the tender vegetable base.

Perfect for a Sunday roast or as a light lunch, this cauliflower with rye crumbs is as nutritious as it is comforting. The use of day-old rye bread ensures the crumbs crisp up beautifully in the frying pan, while the nuttiness of the caraway adds a traditional European flair. Serve it alongside roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad for a wholesome, homemade meal.

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Ingredients for Cauliflower with Rye Crumbs

  • 4 slices day-old rye bread, torn into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 (2 1/2-to 3-pounds) head cauliflower

  • 1 stick unsalted butter

  • 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds, lightly crushed

How to make Cauliflower with Rye Crumbs

Preheat oven to 177°C with rack in middle.

Pulse bread in a food processor to form medium-fine crumbs. Spread in a 4-sided sheet pan and toast in oven, stirring occasionally, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool.

Core cauliflower, keeping head intact, then cook in a large steamer rack over boiling water, covered, until tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter and keep warm, covered.

Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat and stir in caraway seeds, toasted crumbs, 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper. Cook, stirring, until hot, about 2 minutes. Spoon over cauliflower.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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