How to cook a whole cauliflower in Crock pot is easy! A healthy veggie side dish with no prep work required. Just slow cook with seasonings to tender and enjoy. If you loved our whole Instant Pot cauliflower recipe this is another win with dinner.
This is a bit like how to cook a whole cabbage, which is also another great and healthy side youโll love. Tender to the core with seasonings on the outside, it is the easiest way to cook with no need to cut into pieces ahead of time. (post may contain affiliate links present)
How Long to Cook Whole Cauliflower in Slow Cooker
In general I do not recommend setting on high except in this case. You do want a higher heat to penetrate all the way thru and at 3-4 hours you can start it when you get home and have it ready when your main dish is done to serve together. ๐
We have of course cooked this cut like our Slow Cooker Cheesy Cauliflower florets which I prefer on low because it cooks in a creamy sauce and you want it to have time to soak into every piece. Both great choices with the same head when you find them on sale!
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, stem and leaves removed
- Minced garlic cloves give nice flavor
- Butter, softened to mix with the herbs
- Dry or fresh thyme is better if possible
- We like dill on all the things
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable broth, water, or chicken stock to steam it
Variations
Just like when we bake our Cauliflower Steaks there are alternatives you can use. For dairy free just use a plant based stick. In that case I might add a bit more salt since those are rather bland. Use seasonings you like, Old Bay is another favorite instead of dill if youโd rather.
At the end you could sprinkle parmesan cheese on the cooked cauliflower. Put lid back on for 20 minutes or so to melt and then slice to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Garlic and Onion: Fresh garlic or garlic powder and onion powder add savory depth.
Smoked Paprika & Cumin: These give an earthy, slightly smoky flavor.
Turmeric & Curry Powder: For a warm, spicy kick, perfect with a drizzle of olive oil.
Herbs & Citrus: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley paired with lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice brighten the dish.
Trim the base slightly so it sits flat. You also want to remove some outer leaves. A whole head will take longer to cook evenly compared to bite-sized pieces so just be patient and consider using a lower oven temperature or high on slow cooker to allow the heat to penetrate.
Absolutely. Overcooking cauliflower, whether whole or in pieces, can result in it becoming mushy or grainy. It can also dull its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and even introduce a slight bitterness as well as lose its bright color, turning grayish.
Yes, you generally need a small amount of water, broth, or another liquid. No more than 1 inch of water or it will get mushy. A small amount helps create steam and prevents the vegetables from drying out or sticking. Some vegetables do release their own moisture, but adding a bit of liquid ensures even cooking.
How to Steam Cauliflower without a Steamer
- Cut the base off flat and remove leaves.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, dill, salt and pepper until it forms a paste.
- Use a pastry brush and coat the entire head.
- Place into a Crockpot and pour the broth into the bottom, no need for a steamer basket, just put head flat in the center.
- Turn the slow cooker on high and let it cook 3.5 โ 4 hours, or until tender to your liking.
- Remove and slice to serve, topping with fresh parmesan and parsley and broth from the base of the slow cooker.
Not as quick as How Long to Roast Cauliflower at 400 but if you love low and slow dishes this is a winer for sure.
How to save leftovers
You want it to cool completely first. Then transfer to a container. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and store in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave for about 1 minute depending on how large your pieces are.
Whole Cauliflower in Crock pot
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, stem and leaves removed
- 4 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 c butter, softened
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp dill
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 c vegetable broth, water, or chicken stock
- parmesan cheese, sprinkled when done, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, dill, lemon zest, salt and pepper until it forms a paste. Use a pastry brush and coat the entire cauliflower.
- Place the head of cauliflower into a crockpot and pour the broth into the bottom. (could add 2 tbsp lemon juice and zest in there too if you want a citrus kick) Turn the crockpot on high and let it cook 3 ยฝ- 4 hours, until tender.
- Remove and slice to serve, topping with fresh parmesan and parsley and broth from the base of the slow cooker.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
