This is how to cook a whole cauliflower in a Crock pot! 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.
Jump To
- How Long to Cook Whole Cauliflower in Slow Cooker
- Can you cook a whole head of cauliflower without cutting it?
- Do you have to add water to cook vegetables in a slow cooker?
- How to Season
- Can you cook a whole cauliflower too long?
- Can you add cheese?
- Whole Cauliflower in Crock pot Recipe
- How to save leftovers
This is a bit like how to cook a whole cabbage, which is also another great and healthy side you’ll 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.
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. 😉
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!
Can you cook a whole head of cauliflower without cutting it?
In this case or if you were to slow roast it in the oven yes you can. You are going to want a large head of cauliflower, stem and leaves removed that can fit in your pot, no slicing into florets required this time. I get a pretty big one to feed all 5 of us.
Do you have to add water to cook vegetables in a slow cooker?
Yes you will want some sort of liquid in order to steam it to tender but honestly Vegetable broth or chicken stock because it will offer a lot more flavor when it is cooked.
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 you’d 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.
How to Season
You want some salted Butter, softened to mix with the herbs. I always add some minced garlic cloves to give it nice flavor and it is great for you too so that is a bonus.. Dry or fresh thyme is better if possible. We like dill on all the things. Add Salt and pepper to taste
Can you cook a whole cauliflower too long?
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.
Can you add cheese?
Yes, but first you are going to want to trn the slow cooker on high and let it cook 3.5 – 4 hours, or until tender to your liking. If you want the fresh parmesan to kinda’ melt on top sprinkle it on the last 30 minutes. OR you can just sprinkle some on each piece when sliced and served.
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.
Whole Cauliflower in Crock pot Recipe
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
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 ½- 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.
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 the next day. I will Bake a Whole Chicken at 350 on day 2 and serve together.
