How to Dehydrate Cauliflower:
Easy Storage Tips & Recipes

Whether you’re making low-carb meals or just want long-term pantry staples, learning how to dehydrate cauliflower is a must-have kitchen skill. It's one of the smartest ways to preserve its flavor, crunch, and nutrition—without relying on freezer space.

This guide walks you through each step, from prep to powder, plus a few recipe ideas you’ll want to bookmark.

Cauliflower heads and a cauliflower salad in a bowl

It's so easy to dry cauliflower when it's in season so you can make delicious Cauliflower Soup and Cauliflower Mash any time of the year.

Scroll down to the page bottom where you'll find clickable photos for both recipes!

Also, don't miss the FAQs as you'll learn how to make Cauliflower Rice and Cauliflower Powder.

Why This Dehydrated Cauliflower Tastes Like Mashed Potatoes

Add millet and quinoa to the cauliflower mash for a significant source of protein. Kids really like this cauliflower mash, as it compares favorably to 'mashed potatoes'.

Cauliflower florets add a great crunch to add texture to summer salads too!

Cauliflower Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamins A and C, and Choline, followed by Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Niacin, and Riboflavin, with trace amounts of Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.

MINERALS: Potassium, followed by Phosphorus, Calcium, and Magnesium. There are trace amounts of Selenium, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, and Fluoride.

Cauliflower contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Dehydrated Cauliflower - 2lbs from frozen

In the photo above the dehydrated cauliflower looks rather brown, but don't worry about that as it turns back to white when it's re-hydrated! Honest :-)

Dehydrated Cauliflower - 2lbs from frozen

Quick Trick: Thawing Frozen Cauliflower for Drying

Let the cauliflower thaw out (in its bag, unopened) in your kitchen sink in a bowl of tepid water if you're short on time. Otherwise, let the cauliflower bag thaw out for around an hour in your kitchen sink, unopened, then chop and put on the trays.

If thawing the frozen cauliflower by the water-in-the-bowl method, keep changing out the tepid water in the bowl until the cauliflower has thawed sufficiently for you to be able to cut (feel the pieces while they're still in the bag until they're soft enough).

This will probably take about 10 minutes. Keep on reading for how to dehydrate cauliflower on a dehydrator.

NOTE:
You MAY have to slice the larger cauliflower pieces in half so that the cauliflower will fit better between the food dehydrator trays.

Best Knife for Chopping Cauliflower Cleanly

Cutluxe 8
Cutluxe 8" Chef Knife, Full Tang

Begin by Using a Good Sharp Knife by Cutluxe!

Check out this great chef's knife with a full tang that means the handle and blade "are one" so they can't come apart when we're slicin' and a dicin'.

I know these Cutluxe Chef knives may be a little expensive, but they do last pretty much a lifetime when you maintain their cutting edges.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Want Perfect Slices? Use This Cauliflower Slicer

Or... treat yourself to one of these ab fab slicer/mandolines...

SUPMAKIN 5-in-1 Mandoline Slicer
SUPMAKIN 5-in-1 Mandoline Slicer

SUPMAKIN Slicer + Dicer Mandoline ~ OnceForAll Brand

French fry cutter, vegetable chopper, vegetable slicer cutter, potato slicer, chopper for kitchen meal prep.

A multi-function mandoline that I just couldn't resist getting!

Step-by-Step: How to Dehydrate Cauliflower Easily

Are you ready to get busy dehydrating cauliflower? Here's how:

If using frozen cauliflower, ignore steps 1 and 2.

  1. Wash and slice fresh cauliflower into 1/2" thick pieces.
  2. Blanch the cauliflower in a small amount of boiling water for a few minutes, in batches.
  3. Arrange on your food dehydrator trays, making sure the cauliflower pieces don't touch, for good air circulation.
  4. Turn on your food dehydrator and set the temperature between 125°F and 135°F(or per your food dehydrator's instructions).

💡 Tip: Outside the U.S.? Most dehydrating temps here are listed in Fahrenheit — use our quick converter to see the Celsius equivalent for your machine.

  • Dehydrated cauliflower will be brittle when fully dried.
  • Drying time: between 6-14 hours.
  • Please remember to rotate your trays for even drying.

2 Must-Try Recipes Using Your Dehydrated Cauliflower

Cauliflower Soup in a square bowlClick for Recipe!
Cauliflower Mash - made with added Millet and QuinoaClick for Recipe!

Click the images to be taken to their recipes, or use these links: Cauliflower Soup and Cauliflower Mash.

Where (and When) to Grow Your Own Cauliflower

Bonnie Plants has some cool tips and advice on growing cauliflower, which is a cool season crop.

white, purple, and yellow-orange cauliflower

If you're looking to add color to your garden, grow cauliflower. This striking vegetable comes in a variety of colors, including white, green, purple, and even orange.

When it comes to growing cauliflower, you'll want to make sure you have the right conditions. This vegetable prefers cool weather and needs full sun. It also requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

When planting, start your seeds indoors about four weeks before the last spring frost. Once it's time to transplant the seedlings outdoors, space them 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. Water your cauliflower regularly, especially during dry periods. Be sure to add a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.

You'll know when your cauliflower is ready to harvest when the heads are fully formed and tight. To harvest, cut the entire plant at the base with a sharp knife.

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed cooked or raw. Add it to salads, soups, and stews, or roast it in the oven for a delicious side dish.

What Makes Cauliflower Purple, Green, or Orange?

The color of the vegetable is determined by the presence of certain pigments in the plant.

For example, anthocyanins are responsible for the blue and purple coloration in cauliflower. These pigments are also found in other blue and purple fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries and eggplant.

Carotenoids are responsible for the orange coloration in cauliflower. These pigments are also found in other orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes.

The white color of cauliflower is due to the absence of these pigments.

I truly hope you enjoyed learning how to dehydrate cauliflower!

Your Cauliflower Dehydrating FAQs, Answered

How do you dehydrate cauliflower rice?

Riced cauliflower is a great low-carb pantry staple. Here's how to dehydrate it:

  1. Pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor to make "rice."
  2. Toss with 1 tsp oil (like olive or avocado oil).
  3. Spread evenly on dehydrator trays, no overlap.
  4. Dehydrate at 115°F for 18–24 hours until brittle.
  5. Store airtight in a cool, dry spot.

To rehydrate: Use 2 parts boiling water to 1 part dried cauliflower. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before using in casseroles, soups, or stir-fries.

Can you make cauliflower powder from dehydrated cauliflower?

Yes! Cauliflower powder is an easy way to boost the nutrition of smoothies, soups, and even homemade breading.

  1. Dehydrate riced cauliflower at 125°F until brittle.
  2. Cool, then blend into powder.
  3. Sift through a fine mesh sieve for smooth texture.
  4. Store in Mason jars or vacuum-sealer bags up to 3 months.

Start with 1–2 tablespoons when adding to recipes for best results.

Looking for more ways to cook with your dehydrated foods? Download our free printable PDF(below) with 5 easy recipes made for your dry pantry stash—perfect for soups, snacks, and quick meals.

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