What to Add to Cauliflower Rice for Flavor (28 Easy Options)

Wondering what to put in cauliflower rice to make it taste better?

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Cauliflower rice is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional rice.

But sometimes, it can be a little bland.

That’s why it’s important to know how to add flavor to cauliflower rice.

There are so many ways to do it! You can add spices, herbs, vegetables, proteins, and even fruits. You can also use different cooking methods, like roasting or stir-frying, to give your cauliflower rice more flavor.

Not sure where to start?

In this article, I’ll go over 28 ways to add flavor to cauliflower rice.

With so many options, you’re sure to find a few that you love!

What to Add to Cauliflower Rice for Flavor?

There are many things you can add to cauliflower rice to give it flavor. One option is to add spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, turmeric, and black pepper. Another option is to add herbs, such as parsley, basil, or cilantro.

You could also add diced onions, diced peppers, or other vegetables. Finally, you could top it with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil.

However, there are many more possibilities!

And I’m sure you’re now wondering what to put on cauliflower rice for tonight’s dinner.

So, here are 28 things you can add to cauliflower rice for flavor:

1. Add Some Spice with Chili Flakes, Cumin, or Curry Powder

Spices are a great way to add flavor, texture, and color to cauliflower rice.

For a bit of heat, try adding chili flakes, cumin, or curry powder.

For a more mellow flavor, try adding herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil.

And for some sweetness and acidity, add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice.

I usually start with a base of garlic and onion, then add in whatever spices I’m in the mood for.

From there, I’ll add in some chopped veggies or protein if I want to make it into a meal.

2. Stir in Some Shredded Cheese

Do you like cheese?

There are tons of delicious, healthful ways to add it to cauliflower rice.

One of my favorites is to simply stir in some shredded cheese.

Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan all work well.

The cheese adds a lovely creaminess and depth of flavor to the dish, and it’s a great way to get some extra protein.

You could also try topping your cauliflower rice with a sprinkle of cheese before serving.

This is especially good if you’re serving it as a side dish.

3. Add Cooked, Crumbled Bacon

Ah, bacon, the American hero. Is there anything it can’t make better?

I would argue no, and that includes cauliflower.

When I’m looking to add some flavor to my cauliflower rice, cooked, crumbled bacon is always my go-to ingredient.

Not only does it add a delicious smoky flavor, but it also gives the dish a nice crunch.

And, who doesn’t love bacon?

In addition to the bacon, I also like to add in some chopped scallions for a bit of sweetness and onion flavor.

A little bit of salt and pepper rounds out the flavors nicely.

Give it a try next time you’re in the mood for a flavorful side dish.

4. Stir in Sautéed Onions or Garlic

Few things can add flavor to a dish like onions and garlic can.

If you’re using cauliflower rice as a base for a stir-fry or other Asian-inspired dish, then sautéed onions or garlic would be a great addition.

If you’re looking to keep things simple, then just add some chopped onions or garlic to the cauliflower rice before cooking it.

The flavors will blend together nicely as the dish cooks.

You could also add in some other seasonings, like salt, pepper, or dried herbs.

5. Add Chopped, Fresh Herbs, Like Parsley, Basil, or Cilantro

Any of these fresh herbs will add flavor, color, and zing to cauliflower rice.

I like to chop them pretty finely so that they distribute evenly and don’t overpower the dish.

You could also add in some chopped green onions for a little bit of onion flavor.

Another way to add flavor is to sauté the cauliflower rice in a little bit of olive oil or butter before adding any other ingredients.

This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the cauliflower.

Finally, don’t forget to season your cauliflower rice with salt and pepper.

A little bit goes a long way in terms of flavor.

6. Stir in Diced, Cooked Vegetables, Like Carrots, Peas, or Corn

Got some veggies lying around that you need to use up?

Dice them up and add them into your cauliflower rice!

This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients, and it can really help to boost the flavor.

I usually go for carrots, peas, and corn, but you can really use any vegetable that you like.

Just make sure that they’re diced small enough so that they cook through in the same amount of time as the cauliflower rice.

7. Add Diced, Cooked Chicken, Beef, or Shrimp

Since you’ve already got your veg, why not add some protein to complete the meal?

Diced, cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp are all great options.

You can even use leftovers from another meal.

Just make sure that the protein is fully cooked before adding it to the cauliflower rice.

Otherwise, you’ll end up with undercooked meat in your dish.

8. Stir in A Can of Drained, Diced Tomatoes

Almost everybody has a can of diced tomatoes in their pantry, and adding it to cauliflower rice is an easy way to give it a flavor boost.

I like to add a can of drained, diced tomatoes to my cauliflower rice when I’m making it as a side dish.

The tomatoes add a nice acidity and sweetness that helps to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish.

Plus, they provide a little bit of extra texture and bulk.

If you want to get really fancy, you can stir in some chopped fresh basil or oregano along with the tomatoes.

But even just the canned diced tomatoes will do wonders for your dish.

9. Make It Tropical with Pineapple, Mango, or Coconut

I love tropical flavors, so I often add pineapple, mango, or coconut to my cauliflower rice.

This gives it a sweetness and depth of flavor that plain old cauliflower just can’t provide.

1. For a quick and easy side dish, simply sauté your cauliflower rice in a bit of oil with some diced onion and garlic.
2. Then, stir in a cup or so of diced pineapple, mango, or coconut.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re good to go!
4. Serve alongside your favorite grilled or roasted protein for a complete meal.

10. Stir in Some Tomato Sauce or Salsa

If you don’t have a can of diced tomatoes lying around, tomato sauce or salsa are both great options for adding flavor to cauliflower rice.

I usually just stir in a few spoonfuls of whatever I have on hand.

If you want to get really fancy, you could even make your own tomato sauce from scratch.

Just simmer some chopped tomatoes with garlic, onion, and herbs until they’re nice and thick.

Once your cauliflower rice is cooked, stir in a few spoonfuls of the sauce and enjoy.

11. Add a Dollop of Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream

Here’s another way to add some serious flavor: yogurt or sour cream.

I always keep a tub of plain yogurt in my fridge, and it’s one of my go-to ingredients for adding flavor to cauliflower rice.

Just add a dollop on top of your serving, and you’re good to go.

If you don’t have yogurt, sour cream works just as well.

You could also mix the two together for a tangy, creamy topping that’s out of this world.

12. Stir in A Spoonful of Peanut Butter or Almond Butter

If you’re not counting calories, a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter is a great way to add some extra flavor and creaminess to cauliflower rice.

Just stir it in until it’s evenly distributed, and you’re good to go.

I usually add a little bit of salt as well, just to bring out the flavors even more.

This is a great way to sneak in some extra protein, too.

13. Make It Creamy with Heavy Cream, Half-And-Half, or Coconut Milk

If you like your cauliflower rice creamy instead of dry, you can add in some heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk.

Just be careful not to add too much, or you’ll end up with mushy rice.

I usually start with a couple tablespoons and then add more if needed.

14. Use Chicken or Beef Broth Instead of Water when Cooking the Cauliflower Rice

Whether you use chicken or beef broth, make sure it’s low-sodium so you can control the amount of salt in your dish.

I like to use chicken broth because it adds a subtle flavor that doesn’t compete with the other ingredients.

You could also use beef broth, but I find it to be a bit too strong for cauliflower rice.

15. Stir in Some Salsa Verde

My mom makes a super delicious salsa verde that I love to add to cauliflower rice.

It’s so flavorful and really brightens up the dish.

1. To make it, she roasts some tomatillos, garlic, and jalapenos until they’re nice and charred.
2. Then, she purees them with cilantro, lime juice, and a little bit of salt.

The result is this amazing green salsa that has a smoky, tangy flavor.

I usually add a scoop of it to my cauliflower rice along with some grilled chicken or shrimp.

Yum!

16. Add a Spoonful of Pesto

Pesto is super easy to make (or you can buy it at the store), and it’s a great way to add flavor to cauliflower rice.

I like to make a big batch of pesto at the beginning of the week, and then I just add a spoonful to my cauliflower rice when I’m reheating it for a quick meal.

Pesto is made with basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.

It has a bright, herby flavor that really elevates simple cauliflower rice.

If you want to get really fancy, you can top your cauliflower rice with a dollop of pesto and some grilled shrimp or chicken.

But it’s also delicious on its own as a vegetarian side dish.

17. Drizzle with Hot Sauce or Sriracha

If you prefer some heat with your “rice”, then hot sauce or Sriracha is a great way to add some flavor.

Simply drizzle it on top of the rice, and you’re good to go.

Personally, I like to add a little bit of both hot sauce and Sriracha to my cauliflower rice.

This gives it a nice balance of spice and flavor.

If you want to really turn up the heat, then feel free to add more hot sauce or Sriracha.

Just be warned that it can get pretty spicy!

18. Mix in Some Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are known for their intense flavor, and they’re a great way to add some extra zing to cauliflower rice.

I like to chop them up into small pieces and mix them into the rice along with some fresh parsley and garlic.

The result is a delicious and healthy side dish that’s packed with flavor.

If you’re looking for an even easier way to add sun-dried tomatoes to your cauliflower rice, you can simply buy a jar of sun-dried tomato pesto and mix it in.

This will give you all the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes without any of the chopping!

19. Stir in Some Chopped, Roasted Nuts

There are a lot of different nuts you could use here: almonds, cashews, pistachios, and even peanuts would all be great.

I usually go for whatever I have on hand, or whatever sounds good to me in the moment.

Just make sure to chop them up pretty finely so they don’t overpower the cauliflower rice.

You could also roast the nuts first for a bit more flavor.

1. Just toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until they’re lightly browned and fragrant.
2. Then, add them to the cauliflower rice and stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.

20. Sprinkle with Toasted, Shredded Coconut

If you’re into exotic flavors, try topping your cauliflower rice with toasted, shredded coconut.

It sounds strange, but it’s actually really good!

The sweetness of the coconut pairs well with the subtle flavor of the cauliflower, and the toasted bits add a nice crunch.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra healthy fats into your diet.

1. To make it, simply toast some shredded coconut in a dry pan over medium heat until it’s golden brown.
2. Then sprinkle it on top of your cauliflower rice before serving.

21. Add Some Chopped, Dried Fruit, Like Apricots or Raisins

Dried fruits come in many different varieties, and they’re all delicious.

I usually add chopped apricots or raisins, but you could also use chopped dates, figs, or prunes.

Dried fruits add a touch of sweetness and a lot of flavor to the dish.

They also add a bit of texture, which can be nice if you’re looking for something to sink your teeth into.

If you’re using dried fruit that is particularly hard or chewy, like dates or figs, you may want to soak them in water for a few minutes before adding them to the dish.

This will help to soften them up and make them easier to eat.

22. Make It Herby with Dried Oregano, Thyme, or Rosemary

If you like your meal on the herby side, try adding dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary to your cauliflower rice.

I usually add about 1/4 teaspoon of each herb, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Just be careful not to add too much, as the herbs can quickly overpower the delicate flavor of the cauliflower.

If you’re not sure how much to use, start with a small amount and then add more until it tastes right to you.

23. Sprinkle with Grated Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is often used in Italian cooking to add flavor to dishes.

It is a hard, dry cheese that has a strong, nutty flavor.

When you sprinkle it on top of cauliflower rice, it adds a delicious depth of flavor.

Additionally, the cheese helps to bind the ingredients together, making it a perfect addition to this healthy dish.

I like to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor, but you can also use pre-grated cheese if you are in a pinch.

Simply sprinkle it on top of the cauliflower rice and enjoy!

24. Stir in A Spoonful of Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce can easily be made from scratch, or you can buy a good quality jarred sauce to keep on hand.

I like to add a spoonful of marinara sauce to my cauliflower rice to give it a boost of flavor.

The acidity of the tomatoes helps to cut through the richness of the cauliflower, and the herbs add a nice depth of flavor.

I also add in a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.

25. Make It Cheesy with Cream Cheese or Goat Cheese

Cream cheese is readily available, and it makes a delicious addition to cauliflower rice.

I usually add about 1/4 cup (60 grams) of cream cheese for every 2 cups (300 grams) of cooked cauliflower rice.

You could also use goat cheese, which has a similar consistency and would also be delicious.

If you want to keep it dairy-free, you could try adding some nutritional yeast instead.

This will give it a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

In addition to making it cheesy, I like to add some chopped green onions or chives for a bit of onion flavor.

I also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Sometimes I’ll also add in a bit of garlic powder if I’m feeling particularly lazy and don’t want to chop up fresh garlic.

26. Add a Spoonful of Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is easy to find in most grocery stores, and it’s a great way to add some flavor to cauliflower rice.

Just add a spoonful or two to the cooked rice, and stir it in until evenly distributed.

You can also add other things to the Alfredo sauce, like diced chicken or broccoli.

I usually just keep it simple, though, and let the sauce do its thing.

27. Mix in Some Riced, Cooked Sweet Potato

I love having sweet potatoes on hand because you never know when you’ll want to add a little sweetness and color to a dish.

In this case, I mix in some riced, cooked sweet potato to my cauliflower rice.

It adds a lovely sweetness and orange hue that brightens up the whole dish.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in an extra serving of vegetables.

1. To make this side dish, simply cook some cauliflower rice according to your preferred method.
2. Mix in equal parts cooked, riced sweet potato, and voila!

You’ve got a delicious and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any meal.

28. Stir in Some Aromatics

Aromatics are key in flavoring any dish, and cauliflower rice is no exception.

I typically add in some minced garlic and ginger, but you could also use onion or shallot.

These ingredients will not only add flavor, but they will also help to make the dish more fragrant.

Stir them in at the beginning of cooking so that they have a chance to soften and release their flavors.

What Seasoning to Put in Cauliflower Rice to Make It Taste Better?

There are many different seasonings that can be added to cauliflower rice to make it taste better. Some of these seasonings include garlic, onion, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. You can also add in some cheese, herbs, or even a bit of lemon juice.

What Spices to Put in Cauliflower Rice to Make It Taste Better?

There are many spices that go well with cauliflower rice, such as garlic, onion, cumin, chili powder, paprika, curry powder, turmeric, and black pepper. You can also add fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or basil. If you want a more flavorful dish, you can add crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or diced tomatoes.