Introduction
Transform humble cauliflower into a crispy, cheesy, irresistible side dish that’ll steal the show! This recipe is super easy, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this ridiculously simple yet incredibly delicious roasted cauliflower. It’s the perfect healthy addition to any weeknight dinner or holiday feast!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it hits all the right notes: crispy texture, savory parmesan flavor, and a touch of garlic for extra oomph! Roasting the cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness, while the parmesan adds a salty, umami kick. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and satisfying. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Key Ingredients
- 🥦 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌶️ ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 🥄 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure the florets are evenly coated.
3️⃣ Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures even roasting and maximum crispiness.
4️⃣ Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and slightly browned.
5️⃣ Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the cauliflower.
6️⃣ Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7️⃣ Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra crispy cauliflower, try patting the florets dry with a paper towel before tossing them with oil. Excess moisture can prevent crispiness.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with dried parsley (use about ½ teaspoon).
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and Parmesan cheese to your liking.
Heat Control
Maintaining the 400°F (200°C) oven temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly roasted cauliflower. Too low, and it might steam instead of roast; too high, and it could burn before it’s tender. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Crunch Factor
The key to achieving maximum crunch is roasting the cauliflower in a single layer and ensuring it’s completely dry before going into the oven. Flipping halfway through helps to brown all sides evenly for that perfect crispy texture.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Toss in some toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs during the last few minutes of roasting for added texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s delicious cold or reheated in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This roasted cauliflower makes a fantastic side dish for potlucks or gatherings. Package it in a pretty reusable container or a festive tin for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Parmesan: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a sprinkle of paprika for a spicy twist.
🌟 Garlic Herb: Increase the garlic to 3-4 cloves and add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and thyme for a more herbaceous flavor.
🌟 Lemon Parmesan: Add the zest and juice of ½ a lemon during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a bright, citrusy flavor.
🌟 Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the cauliflower before roasting for a savory, umami bomb.
Troubleshooting
- Cauliflower is burning: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and monitor it closely.
- Cauliflower is not crispy: Ensure the florets are in a single layer and patted dry before roasting. Increase the roasting time slightly.
- Cheese is not melting: Make sure your cheese is fresh and of good quality. If it’s still not melting, increase the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) for the last few minutes.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before roasting. You may need to increase the roasting time.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can roast the cauliflower ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Add the Parmesan cheese just before reheating.
- What other vegetables can I roast with cauliflower? Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes all roast beautifully alongside cauliflower.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free if needed.
- Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Conclusion
This crispy parmesan roasted cauliflower is a winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us on social media! Enjoy!
Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower: Family Dinner Winner!
A deliciously crispy and cheesy cauliflower dish that the whole family will love, perfect as a side or a main.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200u00b0C (400u00b0F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- For extra crunch, try adding some crushed cornflakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch for added flavor.