Introduction
Golden, crispy, and packed with savory flavor, Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower turns a simple vegetable into an irresistible dish. Whether served as a hearty side or a satisfying vegetarian main, this recipe brings comfort and crunch to your table. It’s healthy, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners, weekend snacks, or impressing guests at any gathering.
The Origins of Baking with Parmesan
Baking vegetables with a cheesy coating has deep roots in Italian cuisine, where Parmesan is often used to add a rich, nutty flavor to otherwise simple dishes. Here, that tradition gets a modern, wholesome twist with roasted cauliflower – delivering a crispy bite without the need for deep-frying.
Unique Ingredients That Shine
The star ingredients here are tender cauliflower florets and real Parmesan cheese. Cauliflower offers a neutral base that soaks up flavors beautifully, while Parmesan creates a crisp, savory crust as it bakes. A touch of olive oil helps everything brown evenly, and a sprinkle of herbs adds depth.
Cooking Techniques That Make a Difference
Oven-baking at a high temperature ensures the cauliflower becomes tender inside and crispy outside without excessive oil. Spacing the florets well on the baking sheet guarantees even roasting, while flipping halfway through cooking provides perfect golden edges.
Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower – Crispy & Savory
Description
Parmesan-crusted cauliflower offers the perfect combination of crispy texture and savory flavor. A simple yet impressive recipe that's easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients for Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower:
Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
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Prepare Cauliflower and Seasonings
Cut cauliflower into uniform florets. In a large mixing bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs if using.
Even coating ensures even roasting and crispiness. -
Coat with Parmesan
Sprinkle the Parmesan over the seasoned cauliflower and toss gently to coat.
Be gentle to keep the Parmesan on the florets, not at the bottom of the bowl.
Cooking the Cauliflower
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Arrange on Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
Crowding will cause steaming instead of crisping. -
Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through. Roast until the cauliflower is tender inside and golden brown and crispy outside.
Watch closely toward the end to avoid over-browning.
Serving the Dish
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Serve and Garnish
Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a serving dish. Garnish with additional Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Serve hot for the best texture.
Note
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and browning.
- Try different seasonings like smoked paprika or chili flakes for variation.
- Serve with marinara sauce or aioli for dipping.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container; reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
