Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples for a quick and easy preparation.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with a variety of main courses, from meats to vegetarian dishes.
- Healthy and Delicious: Combines the nutritional benefits of cauliflower with the rich taste of Parmesan.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Cauliflower: Sprinkle the dry mixture over the oiled cauliflower, tossing to ensure each floret is well-coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated florets in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Roast: Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: After removing from the oven, let the cauliflower cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture for some heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try using grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese in place of Parmesan for a different taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but ensure it's fully thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture before coating and roasting.
3. How do I prevent the cauliflower from becoming soggy?
Make sure the florets are dry before coating, and avoid overcrowding them on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation.
4. Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative and use nutritional yeast for added flavor.
5. Is it necessary to flip the cauliflower during roasting?
Flipping halfway ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.
6. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely, vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts can be prepared similarly.
7. What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Aioli, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce complement the flavors nicely.
8. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for better melting and flavor, but pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.
9. How can I make the coating stick better?
Ensuring the cauliflower is well-coated with olive oil helps the dry mixture adhere properly.
10. Can I air fry the cauliflower instead?
Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Conclusion
This Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower offers a delectable combination of textures and flavors, making it a standout side dish or snack. Its simplicity and versatility ensure it will become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
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Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a flavorful and nutritious side dish, featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, then roasted to golden perfection. Simple to prepare and packed with rich flavors, this dish pairs perfectly with meats or vegetarian meals and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets in a large bowl with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Cauliflower: Sprinkle the dry mixture over the cauliflower and toss until all florets are well-coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space for air circulation.
- Roast: Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: After removing from the oven, cool slightly and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower is dry before coating to avoid sogginess.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick or use dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American