Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Transform your mealtime with this Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower recipe. Not only does it offer a crispy and delicious twist to your usual vegetable sides, but it also swaps frying for baking, making it a healthier choice. Soon, this will be your new favorite way to enjoy cauliflower!

Why This Roasted Cauliflower Will Be Your New Go-To

Cauliflower might just be your most versatile vegetable. While delicious mashed or as a base for Alfredo sauce, roasting brings out its best. This method amplifies the vegetable’s inherent flavors, pairing beautifully with garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs for a side that’s nothing short of irresistible. Furthermore, the recipe gives you two ways to achieve perfect crunchy bites, ensuring you can tailor it to your preferences.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Roasted Cauliflower

• Cauliflower: Opt for a medium-sized, fresh head to ensure a firm texture that holds up well to roasting.
• Butter: Essential for helping the breading stick and ensuring the florets brown beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh bulbs are recommended to infuse your dish with pungent, aromatic flavors; however, garlic powder stands in well when needed.
• Breadcrumbs: Whether plain, Italian style, or panko, they add essential crunch and absorb flavors wonderfully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a toasted, cheesy dimension that complements the cauliflower perfectly.

Simple Steps to Oven-Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower

Firstly, prepare your cauliflower by cutting it into evenly sized florets—this ensures they cook uniformly. You have two choices for coating: either toss the florets in a mixture of olive oil or butter with the breading, or dip each piece individually for a more thorough coat. This latter method is superb for keeping the breading intact, just as I do with my Baked Artichoke Hearts.

Cooking Time Guidelines

The cooking duration varies depending on the cut of your cauliflower. For florets, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 25 to 27 minutes until golden. Larger whole heads of cauliflower may take 40 to 50 minutes, whereas cauliflower steaks are quicker at approximately 15 minutes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Ensure all florets are cut to similar sizes to promote even baking.
• For a quicker prep time, employ a zip-lock bag to evenly coat the cauliflower with butter and breading.
• After roasting, consider drizzling hot sauce over the florets to add a zesty, hot wing flavor.

Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups cauliflower florets
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Oven Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with melted butter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Use a silicone pastry brush to cover any uncoated spots.
3. Season: In the same bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered cauliflower, then cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid and gently toss to coat all the florets evenly.
4. Bake: Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cauliflower begin to crisp and turn golden brown.
5. Serve: Enjoy the cauliflower hot from the oven, perfect as a side dish for meats, pasta, or as a healthy snack on its own.

Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Prepare for Air Frying: Spray the crisper plate of your air fryer with olive oil. Arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the plate. Lightly spray the florets with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
3. Cook: Air fry the cauliflower for about 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness and crispiness. Turning the pieces halfway through the cooking time with a rubber-tipped spatula can help them cook evenly, but this step can be optional depending on your air fryer model.