Description
Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower brings Mediterranean simplicity to your dinner table with golden-edged, herb-infused florets. Cheese-lovers and vegetable enthusiasts will savor this elegant, easy side dish that elevates humble cauliflower into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (approximately 454 grams)
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish Ingredients:
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to a robust 425F (220C), creating an ideal roasting environment. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light oil coating to prevent sticking.
- Break the cauliflower into uniform florets, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking. Transfer the pieces into a spacious mixing bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil generously over the cauliflower, using gentle tossing motions to guarantee each piece receives an even, glistening coating.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper across the florets. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings uniformly.
- Combine grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs in a separate container. Shower this mixture over the seasoned cauliflower, carefully folding to create a delicate, crispy exterior.
- Arrange the dressed florets on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer with slight spacing between pieces. This arrangement encourages optimal browning and crispness.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes. Midway through cooking, flip the florets to ensure balanced caramelization and golden-brown edges.
- Once achieved a vibrant, crispy texture, remove from oven. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a bright lemon juice squeeze for added zest before serving immediately.
Notes
- Toss cauliflower florets gently to prevent breaking delicate pieces while ensuring even coating of oil and seasonings.
- For maximum crispiness, use a large baking sheet and spread florets in a single layer without overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Customize this recipe by swapping Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Prep cauliflower quickly by purchasing pre-cut florets or using a sharp knife to cut uniform pieces that roast evenly and look professionally prepared.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 173
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 328 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 11 mg