Description
Crispy parmesan roasted cauliflower delivers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired side dish that elevates simple vegetables. Garlic, herbs, and melted cheese create irresistible flavor profiles perfect for home cooks seeking delicious vegetable options.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (approximately 1 lb or 454 g)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 425F (220C), positioning the rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent adherence.
- Floret Preparation: Dismantle the cauliflower into symmetrical, bite-sized clusters, ensuring uniform dimensions for consistent roasting. Transfer to a capacious mixing vessel.
- Seasoning Fusion: Cascade olive oil over the cauliflower, employing gentle tumbling techniques to cloak each morsel in a lustrous sheen. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, then massage thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Crisp Coating: Merge grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then lavishly dust over the seasoned florets. Delicately fold to create a tantalizing, crisp exterior that promises textural delight.
- Roasting Technique: Strategically arrange florets on the prepared sheet in a single, spread-out layer, allowing ample breathing room for optimal caramelization. Slide into the preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes and rotating midway to achieve a golden, crisp perfection.
- Finishing Touch: Extract from the oven once achieving a vibrant, crispy facade. Optionally, embellish with freshly chopped parsley and a zesty lemon juice splash for a bright, aromatic finale. Serve immediately to preserve peak crispness.
Notes
- Manage Moisture Control: Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming and ensure maximum crispiness during roasting.
- Optimize Cheese Distribution: Grate Parmesan freshly for better melting and more intense flavor absorption into the breadcrumb coating.
- Prevent Burning Technique: Monitor cauliflower closely during last 10 minutes of roasting to avoid over-browning, adjusting oven rack position if necessary.
- Customize Dietary Modifications: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or almond meal for low-carb and celiac-friendly version without compromising crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg