Name: Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor and color); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Why You’ll Love Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Crispy texture: The cauliflower comes out perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining tender and soft on the inside.
Full of flavor: The addition of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasoning takes the flavor of cauliflower to the next level.
Quick and easy: This recipe is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute side dish.
Healthy and nutritious: Cauliflower is packed with vitamins and fiber, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Season the cauliflower: Drizzle the cauliflower florets with olive oil and toss them to coat evenly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Toss everything together until the cauliflower is well coated in the seasoning mixture.
Roast the cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges. Be sure to flip the cauliflower halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
Serve: Once the cauliflower is crispy and tender, remove it from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a bit of heat.
Lemon zest: Add freshly grated lemon zest to the cauliflower before roasting for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Cheese options: If you prefer a different cheese, try using a mix of Parmesan and sharp cheddar, or even some crumbled feta for a unique twist.
Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or dill, to customize the flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover crispy Parmesan roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, reheat the cauliflower in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a skillet to reheat it over medium heat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe, but you can use frozen cauliflower if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before roasting to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe without Parmesan cheese?

If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can omit the Parmesan or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet along with the cauliflower for a delicious mixed vegetable dish.

How do I get the cauliflower extra crispy?

Make sure to coat the cauliflower evenly with oil and cheese, and spread the florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them crisp up evenly. Also, flipping the cauliflower halfway through roasting helps ensure it gets crispy on all sides.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the cauliflower and toss it in the seasoning mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast it.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese can add a different flavor profile to the dish.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

How long does it take to roast cauliflower?

Roast the cauliflower for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it becomes golden brown and crispy on the edges. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the florets.

Can I use a different oil?

Yes, you can use any oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, if you prefer. Olive oil adds a great flavor, but other oils can work too.

How do I know when the cauliflower is done?

The cauliflower is done when it’s golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can also check by poking a floret with a fork to ensure it’s tender.

Conclusion

Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a simple yet flavorful side dish that adds a crispy, cheesy twist to your meals. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or main, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and make cauliflower your new favorite vegetable. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear, this dish is the perfect way to enjoy healthy, crispy cauliflower at home!

Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

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Looking for a delicious and healthy side dish? This Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is the perfect combination of tender cauliflower with a crispy, cheesy crust. Roasted to perfection with garlic, Parmesan, and seasonings, this simple recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. It’s an easy, low-carb side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Season the cauliflower: Drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower florets and toss to coat them evenly. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika (if using). Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower and toss to ensure the cheese sticks to the florets.
Roast the cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through. The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy on the edges when done.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately as a side dish or appetizer.

Notes

For extra crunch, you can add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs along with the Parmesan cheese.
This recipe can be customized with additional seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, chili flakes, or lemon zest.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative.