If you’re looking for a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying side dish, this Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower recipe is bound to be your new favorite! Perfectly seasoned with garlic, butter, and Parmesan, these roasted cauliflower bites pack a punch of flavor. The best part? They’re baked to crispy perfection, not fried, making them a healthier option without compromising on taste. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a savory appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Italian or plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Remove all the leaves from your cauliflower and cut it into florets. Try to keep them roughly the same size for even cooking. If some florets are too large, feel free to slice them in half.
- Melt the butter and garlic: In a small bowl, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Give it a good stir to combine the flavors.
- Prepare the breading: In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the garlic butter, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the breadcrumbs stick.
- Roast: Place the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown and the cauliflower is tender with a crispy exterior.
Details And Nutritional Information
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 247 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 48 mg
Helpful Tips
- Even-sized florets: Cutting your cauliflower into similar-sized florets ensures even cooking. If some florets are larger, you can cut them in half.
- Breading hack: For a quicker process, you can toss the cauliflower in melted butter, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the florets and toss again to coat. This method works well if you’re in a hurry.
- Serve with a dip: These cauliflower bites are delicious on their own, but serving them with your favorite dipping sauce like Ranch or garlic aioli elevates them even further!
Substitutions and Variations
- Breadcrumbs: For a healthier version, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch. You can also go gluten-free with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Cheese: Switch out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
- Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with the seasonings! Add smoked paprika, cayenne, or Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat the florets dry thoroughly before using. Frozen cauliflower can release water during baking, which may affect the crispiness.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for a vegan butter alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
The method of dipping the cauliflower in butter first helps the breading stick well. However, if you’re finding it tricky, you can sprinkle the breading on top after coating the cauliflower in butter.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispiness.
- Freezer: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze these cauliflower bites after roasting. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen for best results.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Give this Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower a try, and I promise, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen! It’s one of those versatile dishes that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for special occasions. Enjoy!
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Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower is a crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make side dish. Coated in garlic butter and Parmesan breadcrumbs, these cauliflower bites are roasted to perfection in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to fried options. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a party appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Italian or plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Remove leaves from cauliflower and cut it into similar-sized florets.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter and minced garlic.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the garlic butter, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot, with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
- For an even faster method, toss the cauliflower in melted butter, then sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture and toss to coat.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like Ranch or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 247 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g