Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Name: Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower; Olive Oil Spray (or 2-3 tablespoons olive oil); 2 tablespoons salted butter (melted); 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt; 1/2 cup parmesan, finely grated; Cayenne pepper (optional)

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Say goodbye to boring sides and hello to Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower! With its crispy, cheesy coating, this 6-ingredient side dish turns a simple veggie into a flavor-packed superstar that can go with any meal.

If you thought cauliflower was boring, think again! Parmesan Roasted cauliflower is here to change your mind! This cheesy and crunchy veggie delight takes plain old cauliflower and gives it a makeover that will have you going back for seconds. It's an easy recipe that takes 15 minutes to prep with 6 basic ingredients. What could be better?

As the cauliflower roasts, the center becomes slightly tender while still holding its shape and the exterior browns and crisps to golden perfection. It's the perfect simple side dish or main course. However you serve it, this cauliflower will have you saying, “More, please!”

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We especially love pairing this crispy cauliflower with Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Legs, Pork Bites and Gravy, and Blackened Cod.

Table of Contents

Why You'll Like This Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy: The combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs creates a delicious savory coating that makes cauliflower addictive.
Easy Side Dish: With just a few simple ingredients, you'll whip up this parmesan cauliflower in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Alternative: When you roast cauliflower, it's a nutritious way to enjoy vegetables without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile: This easy parmesan roasted cauliflower recipe can be served as a side or even a light main course—great for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scroll down to the end of this post for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card.

Fresh Cauliflower: The star of the show! Cauliflower is low in calories and high in nutrients, serving as a fantastic base for this baked cauliflower recipe. Make sure to choose a head of cauliflower with a strong stalk.
Olive Oil Spray: Adds a hint of healthy fat for roasting while keeping the dish lighter.
Salted Butter: Enhances the flavor and helps the breadcrumbs brown perfectly for the optimal golden crust.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates crispy edges that contrasts beautifully with the tender cauliflower.
Garlic Salt: Infuses the dish with delicious, savory flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The ultimate cheesy topping that adds richness and depth to recipes for roasted cauliflower.
Cayenne Pepper or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a spicy kick for those who like a little heat.

Laura's Tip: To achieve the perfect roasted cauliflower parmesan slice, peal away the leaves, clean, dry, and leave the stalk completely intact. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut from the top through the stalk in ½-inch slices. These are also often called cauliflower steaks. Any thinner and it will break apart into smaller pieces. You can also prepare larger florets instead of slices if you prefer. Smaller heads of cauliflower slice and hold their shape better than larger ones.

Tools You'll Need

How to Make Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Trim the cauliflower from its leaves and slice into large slices from the top to the core, about a ½” thick. It should yield about 8-10 slices.

Lay on the prepared sheet pan and spray both sides of the cauliflower slices with the olive oil spray.

For the crust, in a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, panko, garlic salt and parmesan cheese. Evenly distribute the crust on the top of the cauliflower slices. Optional, sprinkle with cayenne pepper.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

Make It Extra Cheesy. Add more Parmesan cheese on top halfway through baking for an even cheesier finish.
Even Crispness. Ensure the cauliflower is in a single layer on the baking sheet for even roasting and crispness.
Extra Flavor. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and color. Instead of garlic salt, you can use salt and garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves minced.
Gluten-Free Option. Swap panko bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Cheese Alternatives. Use other hard cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile. You could also use a creamy cheese like shredded mozzarella cheese.
Add Veggies. Feel free to toss in other vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for variety. Just make sure the veggies are in a single layer.

What to Serve with Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

The possibilities of what you can serve with this tasty cauliflower are endless. We love to have it with Balsamic Flank Steak, Barbecue Country Style Ribs, and Pork Bites and Gravy. Seafood dishes like this Maple Glazed Salmon are also a great complement to this veggie side!

Storage

Store any leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results, as microwaving may make the cauliflower soggy. Freezing is not ideal for this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep cauliflower from being soggy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure to space the cauliflower florets evenly on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding. You can also roast them at a higher temperature for a few additional minutes.

What if I don’t have panko bread crumbs?

If you don’t have panko bread crumbs, regular bread crumbs can be used, but the texture won’t be as light and crispy. You could also crush some crackers or use finely chopped nuts for a different twist.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and use a vegan butter alternative or olive oil instead of salted butter.

Can I add other seasonings to the recipe?

Yes! Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for a kick.

Can you tell me how to roast cauliflower?

To roast cauliflower, start by preheating your oven to 400-425°F. Cut a head of cauliflower into florets or slices and toss or brush with olive oil, salt, and spices or seasonings. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast 25-30 minutes. For added flavor and a crispy texture, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

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