Description
Crispy oven-roasted cauliflower gets a golden makeover with panko and parmesan cheese. Herb-seasoned breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that will make this side dish disappear from your plate in moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) cauliflower florets (about 6–8 cups)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano or dry Italian seasoning (optional)
Oil and Garnishes:
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus additional for drizzling
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium green onions, thinly sliced for garnishing
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 450°F, creating an intense heat environment for perfect roasting. Generously coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Separate fresh cauliflower into uniform florets, ensuring even cooking. Drizzle olive oil over the florets, gently massaging to create a uniform, glistening coating.
- Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by combining minced garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs over the oil-coated cauliflower.
- Thoroughly toss the cauliflower, ensuring each floret is completely covered with the aromatic seasoning mixture. This step guarantees maximum flavor in every bite.
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower across the baking sheet in a single, uncrowded layer. Each piece should have space to crisp up perfectly. Lightly drizzle additional olive oil for extra golden browning.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, rotating the pan midway to promote even caramelization. The cauliflower will begin to turn golden and develop crispy edges.
- Crank up the oven temperature to 500°F for a final 3-4 minutes. This intense heat will create an irresistibly crunchy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
- Remove from the oven when the cauliflower reaches a deep golden-brown color with crispy, caramelized edges. Immediately transfer to a serving platter.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese and garnishing with thinly sliced green onions. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the entire flavor profile.
Notes
- Panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible golden crunch while Parmesan cheese delivers a savory punch of flavor that’ll make everyone forget they’re eating vegetables.
- Quick prep and minimal ingredients mean you can whip up this impressive side dish in under 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 34 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg