Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (2024)

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This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower recipe makes crispy cauliflower bites with garlic Parmesan breading. They are baked in the oven instead of fried. It's bound to become your favorite vegetable side dish!

Cauliflower is my favorite vegetable. When I don't roast it, I make Mashed Cauliflower and my Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (1)
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients:
  • How to make roasted cauliflower?
  • How long does it take to roast cauliflower in the oven?
  • Helpful Tips!
  • Recipe FAQs:
  • More delicious side dish recipes:
  • Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Roasting cauliflower is my favorite way of preparing it. This underrated vegetable has so much to offer and roasting it definitely tops the list. It brings out its delicious flavor and paired with garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs create an irresistible dish. To make crunchy breaded cauliflower bites, you can use one of two methods. The final result is irresistible crunchy cauliflower bites!

This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower is the best idea for a side dish featuring this vegetable. Aside from turning it into a vegetarian, healthy Alfredo sauce, or mashed cauliflower of course.

Ingredients:

  • cauliflower - I used a medium size fresh cauliflower head. I do not recommend frozen cauliflower florets.
  • butter - Not only does it allow the breading to stick to the cauliflower, but helps the florets brown nicely.
  • garlic - Add flavor during roasting. I recommend using fresh garlic bulbs, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • bread crumbs - I used plain, but Italian style or even panko can be used. If you don't have any on hand, make my homemade bread crumbs. It's so easy!
  • Parmesan cheese - Adds toasted cheese flavor and crunch to the florets.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (2)

How to make roasted cauliflower?

  • First cut the cauliflower head into florets, roughly the same size. You can slice the big florets in half if needed.
  • You can either toss the cauliflower with olive oil or melted butter and then sprinkle with the breading mixture and stir to coat. I use this methodin my The Best Roasted Broccoli recipe. The other option, that helps prevent any breading from falling off the cauliflower pieces, is to dip each floret into melted butter and then into the breading mixture. I use this method in my Baked Artichoke Hearts recipe and it's perfect!

How long does it take to roast cauliflower in the oven?

The time of baking cauliflower in the oven depends on the size of the pieces. If you cut the cauliflower head into florets, bite-size pieces, you need to preheat the oven to 400 degrees F for 25 to 27 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown. The whole cauliflower will take longer and the timing again will depend on how big the cauliflower head is. For an average size head, it may take anywhere from 40 to 50 minutes. Cauliflower steaks take about 15 minutes of baking time.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (3)

Helpful Tips!

  • Cut the cauliflower into same-size florets so they all bake evenly.
  • To save time, you can use a zip loc bag to coat the cauliflower. Place it in the bag, drizzle with butter, and shake to coat. Add breading, shake again, and place all on a baking sheet.
  • After baking, drizzle hot sauce over the florets for the hot wings flavor!

Recipe FAQs:

Can I use frozen cauliflower florets to make this?

I recommend using fresh cauliflower. Frozen florets need to be thawed and will still have excess moisture. This can cause the cauliflower to burn and not roast properly.

Can I make this dish in an air fryer?

Of course! Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and roast the cauliflower for 15 minutes. An air fryer will usually cut the roasting time in half. Make sure to not overcrowd the basket or tray. The air needs to circulate around the food.

Can I use panko bread crumbs?

Absolutely! Use them along with plain bread crumbs or on their own. They will add even more crunch!

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (4)

More delicious side dish recipes:

  • Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant Recipe
  • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli Recipe
  • Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots Recipe
  • Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (9)

If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (10)

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower recipe

Author: Anna

This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower recipe makes crispy cauliflower bites with garlic Parmesan breading. They are baked in the oven instead of fried. It's bound to become your favorite vegetable side dish!

4.88 from 157 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 247 kcal

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℉. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

    1 medium cauliflower head

  • Remove all leaves from cauliflower head. Cut cauliflower into florets, all roughly the same size. You can slice the large florets in half, if needed.

  • Melt butter and in a small bowl. Add garlic and stir in.

    ½ cup butter, 2 garlic cloves

  • Place breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese in another bowl.

    1 cup Italian or plain breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • Dip each cauliflower piece into butter first, then to breadcrumbs.

  • Place each breaded piece on prepared baking sheet. Repeat until you use up all cauliflower.

  • Roast cauliflower for 35 to 32 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown.

Video

Notes

  • This cauliflower can be served as a side dish or an appetizer along with a dipping sauce, like Ranch.
  • This breading method prevents the coating mixture from falling off the cauliflower pieces. You can also pour the melted butter over cauliflower bites in a bowl and toss gently to coat. Then sprinkle with breading mixture and stir to coat. Bake as instructed in the recipe above.
  • Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.

Nutrition

Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 496mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 545IU | Vitamin C: 8.6mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know!

  1. Donna Beasley says

    Wonderful recipe! However, I throw away sooo much breadcrumb/parmesan mixture. I can never seem to reduce it enough to avoid waste. I eat gluten free so the breadcrumbs are both expensive and a little difficult to find (the good ones). I would caution others on this one exception to an otherwise terrific recipe! I will try to remember to cut back even more the next time.

    Reply

    • Anna says

      Hi Donna! Thank you for making my recipe! I'm so glad you enjoy it. To save the breadcrumb mixture, simply toast in in a pan over medium low heat, cool completely and store in a jar. It's a delicious topping for pasta or salads! Hope this helps!

      Reply

  2. Przyprawionesercem.com@gmail.com says

    Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (15)
    Thank you Anna for this wonderful recipe. I will be happy to make it for my family

    Reply

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Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe - Crunchy Creamy Sweet (2024)

FAQs

Why is my roasted cauliflower mushy? ›

First, take care not to overcrowd your pan; if the cauliflower is packed in rim-to-rim, the moisture will not be able to escape as the florets cook, which will result in soft steamed cauliflower instead of roasted.

What to pair with cauliflower? ›

Anchovy, beef, blue cheese, buffalo mozzarella, butter, cheddar cheese, chickpeas, curry, farro, feta cheese, gruyère cheese, parmesan cheese, pork, quinoa, rice, saffron, tahini, tofu, turkey, turmeric, yoghurt.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

Why is my cauliflower not getting crispy? ›

Cauliflower has a very high water content, so it won't get crispy if you bake the florets crowded together. "Be sure to give each floret a bit of room so that the they have space for airflow. I'd also recommend baking them on a silicone baking mat," says Blay.

What organ is cauliflower good for? ›

Cauliflower Benefits

Fiber helps maintain healthy digestion, reducing your risk of digestive disorders. It also promotes the growth of good bacteria in your gut. A healthy balance of gut bacteria helps lower inflammation in your body and reduces your risk of heart disease, dementia, and obesity.

What does cauliflower do to your body? ›

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is naturally high in fiber and B vitamins. It has many health benefits, such as aiding digestion and circulation. It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer.

How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? ›

How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? It's recommended to eat at least 3/4 cup of cauliflower every day. This means you should have almost 5 cups every week. For those who can easily digest this vegetable, it would be good to have 1.5 cups every day, which amounts to about 10 cups of cauliflower in a week.

Are roasted cauliflower good for you? ›

If you're not into cauliflower, try it roasted. It'll be on your veggie rotation in no time. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable responsible for helping to reduce risk of cancer due to it's special antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as it's high fiber content.

Is it healthier to steam or bake cauliflower? ›

Evenly-sized florets: When cutting the cauliflower into florets, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Steaming for nutrient retention: Steaming preserves the cauliflower's natural flavors and nutrients best. This is the ideal option if you're looking to maximize health benefits.

How do you keep cauliflower from getting mushy? ›

Give them as much space as possible so there's good air flow between the florets. Crowding the florets creates steam which prevents browning and makes the cauliflower soggy.

How do you keep roasted vegetables from getting mushy? ›

Don't crowd the baking sheet.

You want to spread the vegetables in an even layer with space in between so the vegetables can cook and get crispy. If you crowd and overlap the veggies, they will steam and get mushy, not what we want!

Why is my roasted squash mushy? ›

Squashes behave very differently when cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. Generally, a squash that is roasted in the oven is going to have a much softer texture, one that can get mushy if mixed with other ingredients, but making it ideal for a purée, soup, or being mashed.

Why are my oven roasted veggies soggy? ›

The higher the sides the more difficult it is for the evaporating water from the produce to escape. More water in the tray = mushier veggies. But mushy roasted broccoli kind of defeats the purpose of roasted vegetables in the first place, so stick to this kinda sheet.

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