Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe

Name: Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

February 9, 2025

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Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower is a versatile and flavorful side dish that combines the earthy goodness of cauliflower with the rich, savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a perfect blend of seasonings. This dish is a healthier alternative to creamy mashed potatoes or heavy casseroles and is perfect for anyone looking to add more veggies to their meal, whether for a family dinner, special occasion, or a low-carb side dish.

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the cauliflower roast perfectly and get a slight caramelization on the edges.
Trim the cauliflower by removing the leaves and cutting off the stem. Break the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can use a sharp knife or your hands to break the cauliflower into pieces. The smaller the florets, the faster they will cook and absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Roast the Cauliflower

On a large baking sheet, spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss well to coat. Make sure the cauliflower is evenly coated to ensure it roasts evenly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using garlic powder and onion powder, you can sprinkle those on now as well.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cauliflower is tender. After 15 minutes, toss the cauliflower to ensure even roasting and browning.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Mixture

While the cauliflower is roasting, you can prepare the cheesy garlic sauce. In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
After the garlic is sautéed, remove from heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Combine with Cheese

Once the cauliflower is done roasting and is golden brown and tender, remove it from the oven. You should be able to easily pierce the florets with a fork.
Transfer the cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. While it’s still hot, pour the garlic-oil mixture over the roasted cauliflower and toss gently to coat all the florets.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again to coat the cauliflower evenly. The hot cauliflower will melt the Parmesan cheese slightly, adding a deliciously savory flavor.
If you’re using mozzarella, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the cauliflower and toss gently. Mozzarella will give the dish a beautiful, gooey texture, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the cauliflower is well coated in the garlic, oil, and cheese, transfer it to a serving dish.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. If you like a bit of heat, you can sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or as a healthy snack or appetizer.

Tips for Success:

Choose Fresh Cauliflower: The fresher your cauliflower, the better the texture and flavor of your dish. Look for firm, tight florets with no yellow or brown spots.
Don’t Overcrowd the Cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower florets out in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they’re overcrowded, they will steam instead of roast, and you won’t get the desired caramelization.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic sautéed in olive oil creates a much better flavor than garlic powder alone. You can even experiment with roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder garlic taste.
Experiment with Cheeses: While Parmesan is traditional for this recipe, you can also try mixing in different cheeses. Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, or Asiago can add different nuances of flavor. If you want a creamier texture, use cream cheese or ricotta.
Watch the Roasting Time: Cauliflower can burn easily once it starts to brown, so keep an eye on it while roasting. Stirring halfway through will help ensure even cooking.
Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile. Adding herbs to the oil before roasting will infuse them with the cauliflower.
Customize the Heat: If you like your dishes a little spicy, feel free to add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or chili flakes to the dish. The heat balances well with the cheesy and garlicky flavors.

Variations:

Cauliflower Bites: Instead of roasting whole florets, cut the cauliflower into smaller bite-sized pieces. This allows for a crispier texture and more even coating. These can be served as a fun appetizer or snack.
Cauliflower Gratin: To make this dish more like a cheesy cauliflower gratin, add a béchamel sauce (butter, flour, and milk) to the cauliflower after roasting and top it with more cheese. Bake it in the oven for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Lemon Garlic Cauliflower: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to the garlic and oil mixture for a fresh, zesty flavor. This will add brightness and contrast to the richness of the cheese.
Vegan Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower: To make this dish vegan, replace the Parmesan and mozzarella with vegan cheese or a blend of nutritional yeast (which gives a cheesy flavor) and dairy-free mozzarella. You can also use vegan butter or olive oil for sautéing the garlic.
Spicy Cheesy Cauliflower: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, you can add sriracha or hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture. A dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder will elevate the flavor and add an extra kick.
Cauliflower with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the cauliflower for a savory twist. The crispy bacon complements the creamy cheese and garlic flavors and adds an irresistible texture.
Herbed Cauliflower: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the oil before roasting the cauliflower. The herbs will infuse the cauliflower with even more savory, fragrant flavors.

Nutritional Benefits of Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower:

Low-Carb: This dish is a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It’s a perfect substitute for potatoes or rice in most meals.
High in Fiber: Cauliflower is naturally high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Rich in Antioxidants: Cauliflower contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and various phytonutrients that help support immune health and reduce inflammation.
Good Source of Minerals: This dish provides calcium and phosphorus from the Parmesan cheese, which are important for maintaining bone health.

Serving Suggestions:

As a Side Dish: Serve this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s a great complement to any main dish.
As a Snack: This dish also works well as a healthy, savory snack. It can be served with a side of ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
Meal Prep: This dish can be made in advance and reheated. It stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and you can even freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until hot.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower is an incredibly versatile and flavorful dish that can fit into a variety of diets, whether you’re looking for a low-carb side dish, a comforting vegetarian main course, or a cheesy snack to enjoy. The combination of roasted cauliflower with rich garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and the option to add other ingredients or spices makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

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It’s simple to prepare, and once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a cauliflower fan or not, this recipe has a way of transforming this humble vegetable into something irresistible.

Yield: 4