Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe

Cauliflower is one of the most versatile vegetables in the culinary world. It can be roasted, steamed, boiled, or mashed, and it absorbs flavors wonderfully. This recipe takes cauliflower to the next level by roasting it to crispy perfection and pairing it with a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating a delightful contrast of creamy, sharp, and savory flavors. The result is a dish that’s deliciously crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with rich, cheesy goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Before starting, ensure your oven is preheated to 425°F (220°C). Roasting the cauliflower at a high temperature allows it to caramelize, which results in the crispy edges that make this dish so delicious.

If you’re worried about cleanup or want to avoid the cauliflower sticking to the baking sheet, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. This step is optional but highly recommended for convenience.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Remove the leaves: Start by trimming off any green leaves and the stem from the cauliflower. Set the cauliflower head on its base and use a sharp knife to remove the large stem. You can discard the stem or save it for another recipe, like cauliflower stalk soup.

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2. Cut into florets: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to make them as uniform in size as possible to ensure even roasting. Aim for pieces that are about 1-1.5 inches in size. The florets will cook more evenly if they’re cut consistently, and they will have more crispy edges when roasted.

3. Toss the Cauliflower with Seasonings

Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This will help the cauliflower crisp up in the oven and ensure each piece is flavorful.

4. Arrange the Cauliflower on the Baking Sheet

Transfer the seasoned cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the florets out in a single layer, making sure there is some space between each piece. This spacing ensures that the cauliflower can roast properly and develop crispy edges. If the florets are overcrowded, they’ll steam instead of roast, which will result in soggier cauliflower.

5. Roast the Cauliflower

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the cauliflower a good toss to ensure all sides are roasted evenly. You can use tongs or a spatula to flip the florets. The cauliflower is done when it’s golden brown and crispy on the edges, and fork-tender in the middle.

6. Add the Cheese Topping

Once the cauliflower is roasted to crispy perfection, remove it from the oven. At this point, we’re going to melt a delicious combination of cheddar and Parmesan over the cauliflower to make it extra cheesy.

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cauliflower, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add a sprinkle of dried thyme or rosemary at this stage to enhance the flavor. The herbs will complement the cheesy topping perfectly.

2. Return to the oven: Place the cauliflower back in the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and started to bubble and turn golden. Keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the cauliflower from the oven. This is the perfect time to garnish your dish. You can add some freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. A quick squeeze of lemon juice over the top will add a bright, zesty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese.

If you’re a cheese lover, you can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan over the top for added cheesy goodness.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Cauliflower

1. Cutting the Cauliflower: For the crispiest cauliflower, cut the florets into similar sizes. The more surface area that’s exposed to the heat, the more crispy edges you’ll get. Cutting the cauliflower into slightly smaller pieces can help, but don’t go too small, or they may burn before they cook through.

2. High Heat: Roasting at high heat (425°F or 220°C) is essential for getting the crispy, caramelized edges that make this dish so irresistible. A lower temperature will result in softer, less crispy cauliflower.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan will cause the cauliflower to steam rather than roast, leading to less crispy results. If you have too much cauliflower for one baking sheet, consider using two pans.

4. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan can work, freshly grated Parmesan has a better flavor and melts more evenly. For the best results, grate the Parmesan yourself using a fine grater.

5. Crispy Variations: If you want extra crispy cauliflower, you can sprinkle a little panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese before baking it again. This will give the cauliflower a crunchy, breadcrumb crust.

Variations

This recipe is highly customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Vegan Version: If you’re following a plant-based diet, you can easily make this recipe vegan by swapping out the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses for vegan cheese alternatives. There are many great dairy-free cheeses on the market, some of which melt and brown beautifully, just like traditional cheese.

2. Spicy Cauliflower: Add some heat to this dish by tossing the cauliflower in cayenne pepper or chili powder before roasting. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the cauliflower after roasting for an extra kick.

3. Garlic and Herb Cauliflower: For a more aromatic dish, add minced garlic to the olive oil and seasoning mixture before tossing the cauliflower. You can also experiment with other herbs such as oregano, basil, or rosemary.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Cauliflower: If you’re not concerned about keeping the dish vegetarian, you can wrap the cauliflower florets in bacon before roasting. The bacon adds both crunch and a smoky flavor that complements the cheese.

5. Cheese Variations: While cheddar and Parmesan work wonderfully, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as Gruyère, fontina, or mozzarella, for different textures and flavors.

Conclusion

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Cheddar and Parmesan is a comforting and satisfying dish that is simple to prepare but packed with flavor. The crispy, caramelized cauliflower pairs perfectly with the creamy, melty cheese, creating a balanced combination of textures. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a main, this recipe is sure to impress.

Yield: 4

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe

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Cauliflower is one of the most versatile vegetables in the culinary world. It can be roasted, steamed, boiled, or mashed, and it absorbs flavors wonderfully. This recipe takes cauliflower to the next level by roasting it to crispy perfection and pairing it with a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating a delightful contrast of creamy, sharp, and savory flavors. The result is a dish that’s deliciously crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with rich, cheesy goodness.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower:

• Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
• In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.

3. Roast the Cauliflower:

• Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges.

4. Add the Cheeses:

• Once the cauliflower is roasted and crispy, remove it from the oven.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan evenly over the cauliflower.
• Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor (optional).

Notes

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.

Cheese Variations: You can use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, Gruyère, or even goat cheese, depending on your taste.

Vegan Option: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast to achieve a cheesy flavor without dairy.