Crunchy Delights: Unveiling the Ultimate Baked Cauliflower Parmesan Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with cauliflower all over again with our Baked Cauliflower Parmesan! 🧀🥦 Imagine tender cauliflower florets coated in a crisp, golden-brown layer, adorned with zesty marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Each bite is a delightful balance of textures and flavors, offering all the comfort of a classic dish with a nutritious twist. Whether you're looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a satisfying side that steals the spotlight, this recipe is your ticket to veggie heaven. Say hello to a new family favorite that's as easy to make as it is to devour! 🍽️🌟

A dish that's not just visually stunning but also a symphony of flavors

To achieve cauliflower perfection, we start by roasting the florets to bring out their natural sweetness and create that irresistible crispy exterior. Then comes the magic – a ladle of vibrant marinara sauce blanketing the florets like a warm hug, followed by a shower of melted mozzarella and Parmesan that transforms into a gooey, cheesy masterpiece in the oven. The result? ccccthat's comforting yet exciting. Whether you're a devoted veggie lover or simply on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing recipe, our Baked Cauliflower Parmesan is here to impress, one delicious bite at a time. 🧀👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4

Jump to:

• A dish that's not just visually stunning but also a symphony of flavors
• Ingredients needed to make Baked Cauliflower Parmesan
• How to make Baked Cauliflower Parmesan
• Variations on the Baked Cauliflower Parmesan recipe
• Equipment used in making Baked Cauliflower Parmesan
• Storage for the Baked Cauliflower Parmesan
• Top tips for making Baked Cauliflower Parmesan
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Crunchy Delights: Unveiling the Ultimate Baked Cauliflower Parmesan Recipe

Ingredients needed to make Baked Cauliflower Parmesan

• 1 medium cauliflower head, sliced into ½-inch thick steaks
• 1 T. extra virgin olive oil
• ½ c. Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• 3 T. grated parmesan cheese
• ½ t. dried basil
• 1 c. marinara sauce
• 1 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ c. fresh parsley, chopped
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

How to make Baked Cauliflower Parmesan

1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper. 
2. Arrange the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and basil. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the cauliflower steaks. 
4. Bake 20-25 minutes until the cauliflower is fork-tender.
5. Remove the cauliflower from the oven. Spoon some marinara sauce on top of each steak. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and return into the oven for 10-15 additional minutes or until the cauliflower is brown around the edges and the cheese is melted.  
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve. 
7. Enjoy!

Variations on the Baked Cauliflower Parmesan recipe

let's take that Baked Cauliflower Parmesan on a flavor journey with these fantastic variations:

1. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinara for a fiery twist that balances the cheesy goodness.
   
2. Greek-Inspired: Swap marinara for tzatziki sauce, top with crumbled feta, diced cucumbers, and fresh dill for a Mediterranean flair.
   
3. Buffalo Bites: Toss cauliflower in buffalo sauce before baking, then drizzle with blue cheese dressing for a tangy-spicy treat.
   
4. Pesto Perfection: Use pesto instead of marinara for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Top with pine nuts and grated Pecorino Romano.
   
5. Creamy Dreamy: Mix creamy Alfredo sauce with marinara for a pink sauce base. Add roasted garlic and finish with a blend of Italian cheeses.
   
6. Mexican Fiesta: Layer with black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Swap mozzarella for cheddar and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
   
7. Balsamic Glaze Glam: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished dish for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
   
8. Herb-Infused: Mix fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the marinara for an aromatic twist.
   
9. Blue Cheese Bliss: Top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts for a unique and delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
   
10. Mediterranean Marvel: Layer with roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts. Finish with crumbled goat cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

With these creative variations, your Baked Cauliflower Parmesan will keep surprising and delighting your taste buds with every bite! 🧀🥦🌶️

Equipment used in making Baked Cauliflower Parmesan

rimmed baking sheet
parchment paper
bowl

Storage for the Baked Cauliflower Parmesan

You can store Baked Cauliflower Parmesan in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When reheating, use the oven or toaster oven to help maintain the crispy texture. However, keep in mind that the crispiness might not be the same as when freshly baked.

FAQ

Related

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Pairing

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