Description
Crispy cauliflower parmesan brings Italian-inspired comfort to vegetarian cuisine. Home cooks can enjoy this golden, herb-crusted dish that delivers rich flavors and satisfying texture without meat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower, stem trimmed and cut vertically into 1 inch (2.5 cm) planks
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, torn if large
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Oven: Position rack in center and preheat to 425°F (220°C) for optimal roasting environment.
- Arrange Cauliflower: Spread cauliflower steaks on rimmed baking sheet in single layer, ensuring each piece has space for caramelization and even cooking.
- Season and Oil: Brush both surfaces of cauliflower with olive oil, then generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance natural vegetable flavors.
- Roast Cauliflower: Slide baking sheet into preheated oven, roasting for 35 minutes and flipping midway to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
- Sauce and Cheese Layer: Once roasted, remove from oven and cascade marinara sauce over each steak, then generously cover with mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese.
- Broil and Finish: Switch oven to broil, positioning sheet near top heating element and broiling 2-3 minutes until cheese melts with bubbling, crispy edges.
- Final Garnish: Immediately scatter remaining Parmesan, torn fresh basil leaves, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for aromatic complexity and optional heat.
- Serve: Present hot, ensuring cheese remains molten and cauliflower maintains its crispy, golden texture.
Notes
- Achieve Perfect Caramelization: Spread cauliflower steaks in a single layer to ensure even browning and prevent steaming, which preserves the vegetable’s crispy texture.
- Master Oil Application: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat cauliflower surfaces, creating a golden exterior that enhances flavor and promotes even roasting.
- Monitor Broiling Carefully: Watch cheese closely during the final 2-3 minutes to prevent burning, aiming for a perfectly golden and bubbly top without scorching.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish right after cooking to experience the optimal combination of melted cheese, crispy cauliflower, and vibrant flavors at their peak.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg