Crispy baked cauliflower

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Baking the cauliflower reduces the need for excessive oil, resulting in a lighter yet still indulgent dish.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and garlic infuses the cauliflower with robust flavors that even meat lovers will appreciate.
• Versatile Pairing: The accompanying cream cheese dip complements the crispy cauliflower, adding a creamy and tangy contrast.

Ingredients

For the Baked Cauliflower:

• 88 ounces (1.3 kg) cauliflower
• 1¼ cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¾ cup (100g) flour
• 3 eggs
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 2 teaspoons parsley, chopped
• ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cream Cheese Dip:

• ¾ cup (200g) sour cream
• ½ cup (100g) yogurt
• Parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Lemon juice, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the cauliflower, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
2. Set Up Dredging Stations: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian herbs, parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in the third.
3. Dredge the Cauliflower: Coat each cauliflower floret in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
4. Bake: Place the breaded florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Prepare the Dip: While the cauliflower is baking, combine the sour cream, yogurt, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve: Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, remove from the oven and serve immediately alongside the cream cheese dip.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves approximately 6 people.
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy version.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To retain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the cauliflower soggy.

FAQs

How do I ensure the cauliflower stays crispy?

To maintain crispiness, make sure to bake the cauliflower immediately after breading and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Additionally, serving it right after baking helps retain its crunchy texture.

Can I prepare the cauliflower in advance?

It’s best to bake the cauliflower just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness. However, you can prepare the breading mixture and cut the cauliflower ahead of time to streamline the process.

What other dips pair well with crispy baked cauliflower?

Aside from the cream cheese dip, options like ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a spicy sriracha mayo complement the flavors well.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh cauliflower is recommended for this recipe, as frozen florets may retain excess moisture, leading to a less crispy texture.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of flaxseed meal or cornstarch to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Also, use dairy-free alternatives for the Parmesan cheese and the dip ingredients.

Is it necessary to boil the cauliflower before baking?

Parboiling the cauliflower helps achieve a tender interior while maintaining a crispy exterior. Skipping this step may result in a longer baking time to achieve the desired tenderness.

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