Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower: Easy and Tasty Side Dish

This homemade Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower makes an awesome side dish, and honestly, it’s so tasty you might end up snacking on it right from the pan! This cauliflower dish is super simple to make, and those crispy, golden edges paired with its savory taste will take any meal to the next level.

Parmesan Roasted CauliflowerPhoto byThyme of Season

This dish combines the hearty texture of cauliflower with the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese—making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

To prepare this delicious parmesan roasted cauliflower, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 medium/large head cauliflower, cored and cut into florets
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• chives or parsley, finely chopped - optional for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation

The preparation process is straightforward and can be accomplished by following these easy steps:

Step 1: Begin by preheating the oven to 425°F and positioning a rack in the center.

Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for an easier cleanup. Halve the cauliflower to remove the stem or use a paring knife to cut it out from the bottom. Slice the cauliflower into evenly sized florets, and for larger ones, halve them to create flat "steaks" for more even roasting and easier cheese topping post-flipping. Strive for uniform thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, or directly on the baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, paprika, black pepper, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until well-coated.

Step 4: Arrange the florets cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes until the underside is golden brown.

Step 5: Flip the florets, top with the remaining Parmesan, and add mozzarella cheese. Roast for another 6-10 minutes until the edges are golden and the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

This parmesan roasted cauliflower makes an excellent side dish for a variety of meals. Try serving it alongside grilled meats, pasta dishes, or as a standalone snack. Try serving this cheesy parmesan roasted cauliflower side with this Savory Mushroom and Beef Tips dish or try it with our Garlic Butter Steak Bites. YUM!

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is available to Print and Save as PDF, if you would like to save this recipe for later.