Description
Crispy roasted cauliflower delivers a Mediterranean-inspired sensation that elevates humble vegetables into a culinary masterpiece. Garlic, herbs, and olive oil create irresistible golden edges you cannot resist savoring with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets (slice large pieces in half)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces (113 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- Fresh ground pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 450F (230C) and arrange the rack in the top position to ensure optimal roasting conditions.
- Transform the whole cauliflower into bite-sized florets, strategically cutting larger pieces in half to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
- Transfer florets into a spacious mixing bowl and generously coat with olive oil, using a gentle tossing motion to ensure complete coverage.
- Enhance the cauliflower’s flavor profile by sprinkling Old Bay seasoning, chili pepper, and freshly ground black pepper, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and carefully arrange the seasoned florets in a single layer, preventing overcrowding to maximize crispiness.
- Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for precisely 15 minutes, allowing the edges to turn golden brown and develop a delightful crunch.
- While the cauliflower roasts, finely grate both cheddar and parmesan cheeses, preparing them for the final flavor enhancement.
- Carefully remove the partially roasted cauliflower and generously sprinkle the grated cheese mixture over the florets, returning to the oven for an additional 7-10 minutes.
- Monitor the cauliflower until the cheese turns golden and crispy, creating a delectable caramelized crust.
- Extract from the oven, scrape the crispy cheese fragments from the pan, and serve immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent steaming.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and avoid pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Replace Old Bay seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile, and use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheese alternative that maintains rich, savory notes.
- Watch closely during the final cheese-melting stage to prevent burning, as the high heat can quickly turn cheese from golden to bitter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 471 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg