This Crispy Baked Cauliflower is a delicious and healthier alternative to fried snacks or even meat! Packed with flavor from Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, each bite of this cauliflower is golden brown and crunchy on the outside while being tender on the inside. Paired with a creamy and tangy cream cheese dip, this dish is perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a satisfying main course. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and baked to perfection without any deep-frying!
Ingredients
For the Baked Cauliflower:
- 88 ounces (1.3 kg) cauliflower (about 1 large cauliflower)
- 1¼ cups (150 g) Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¾ cup (100 g) flour
- 3 eggs
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (or a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2 tsp parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cream Cheese Dip:
- ¾ cup (200 g) sour cream
- ½ cup (100 g) yogurt
- Parsley, finely chopped (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice, to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by removing the leaves and core from the cauliflower head. Then, cut the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets—this will ensure even cooking and a nice crispy texture.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes, partially covered. This blanching process will help soften the cauliflower slightly. After 5 minutes, drain the cauliflower and set it aside to cool while you prepare the breading.
Step 2: Coating and Breading
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, Italian herbs, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil and the seasoning is well distributed. This mixture will give the cauliflower its irresistible crispy coating.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Pour ¾ cup of flour into another bowl.
To bread the cauliflower, follow these steps:
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten eggs.
- Coat the floret in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Finally, press the floret into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Repeat this process for all the cauliflower florets.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
Place the breaded cauliflower florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out so they don’t touch, ensuring even browning and crisping.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower florets are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on them for that perfect golden color.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Dip
While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the cream cheese dip.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and yogurt. Add finely chopped parsley, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until fully combined. The creamy, tangy dip will complement the savory cauliflower perfectly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cauliflower is baked and crispy, remove it from the oven. Serve hot, alongside the prepared cream cheese dip.
This Crispy Baked Cauliflower is sure to be a hit, whether served as a snack, a starter, or a light meal. The combination of the crispy, savory coating and the creamy dip makes it a delicious, healthy alternative to fried snacks or meat-based dishes.
Tips for Best Results
- Crispier Coating: For extra crispiness, you can spray the cauliflower lightly with cooking oil before baking.
- Customizations: Feel free to add other seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor and a bit of heat.
- Dip Variations: You can also add minced garlic, chives, or dill to the cream cheese dip for additional layers of flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Conclusion
This Crispy Baked Cauliflower is proof that baked vegetables can be just as satisfying, if not more so, than meat-based dishes. The tender cauliflower, encased in a crunchy, herb-infused breadcrumb and Parmesan coating, paired with a rich and tangy cream cheese dip, offers an explosion of flavors in every bite. Perfect for a light meal, snack, or party appetizer, it’s a healthier, tastier way to enjoy comfort food without guilt.
