This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, meat-free meal that satisfies the cravings for something crispy and savory. Infused with subtle flavors from fresh herbs and a tangy sauce, this dish turns humble cauliflower into a mouthwatering treat. Perfect as a main course or a side, this recipe is sure to impress both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful and healthy dish!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is incredibly versatile and takes on flavors beautifully, making it the perfect canvas for this crispy, cheesy coating. Baking the cauliflower after boiling it with herbs and lemon infuses it with extra flavor and ensures a tender texture. The panko and Parmesan coating gives it a satisfyingly crispy bite, while the creamy, tangy sauce provides the perfect complement. It’s an excellent way to elevate your vegetable game, and you won’t even miss the meat!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 slices lemon
- A handful of dill
- 1 1/4 cups (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, whisked
- 5 tablespoons (75 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- A handful of chopped parsley
- 1 cup (90 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) yogurt
- Freshly chopped parsley, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice, to taste
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 450 mg
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower into florets, ensuring they are similar in size for even cooking.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add 3 slices of lemon, a handful of dill, and the cauliflower florets. Boiling the cauliflower with lemon and dill infuses it with subtle flavors and tenderizes it slightly, setting it up perfectly for roasting.
- Boil for 5 minutes, then drain the cauliflower and set it aside. This quick blanching helps the cauliflower become tender without losing its structure.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of panko breadcrumbs, 1 minced garlic clove, 5 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, salt, ground black pepper, a handful of chopped parsley, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mix until well combined, ensuring the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the olive oil and seasonings. This mixture will give the cauliflower its irresistible crispy coating.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
- Set up a dredging station with three components: a plate of 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, a bowl of 3 whisked eggs, and the bowl of the breadcrumb mixture.
- Dredge each cauliflower floret first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the whisked eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the florets to ensure they stick well.
- Place the coated cauliflower florets on a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them out so they bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Cauliflower
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the coated cauliflower for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The aroma of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
- While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, freshly chopped parsley, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. This creamy, tangy sauce perfectly complements the crispy cauliflower, adding a refreshing contrast to each bite.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the crispy roasted cauliflower warm, alongside the prepared sauce. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired.
- Enjoy this delicious, meat-free dish that is sure to impress with its crispy texture and savory flavors.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Roasted Cauliflower
- Ensure Even Coating: Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the cauliflower florets to ensure a thick, even coating that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Adjust the Herbs: Feel free to adjust the herbs in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste. Add a touch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Keep an Eye on Baking: Depending on your oven, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. Check the cauliflower at the 15-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings together the best of roasted vegetables and crunchy, cheesy coatings. Serve it as a main course with a side salad, or as a flavorful appetizer at your next gathering. Either way, it’s a delicious way to enjoy cauliflower in a whole new light!
