I’ve crafted this nutrient-rich, nut-crusted cauliflower recipe to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. The combination of mixed nuts creates an irresistibly crunchy coating that transforms simple cauliflower into an elegant side dish or appetizer.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The variety of nuts provides multiple layers of flavor and texture, while the almond flour helps bind everything together perfectly. This dish is naturally gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and packed with healthy fats and proteins.
Prep Time & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs/900g), cut into even florets
- 1 cup (150g) mixed nuts:
- 1/3 cup almonds
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup (48g) almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (mixture of thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Detailed Instructions
- Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the nut coating:
- Place mixed nuts in a food processor
- Pulse until finely chopped but not powdered
- Stop when pieces are about the size of breadcrumbs
- In a shallow bowl, combine:
- Processed nut mixture
- Almond flour
- Garlic powder
- Dried herbs
- Salt
- Pepper
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly beat the eggs.
- Prepare the cauliflower:
- Cut into evenly sized florets (about 2 inches each)
- Remove excess stem
- Pat dry with paper towels
- Create your coating station:
- Bowl of beaten eggs
- Bowl of nut mixture
- Lined baking sheet
- Coat each floret:
- Dip in beaten egg
- Let excess drip off
- Roll in nut mixture, pressing gently to adhere
- Place on baking sheet with space between pieces
- Bake for 25 minutes:
- Turn pieces over at 15-minute mark
- Continue baking until golden brown and tender
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Toast nuts briefly before processing for enhanced flavor
- Don’t overprocess the nuts – maintain some texture
- Pat cauliflower completely dry before coating
- Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to prevent clumping
- Space florets well apart for proper crisping
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/6 of recipe):
- Calories: 285
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
- Sodium: 245mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Net Carbs: 7g
- Protein: 12g
Serving Suggestions
I recommend serving this dish with:
- Creamy herb dipping sauce
- Spicy cashew sauce
- Lemon-garlic aioli
- Honey-mustard dressing
Recipe Variations
- Add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
- Include 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for earthiness
- Use macadamia nuts and cashews for a tropical twist
- Add curry powder for an Indian-inspired version
Complementary Dipping Sauce Recipe
Herb-Lemon Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients and let sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Process nuts up to 3 days in advance
- Mix dry coating ingredients the day before
- Cut cauliflower up to 24 hours ahead, store in airtight container
This Nut-Crusted Cauliflower makes an impressive addition to any meal, whether served as an appetizer or side dish. The combination of nuts creates a satisfying crunch while keeping the cauliflower tender and flavorful inside. Enjoy this healthy, elegant dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
