This oven-baked cauliflower with cheese and garlic is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect as a side or a healthy snack. The cauliflower florets are lightly coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. With the added flavors of garlic and paprika, this dish is both comforting and packed with flavor. Let’s get started on this crispy, cheesy cauliflower recipe!
Ingredients
- Eggs: 2 large
- Cauliflower: 1 medium head, cut into florets
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (or 1-2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- Paprika Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Breadcrumbs: 2/3 cup (80 g)
- Grated Cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g) (such as Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Vegetable Oil: as needed (for brushing the baking tray)
Servings: 4-6
Total Time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
- Wash and Cut the Cauliflower: Start by washing the cauliflower and cutting it into bite-sized florets.
- Boil the Cauliflower: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they begin to soften slightly. This quick boil helps to tenderize the cauliflower without making it mushy.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the cauliflower and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain the cauliflower’s texture and bright color.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture
- Mix the Coating Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2/3 cup (80 g) of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup (50 g) of grated cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumb mixture.
- Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the 2 eggs. This will be used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the cauliflower.
3. Coat the Cauliflower
- Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly brush with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and help the cauliflower crisp up in the oven.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each cauliflower floret first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Then, coat the floret in the cheese-breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere.
- Arrange on Baking Tray: Place the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are spaced out in a single layer for even baking.
4. Bake the Cauliflower
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Bake: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the florets are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The cheese should be melted and the coating lightly browned.
5. Serve
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the baked cauliflower to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the coating set and makes the florets easier to handle.
- Enjoy: Serve the oven-baked cauliflower with cheese and garlic as a delicious side dish or snack. It pairs wonderfully with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or a light yogurt dip for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Sodium: 220 mg
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic
- Even Coating: Make sure each floret is well coated in the cheese-breadcrumb mixture for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Boiling the cauliflower for just 3-4 minutes helps to soften it slightly without making it too soft. This ensures the cauliflower retains some bite after baking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
This oven-baked cauliflower with cheese and garlic is a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a delicious and fun way. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty dish with family and friends!
