Loaded Cauliflower Parmesan
This loaded cauliflower parmesan recipe is the perfect healthy side dish or a tasty appetizer. Roasted in the oven and seasoned to perfection, this dish tastes amazing. Plus, it’s topped with freshly chopped chives, Italian parsley and freshly grated parmesan cheese. I can almost guarantee, you’re going to love this easy and delicious recipe.
Ingredients Needed for Loaded Cauliflower Parmesan
Cauliflower – For this recipe, you’ll need one medium-sized head of cauliflower. Wash and dry the cauliflower head. Remove the leaves and carefully trim the stem with a knife. Be sure to keep the core intact. Carefully slice the cauliflower into ¾ – 1-inch-thick steaks.
Add the steaks to a large mixing bowl. Any florets can be added too.
Olive Oil / Butter – You’ll need both olive oil and butter for this recipe. Be sure the butter is melted but not hot. Drizzle the steaks with the melted butter and 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil. Use your hands to gently massage the oil and butter into the steaks.
Seasoning – Dust the cauliflower steaks with paprika, garlic powder, cracked black pepper and salt. Massage until all sides are well coated in the seasoning.
Garnishes – For this recipe, you’ll need freshly grated parmesan cheese, finely diced chives and Italian parsley.
Make This Recipe Vegan
To make this recipe vegan, simply use your favorite plant-based butter and parmesan cheese. You’ll have a completely vegan dish if you make these simple swaps.
How to Make Loaded Cauliflower Parmesan
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
Rinse and dry the cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower and carefully trim the stem. Make sure to keep the core stem intact.
Slice the cauliflower into ¾ – 1-inch-thick “steaks”. Add the cauliflower steaks to a large mixing bowl.
Gently massage the steaks with the melted butter and 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil. Making sure all sides are well coated.
Next, dust the steaks with paprika, garlic powder, cracked black pepper and salt. Making sure all sides are well coated.
Place the steaks on the prepared baking tray along with any florets. Drizzle with the remaining 1.5 tablespoons olive oil.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Baking time will vary based on the thickness of your cauliflower.
Remove the cauliflower from the oven once it is fork tender. Top with freshly chopped parsley, finely diced chives and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy.
Storage
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for two to three days. Reheat in the microwave. Looking for more side dishes? Try my Cacio e Pepe Roasted Squash or my Red Cabbage and Apple Slaw.
Loaded Cauliflower Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted but not hot
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ – ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1.5 tablespoons chives, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley, chopped small
Equipment
- 1 baking tray lined with parchment
- 1 large mixing bowl
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Rinse and dry the cauliflower.
- Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower and carefully trim the stem. Make sure to keep the core stem intact.
- Slice the cauliflower into ¾ – 1-inch-thick “steaks”. Add the cauliflower steaks to a large mixing bowl.
- Gently massage the steaks with the melted butter and 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil. Making sure all sides are well coated.
- Next, dust the steaks with paprika, garlic powder, cracked black pepper and salt. Making sure all sides are well coated.
- Place the steaks on the prepared baking tray along with any florets. Drizzle with the remaining 1.5 tablespoons olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Baking time will vary based on the thickness of your cauliflower.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven once it is fork tender.
- Top with freshly chopped parsley, finely diced chives and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
