Description
Cauliflower parmesan brings Italian comfort to your table with golden-crusted cauliflower nestled in rich marinara sauce. Melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs create a delightful vegetarian dish that satisfies hearty cravings while offering a lighter alternative to classic chicken parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, stem trimmed and cut vertically into 1 inch (2.5 cm) planks
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese & Herbs:
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn if large
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Seasoning & Oil:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning the rack in the center to ensure even roasting of the cauliflower steaks.
- Place cauliflower steaks on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are spread in a single, uncrowded layer to promote optimal caramelization.
- Generously coat both surfaces of the cauliflower with olive oil, using a pastry brush to create an even layer that will help achieve a golden-brown exterior.
- Season the oiled cauliflower steaks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing the seasonings evenly to enhance the vegetable’s natural flavors.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 35 minutes, carefully turning the steaks midway through cooking to ensure uniform browning and tenderness.
- Once the cauliflower develops a rich, golden color and becomes fork-tender, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Ladle marinara sauce over each roasted cauliflower steak, allowing the sauce to pool around the edges and infuse the vegetable with rich, tangy flavors.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese across the sauced steaks, followed by half of the grated Parmesan to create a melty, savory topping.
- Switch the oven to broil, positioning the baking sheet close to the top heating element to quickly melt and caramelize the cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the cheese turns golden and develops bubbling, crispy edges.
- Remove from the oven and finish by scattering the remaining Parmesan, torn fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for optional heat and aromatic complexity.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and the cauliflower retains its warm, crispy texture.
Notes
- Achieve perfectly roasted cauliflower by cutting thick, even steaks that hold together during cooking, ensuring a meaty texture and golden-brown edges.
- Generously season cauliflower with salt and pepper before roasting to enhance natural flavors and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated cheeses for maximum flavor impact and restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Broiling creates a crispy, bubbling cheese topping that transforms this vegetable dish into a mouthwatering centerpiece.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding optional spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
- Serve immediately after broiling to enjoy the crisp texture and melted cheese at peak deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg