Savory Cauliflower Pecorino Romano Cake Recipe – Pure Delight

Nestled in the heart of rustic cuisine, this cauliflower and pecorino romano cake emerges as a delightful surprise for adventurous palates.

Savory aromas waft through the kitchen, promising a culinary journey that blends simplicity with sophisticated flavors.

The golden-crusted cake balances tender cauliflower with sharp, salty pecorino romano, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and creativity, inviting you to break away from traditional side dishes.

Delicate florets meld seamlessly with rich cheese, offering a unique twist on vegetable-forward cooking.

Seasonal ingredients transform this recipe into a memorable dining experience that sparks conversation and delights the senses.

Serve it warm and watch as your table comes alive with excitement and appreciation for this unexpected culinary gem.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Cauliflower & Pecorino Romano Cake

• Cauliflower: Select a fresh, firm head with tightly packed, creamy white florets that signals peak ripeness and sweetness.
• Red Onion: Choose a glossy, heavy onion with tight, papery skin for the most robust and zesty flavor profile.

• Basil Olive Oil: Infuses a delicate Mediterranean essence and provides smooth, aromatic undertones.
• Fresh Rosemary: Brings a pine-like, woody fragrance that complements the cauliflower's mild taste.
• Sweet Basil Leaves: Adds a bright, peppery note that lifts the entire dish's freshness.

• Eggs: Create a luxurious, silky structure that holds the cake together with rich protein.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the fundamental structure and tender crumb for the cake.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, airy texture by helping the cake rise evenly.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty kick and contributes to the cake's golden-brown crust.
• Butter: Offers richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden exterior.
• Sesame Seeds: Add nutty crunch and visual appeal with contrasting black and white seeds.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Balance and elevate all underlying flavors with strategic seasoning.

Tools to Make Cauliflower Romano Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, cheese, and seasonings without lumps.
• Saucepan: Needed to boil and soften cauliflower florets with salt.
• Colander: Used to drain cauliflower after cooking.
• Small pan: For gently cooking onions with herbs.
• 8 1/2 inch springform cake pan: Allows easy removal of delicate cake.
• Parchment paper: Ensures cake doesn't stick and helps with clean removal.
• Pastry brush: Useful for applying melted butter to pan sides.
• Knife: Required for chopping onions and basil.

How to Prepare Cauliflower Romano Cake

• Cauliflower Preparation

Steam tender florets until soft and easily pierced, ensuring they maintain a delicate texture without becoming mushy.

• Onion Transformation

Sauté finely chopped red onion with fragrant herbs, creating a rich and aromatic base that will infuse deep flavor into the cake.

• Batter Creation

Blend eggs, softened onion mixture, and fresh herbs into a smooth, creamy mixture that will bind all ingredients together seamlessly.

• Cheese and Flour Fusion

Incorporate Romano cheese, flour, and gentle seasonings to build a light, airy foundation that complements the cauliflower’s subtle taste.

• Pan Setup

Prepare a springform pan with a delicate coating of sesame seeds, creating a beautiful textured exterior that adds visual and flavor complexity.

• Baking Process

Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pan, topping with elegant onion rings that will caramelize and provide a stunning presentation.

• Cooling and Serving

Allow the cake to rest briefly after baking, then garnish with additional cheese and serve while still warm, showcasing the intricate layers of flavor.

Tips to Add Flavor or Texture

• Cheese-Boosting Technique: Grate Pecorino Romano fresh for maximum flavor intensity and smoother melting into the cauliflower cake.
• Veggie Swap Magic: Replace cauliflower with broccoli or zucchini for a delightful twist on this savory cake while maintaining similar texture and cooking method.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the entire cake up to one day in advance, refrigerate, and reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for 15 minutes before serving to maintain its delicate structure.
• Herb Adventure: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley to complement the Pecorino Romano and elevate the overall taste profile of the cake.
• Texture Enhancement Trick: For extra crispiness, sprinkle additional sesame seeds on top during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a delightful golden crust.

Serving Suggestions for Romano Cake

• Rustic Italian Garden Party: Serve this savory cake as a stunning centerpiece during an outdoor gathering with fresh herbs and charcuterie board.
• Brunch Elegance Plate: Pair a slice with a crisp arugula salad, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, and add a soft-boiled egg for a sophisticated morning meal.
• Appetizer Presentation Style: Cut into smaller wedges, arrange on a wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs, and offer as a delightful starter for wine and cheese evenings.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, pack with some cherry tomatoes and a light white wine for a gourmet outdoor dining experience.

Storing and Reheating Cauliflower Cake

• Smart Refrigeration Strategies: Store leftover cake slices in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Friendly Approach: Slice the cauliflower cake into individual portions, then wrap tightly in freezer-safe packaging. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven at 325°F to restore original texture.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while ensuring even heating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cake one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then quickly reheat in the oven to refresh flavors and restore its delightful crispy edges.

Savory Cauliflower and Pecorino Romano Cake

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade cauliflower and pecorino romano cake combines rustic Italian flavors with elegant culinary craft. Savory ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a delightful dish you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (340 grams) pecorino romano cheese, coarsely grated
• 1 medium cauliflower, outer leaves removed, broken into florets
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 medium red onion, partly sliced then diced
• 5 tbsps (75 mL) basil olive oil (or regular olive oil)
• 1 ½ tsps (7.5 grams) baking powder
• 2–3 tbsps (30–45 mL) melted butter for brushing
• ½ cup (15 grams) sweet basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 grams) white sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp (15 grams) black sesame seeds
• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) finely chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cauliflower Preparation: Simmer cauliflower florets in salted water until fork-tender, then drain completely in a colander to eliminate excess moisture.
2. Onion Sauté: Slice some onion rounds for garnish and dice remaining onions. Gently sauté with aromatic herbs in olive oil until translucent and soft.
3. Batter Creation: Whisk eggs with sautéed onions and fresh basil in a large mixing bowl. Gradually fold in flour, baking powder, Pecorino Romano, salt, and black pepper until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Cauliflower Integration: Gently incorporate cooked cauliflower into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking the florets.
5. Pan Preparation: Line an 8½-inch springform pan with parchment paper, brush with melted butter, and coat sides with white and black sesame seeds for added texture and visual interest.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, spread evenly, and arrange reserved onion rings on top. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 45 minutes until golden-brown and firm to the touch.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow cake to settle for 15 minutes after baking. Sprinkle remaining Pecorino Romano over the top and serve warm, showcasing its rustic charm and inviting appearance.

Notes

• Prevent Cauliflower Waterlogging: Drain florets completely after boiling to avoid soggy texture and ensure cake’s structural integrity.
• Sauté Onions Precisely: Cook onions slowly in olive oil until translucent, developing deep flavor without burning, which impacts overall taste profile.
• Sesame Seed Coating Technique: Apply mixed white and black sesame seeds around pan edges for enhanced visual appeal and subtle nutty crunch.
• Resting Period Matters: Allow cake to settle for 15 minutes post-baking, enabling ingredients to set and maintaining optimal texture before serving.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg