Oven Roasted Panko Parmesan Cauliflower

This lightly breaded Oven Roasted Panko Parmesan Cauliflower will shake-up your side dish menu. The slightly sweet flavor brought out by the oven roasting technique and the crunchy texture from the breadcrumbs is sure to complement your favorite entrées. It’s a side dish that’s easy enough for a weekday, but impressive enough for entertaining.

Ingredients to Make Oven Roasted Panko Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe

I think cauliflower often gets overlooked when we think of tasty side dishes. I get it, it’s not cooked properly, it can be virtually tasteless. It’s off white and doesn’t have a vibrant eye-catching color like other vegetables, but that doesn’t mean it’s without potential. A simple cauliflower head shines in this recipe and it’s so simple to make. Ingredients to make Parmesan Roasted Crispy Cauliflower: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Cauliflower: Two pounds fresh cauliflower florets to equal around 6-8 cups total.
• Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic cloves adds a hint of earthiness to the flavor.
• Seasonings: Onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper and oregano or dry Italian seasoning.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the breading and for garnishing.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
• Green Onions: For a mild onion flavor.

How to Make the Best Oven Roasted Panko-Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe

The crunchy coating for these cauliflower bites isn’t heavy and gives just the right amount of crispy texture to each bite. Fried cauliflower is also a tasty treat once in a while, but for everyday consumption, roasting is my technique of choice. For this recipe, we’re going for maximum flavor with less fuss than frying. Bonus, clean-up is a breeze.

• Prepare Pan – Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spritz a large baking sheet liberally with nonstick cooking spray.
• Cauliflower Florets – Remove florets from the cauliflower head using a sharp knife.
• Coat with Oil – Place the cauliflower florets into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and stir until coated.
• Season – To the bowl add garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano or dry Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs reserving the green onion for garnishing. Toss in panko mixture until evenly distributed.
• Transfer to Prepared Pan – Arrange breaded cauliflower to pan spreading in an even layer. You can drizzle lightly with additional olive oil.
• Oven – Bake per the recipe until golden brown and fork tender. Stir halfway through.
• Broil at the End of Baking – After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 500°F and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until golden.
• Serve – Serve panko cauliflower with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.

Tips for Making Oven Roasted Panko Parmesan Cauliflower

• Kitchen Tools You’ll Need: Large sheet pan, sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, cheese grater and shallow bowls.
• Double Dip for a Heavier Breading: This panko cauliflower recipe is lightly breaded. Should you want a heavier breadcrumb coating dip the cauliflower in beaten egg mixture, into all-purpose flour then cover with the panko breadcrumbs. You can also deep fry cauliflower in a batter like beer battered onion rings.
• Why is My Baked Cauliflower Soggy? When arranging the cauliflower on the baking pan, it’s important that it’s in a single layer and not stacked. This will allow air to circulate around each piece and it will roast golden brown and crispy.
• No Blanching Required: I’ve never found it necessary to blanch the cauliflower prior to roasting it in the oven. Divide the florets from the stem and rinse thoroughly with clean water using a light spritz of vinegar, if desired. A good cleaning and you’ll be good to go.
• Allow Ample Time for the Cauliflower Florets to Dry: Once the cauliflower florets have been cleaned, let them dry on the counter on a paper towel lined pan or platter for a bit before proceeding with the recipe.
• How Long Do You Roast Cauliflower? While there are some variables, it takes around 30 minutes for this easy cauliflower recipe. I like to increase the temperature to broil at the end of baking to crisp and brown further. Don’t walk away.
• Double the Batch for More Servings: This roasted panko parmesan crusted cauliflower recipe can easily be halved for a smaller batch if you’re cooking for one or two people.
• How To Serve Panko Cauliflower Bites? You can serve this crispy cauliflower as an appetizer or a side dish. Panko cauliflower bites are a tasty substitution for buffalo wings made with chicken. Buffalo cauliflower is a healthier option and you can dip them in the same kinds of sauces i.e. ranch dressing or bleu cheese dressing or buffalo sauce and serve them as an appetizer. They’re also delicious drizzled with Asian chile sauce or a few dashes of sriracha for spice.

Recipe Variations

• Breadcrumbs: You could use Italian seasoned dried breadcrumbs in place of panko breadcrumbs.
• Broccoli: You may also like my recipe for Oven Roasted Broccoli, too.
• Herbs: You could use fresh chives in place of green onion.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Store leftover roasted Panko Parmesan Cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb any condensation.
• Reheating: Reheat panko cauliflower in an air fryer or on a sheet pan in the oven. You can reheat leftover roasted cauliflower for a few minutes in a (375°F) oven or (350°F) air fryer to crisp the panko bread crumbs.
• Microwave Reheating: You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave. Please note, the breadcrumbs will lose their crispy texture once chilled.

More Southern Style Side Dishes to Make

The technique of roasting vegetables in the oven is an absolute favorite of mine and happens often in my kitchen. The ease of tossing everything onto a pan while I attend to other things is always a win for a busy Mom. More side dish recipes you may like to try:

• Crispy Roasted Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables.
• During garden season, this recipe for Roasted Summer Squash with Bell Peppers and Onions is good and good for you.
• Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes goes with any meal.
• Oven Roasted Asparagus with a bonus recipe for balsamic glaze.
• Oven Roasted Cabbage Steaks eat like a meal.
• Sweet Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots from Café Delights.

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If  a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pan
• Cheese Grater
• Kitchen Utensils
• Mixing Bowls