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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 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.

Oven Roasted Panko-Parmesan Cauliflower

Easy 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. Cauliflower shines in this recipe and it’s so simple to make. How to make Roasted Panko Parmesan Cauliflower: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

  • Prepare Pan – Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spritz a large baking sheet liberally with cooking spray then set aside.
  • 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 until evenly distributed.
  • Transfer to pan spreading in an even layer. You can drizzle lightly with additional olive oil.
  • Roast – Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once midway through cooking.
  • After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 500°F and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until golden.
  • Serve with an generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and garnish with thinly sliced green onions, if desired.
cauliflower on a platter

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

The crunchy coating for this dish 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.

  • Ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe for Roasted Cauliflower: 6-8 cups of fresh cauliflower florets, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, grated Parmesan cheese and sliced green onions for garnishing.
  • When arranging the cauliflower on the baking pan, it’s important that it’s in a single layer. This will allow each piece to roast with air circulating around each piece for maximum crispiness.
  • I’ve never found it necessary to blanch the cauliflower prior to roasting. 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.
  • 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.
  • This roasted cauliflower recipe can easily be halved for a smaller batch if you’re cooking for one or two people.
  • You can reheat leftover roasted cauliflower for a few minutes in a 375°F oven to crisp. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave. Please note, the breadcrumbs will lose their crispy texture once chilled.
  • Store leftover roasted Parmesan cauliflower in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Line an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any condensation.
  • You may also like my recipe for Oven Roasted Broccoli, too.
roasted cauliflower on a platter

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:

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

Oven Roasted Panko Parmesan Cauliflower

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: oven-roasted-panko-parmesan-cauliflower, roasted-cauliflower-recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 162kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 2 lb cauliflower florets [around 6-8 cups]
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp oregano or dry Italian seasoning [optional]
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for garnishing.
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 medium green onions thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spritz a large baking sheet liberally with cooking spray then set aside.
  • Place the cauliflower florets into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and stir until coated.
  • 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 until evenly distributed.
  • Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle lightly with additional olive oil.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once midway through cooking.
  • After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 500°F and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until golden.
  • Serve with an generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and garnish with thinly sliced green onions, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 550mg | Potassium: 507mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 362IU | Vitamin C: 75mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

29 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Only had Italian flavored panko and used Herbs de Provence. I may never eat raw cauliflower again!! Fantastic! Spousal unit loved it, also.

      1. 5 stars
        Sooo delicious- I subbed in chili powder for paprika – that and the red pepper flakes brought on heat.

        So so good!

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