Parmesan Baked Cauliflower Recipe – An Italian in my Kitchen

This Parmesan baked cauliflower is an easy side dish with simple ingredients yet loads of flavor! Al dente cauliflower is tossed with butter, breadcrumbs and nutty Parmigiano then roasted until crispy and caramelized! 

If you love the combination of cauliflower and Parmigiano in a side dish, more  favorites to try include this Parmesan roasted cauliflower, cheesy cauliflower and carrot vegetarian pie and creamy cauliflower casserole, too! 

Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetables for its versatility! Whether it’s cauliflower cheese pie, creamy cauliflower soup or even cauliflower fritters, this veggie can be transformed in a variety of dishes that will win over even the most veggie-skeptics. 

This Parmesan baked cauliflower recipe is a family favorite! When my girls were younger it was a great way to entice them to eat their veggies and though I no longer have to convince them to eat their veggies, we still make it often to this day.

It’s simple, healthy and brimming with flavor from the caramelized roasted edges to the nutty Parmesan and buttery breadcrumbs. 

Why I Love This Baked Cauliflower Recipe

• Wholesome ingredients: This Baked cauliflower with Parmesan is simply made with a few ingredients and with no need to smother it with a cheesy sauce on top. 
• Versatile serving options: Serve it as a vegetable side dish to any main entree or turn it into a meal on its own! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners but equally as delicious to serve guests. 

Ingredients Needed

• Olive oil: I like to use a high quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Cauliflower: One large head of cauliflower broken into florets.
• Butter: Adds a rich taste to the baked cauliflower and parmesan. 
• Bread crumbs: For crunchy taste, use Panko breadcrumbs or your favorite. 
• Salt and black pepper: To taste. 
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese. 
• Fresh parsley: Finely chopped to add fresh taste and a pop of color to the top of the cauliflower.

Variations

• Garlic: Add 3-4 garlic cloves for a garlic-parmigiano baked cauliflower. 
• Seasonings: Add some paprika, Italian seasoning, basil, chives or thyme. Red pepper flakes will add some heat!
• Vegan: Make this cauliflower dish vegan by using a vegan Parmesan cheese and dairy free butter. 
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest at the end of baking will brighten the flavors of the baked cauliflower and Parmigiano dish!

What is authentic Parmigiano?

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is authentic or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta which means Protected Designation of Origin), and Parmesan cheese is just an imitation of Parmigiano Reggiano. Reggiano is always made in Italy, while Parmesan can be made anywhere, there are no restrictions on using the name Parmesan. And don’t forget a less expensive but also a DOP choice is Parmigiano Grana Padano.

How to Make Parmesan Baked Cauliflower

To start, in a large pot of salted boiling water cook the cauliflower florets until al dente. Drain then place in the prepared medium sized baking dish coated with olive oil.

Top cauliflower with small pieces of butter, sprinkle with bread crumbs, then add the salt, pepper, Parmigiano and top with the chopped parsley. Finish with a drizzle of the remaining olive oil.

Bake, then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on top. Serve the Parmesan cauliflower immediately.

Baked Cauliflower Serving Suggestions 

This baked cauliflower pairs well with so many main dishes! Here are a few favorites:

Recipe FAQs

Why do I need to blanch the cauliflower before roasting? 

Par-cooking the vegetables in hot boiling water not only gets rid of any dirt, debris or worms that are on the cauliflower but also partially cooks them so they roast at a lower temperature for a shorter amount of time. 

Why is my baked cauliflower mushy?

If you blanched your cauliflower more than al dente it might have absorbed too much water which will lead to mushy results. Also if you added more oil than called for the cauliflower will absorb too much oil and become mushy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While this dish tastes best fresh there are a few time-saving shortcuts you could try! Wash, dry and cut the cauliflower into florets then store in the refrigerator until ready to use. You could also assemble the dish up to the point of baking then store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

How to store leftover cauliflower?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or for crispier results reheat for a few minutes in the air fryer. 

More Veggie Recipes To Try

This easy Parmesan Baked Cauliflower is the perfect quick side dish, I hope you enjoy it too! Buon Appetito!

Related

It’s All About Pasta

Amazing pasta recipes to make your mouth water!

Authentic Italian Desserts

75 Traditional Desserts Made Easy