Baked Cauliflower – Better Than Meat! Crispy & Simply Delicious!

Golden on the outside, tender inside, and packed with bold flavor — this baked cauliflower is hearty enough to be a main dish and satisfying enough to win over meat lovers.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp ground cumin (optional but recommended)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For Extra Crispiness (Optional but Recommended):

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Lemon wedges

• Extra Parmesan

• Tahini or garlic yogurt sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower.

2. Cut into medium-sized florets (similar size for even cooking).

3. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

4. Add cauliflower and toss well until fully coated.

Step 3: Add Crunch (Optional)

In a small bowl, mix:

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Parmesan

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Sprinkle evenly over cauliflower and toss lightly.

Step 4: Bake

1. Spread cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet.

2. Bake for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness (watch carefully).

Cauliflower should be golden brown with crispy edges.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Serve as:

• A main dish with dipping sauce

• A side dish

• In wraps or grain bowls

🥣 Optional Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Highly Recommended)

Mix:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt to taste

❓ Q & A Section

Q1: Why isn’t my cauliflower crispy?

• It may be overcrowded on the pan.

• It might be too wet (dry it thoroughly before seasoning).

• Oven temperature may be too low.

Q2: Can I make it vegan?

Yes! Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast instead.

Q3: Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Roast it and reheat at 400°F for 8–10 minutes to re-crisp.

Q4: Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh is best for crispiness. If using frozen:

• Thaw completely

• Pat very dry

• Expect slightly softer texture

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.

Q6: Can I turn this into cauliflower “steaks”?

Absolutely! Slice thick slabs from the center of the head and roast the same way.

Q7: What protein can I pair this with?

If serving as a side:

• Grilled chicken

• Salmon

• Lentils

• Chickpeas

Q8: Can I make it spicy?

Add:

• ½ tsp cayenne

• Hot sauce drizzle

• Harissa paste.