Description
Barefoot Contessa’s roasted cauliflower snowflakes deliver crispy, golden edges with delightful Mediterranean-inspired seasonings. Fragrant herbs and parmesan cheese elevate this simple side dish that will make you crave more of its irresistible caramelized goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 1.1 kg / 2.5 lbs)
- 60 ml / ¼ cup good olive oil
- 50 g / 1 ¾ oz freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 30 g / 1 oz panko breadcrumbs
- 0.75 tsp kosher salt (or sea salt flakes)
- 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Trim cauliflower, removing outer leaves while preserving the core. Slice into uniform 0.6-inch thick sections, embracing smaller pieces that will crisp during roasting.
- Seasoning: Arrange cauliflower slices on a large baking tray in a single layer. Drizzle olive oil generously, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper evenly across the surface.
- Initial Roasting: Position tray in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Roast for 15 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp, developing rich caramelization.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Combine panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, mixing until lightly coated. Distribute seasoned breadcrumbs uniformly over partially roasted cauliflower.
- Final Roasting: Return tray to oven, continuing to roast for 10-15 minutes. Breadcrumbs should transform into a rich, amber-colored crust. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Finishing: Remove from oven and use a metal spatula to gently toss, ensuring complete coating with melted cheese and toasted breadcrumbs. Serve hot or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Slice with Precision: Cut cauliflower into uniform 0.6-inch sections to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness across all pieces.
- Oil Matters: Use high-quality olive oil to enhance flavor and help breadcrumbs and cheese adhere perfectly to cauliflower surfaces.
- Spacing is Critical: Arrange cauliflower in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve maximum caramelization and crispy edges.
- Temperature Control: Maintain oven at 425°F for precise golden-brown transformation and optimal breadcrumb toasting without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg