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Let me share my absolute favorite way to make cauliflower that totally transformed how my family eats their veggies. This Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower comes out golden and crunchy with the most amazing cheesy flavor. Even my picky teenager goes back for seconds! Something magical happens when you combine parmesan cheese paprika and those perfectly roasted edges.
Why This Recipe Works
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to throw together. Just a handful of ingredients 30 minutes and you've got the most addictive side dish ever. The parmesan creates this incredible crispy coating and the cauliflower gets these gorgeous caramelized edges that everyone fights over.
What You'll Need
- Fresh Cauliflower: Look for tight white florets without any brown spots
- Real Parmesan: The good stuff from the cheese counter not the shelf-stable kind
- Sweet Paprika: It adds such nice color and warmth
- Fresh Black Pepper: Freshly ground makes a difference
- Melted Butter: This helps everything stick and turn golden
Make It Your Own
This recipe is super flexible! Sometimes I add red pepper flakes when we're craving heat or toss in some Italian herbs from my garden. My daughter loves when I use sharp cheddar instead of parmesan - it gets all crispy and amazing in a different way.
Let's Make It
- Get Things Hot:
- Crank that oven to 425°F - we want it nice and hot for maximum crispiness.
- Prep the Cauliflower:
- Toss those florets with melted butter until they're all nicely coated.
- Season It Up:
- Mix your cheese and seasonings then sprinkle all over making sure to get in all the nooks.
- Space Them Out:
- Give those florets room to breathe on the pan - crowding is the enemy of crispiness!
- Roast Away:
- Let them go for about 20 minutes until you see those gorgeous golden edges.
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Air Fryer Magic
Got an air fryer? Even better! Just preheat to 390°F give everything a light spray and cook for 20 minutes shaking halfway. They come out incredibly crispy this way.
How to Serve
I love serving these alongside roast chicken or steak but honestly they disappear so fast sometimes they don't even make it to dinner! They're perfect for snacking straight off the pan or tossed into salads for extra crunch.
Planning Ahead
If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare in my house!) they'll keep in the fridge for a few days. Just pop them back in a hot oven or air fryer to crisp up again. You can also prep everything earlier in the day then just bake when you're ready.
Quick Answers
Yes you can use frozen cauliflower just thaw and dry it really well first. Any hard cheese works great if you're not feeling parmesan. And if they're not getting crispy enough spread them out more on the pan - crowding is your enemy!
Final Thoughts
Trust me this recipe might just change how you think about cauliflower. It's transformed countless veggie skeptics in my house into true believers. Give it a try - I bet it'll become a regular in your kitchen too!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use an air fryer instead of the oven?
Yes, air fry at 390°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping. The air fryer can give an even crispier result.
- → How do I ensure the cauliflower gets crispy?
Arrange florets in a single layer with space between them, and make sure they're well-coated with butter. High heat is key for achieving crispiness.
- → Can I add other seasonings?
Yes, try adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for different flavor variations.
- → Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is low in carbs and keto-friendly with only 9g of carbohydrates per serving, 3g of which is fiber.
- → Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower works best for achieving crispiness. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before seasoning.