If you’re looking for a flavorful, crispy side that brings a bold punch to your meals, this Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Cheddar is the perfect match. The combination of tender roasted cauliflower florets topped with sharp white cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible dish that delights both the senses and the palate.
This vegetarian dish works wonderfully as a snack or side and boasts a beautifully crisp texture with an engaging, savory taste. The warming spices add depth, complementing the richness of the cheeses, making every bite a satisfying experience.
- Easy preparation with simple pantry ingredients for a quick, satisfying side.
- Perfectly crispy cheese topping adds texture contrast against soft roasted cauliflower.
- Seasoned with Old Bay and chili pepper offering a unique, flavorful twist.
Ingredients
- Large Cauliflower: One whole head, cut into bite-sized florets for even roasting and a tender bite.
- Olive Oil: 6 tablespoons to generously coat the cauliflower, ensuring crispiness and flavor.
- Old Bay Seasoning: 1 teaspoon adds a zesty blend of herbs and spices with a subtle kick.
- Chili Pepper: 0.5 teaspoon for a hint of heat that balances the creamy cheeses.
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper: To taste, providing fresh, aromatic spice enhancing all flavors.
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: 225 grams grated, giving a rich, tangy layer of melty goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: 115 grams grated to add a nutty, crispy topping once baked.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 230°C (446°F) to ensure a hot environment that crisps the cauliflower quickly. Break the cauliflower into florets, slicing larger pieces for uniformity, which helps them cook evenly and develop a consistent texture.
- Toss Florets with Oil and Seasonings
In a large bowl, coat the florets thoroughly with 6 tablespoons of olive oil to encourage browning. Sprinkle evenly with Old Bay seasoning, chili pepper, and freshly ground black pepper, toss well, then repeat seasoning to ensure every piece is well-flavored and balanced.
- Arrange and Roast the Cauliflower
Lay the cauliflower on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer, placing any cut sides down for optimal caramelization. Roast on the top oven rack for 15 minutes, allowing the edges to crisp up while the inside becomes tender.
- Grate Cheeses While Roasting
While the cauliflower is roasting, grate the sharp white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and creates a better texture than pre-shredded variants.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and evenly cover with the grated cheeses. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 7–10 more minutes until the cheese melts and turns a gorgeous golden crisp, adding a delightful texture contrast.
- Serve Immediately and Enjoy
Carefully lift the cheesy cauliflower with a spatula onto a serving dish to retain the crispiness. Serving while hot ensures the best texture and flavor, making this side dish a standout at your table.
- Use similar-sized cauliflower florets to guarantee even roasting and consistent texture.
- For extra flavor, feel free to add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- Enjoy the dish immediately to savor the crispy cheese; leftovers may soften.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to help restore some crispiness, avoiding a microwave that can make the cheese soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy cauliflower pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a fresh green salad. It also makes a tasty snack with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy aioli.
- To enhance crispiness, use a convection oven setting if available.
- Roast cauliflower on the top rack for direct heat to brown cheese effectively.
- Grate your own cheese for a fresher melt and better flavor profile.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with mozzarella or Gruyère for different melting qualities and flavors, though sharp cheddar and Parmesan work best for this recipe.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While you can prep and season cauliflower ahead, it’s best to bake and serve immediately for max crispiness.
- How spicy is the dish?
The chili pepper adds a mild heat; adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower is recommended because frozen may release excess water, preventing crispiness.
- How do I get the cheese crispy on top?
Placing the baking sheet on the top rack and using high oven heat helps the cheese bubble and crisp beautifully.
- What can I serve this with?
This dish makes a great side for any roasted or grilled protein or as a hearty vegetarian snack.
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Cheddar
Equipment
- 1 oven Preheat to 450°F (230°C)
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet Foil-lined
- 1 Grater
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower broken into florets
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon chili pepper
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese grated
- 4 ounces parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Separate cauliflower into bite-sized florets, slicing larger pieces in half for uniform roasting.
- Place florets in a large bowl and toss with olive oil until fully coated.
- Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning, chili pepper, and freshly ground black pepper over the cauliflower, tossing to distribute evenly. Repeat seasoning for full coverage.
- Arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the baking sheet, cut sides down if applicable.
- Roast the cauliflower on the top oven rack for 15 minutes.
- While roasting, grate the sharp white cheddar and parmesan cheeses.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly sprinkle the grated cheeses over the roasted cauliflower.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 7 to 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and crisp.
- Use a spatula to transfer the cauliflower and crispy cheese to a serving dish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower florets are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Add garlic powder or paprika to the seasoning for extra flavor.
- Serve hot for the best crispy cheese texture.
