Description
Baked Cauliflower Parmesan is a delicious low-carb, vegetarian dish featuring roasted cauliflower steaks topped with savory marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This flavorful and satisfying recipe is perfect for adding a healthy vegetable centerpiece to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Steaks
- 1 head cauliflower, trimmed and sliced into 1-inch steaks
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 1 cup tomato sauce (marinara recommended)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower Steaks: Preheat your oven to 425°F (225ºC). Arrange the cauliflower slices in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak with extra-virgin olive oil, then season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly.
- Roast Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower steaks for about 30-35 minutes, flipping them once halfway through, until they are tender and golden brown. Remove from the oven once roasted.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each cauliflower steak. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the steaks.
- Broil Cheese Topping: Change your oven setting to broil. Place the cauliflower steaks under the broiler and cook for about 3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cauliflower parmesan from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful baked cauliflower parmesan.
Notes
- Make sure the cauliflower steaks are about 1 inch thick to ensure they roast evenly without falling apart.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with any tomato-based pasta sauce of your choice.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, you can broil for a minute longer but watch closely.
- This dish can be a main course for vegetarians or a side dish for others.
