Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: pinch of chili flakes

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

• 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat

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

2️⃣ Prep the cauliflower

Wash and thoroughly dry the florets (very important for crispiness).

3️⃣ Season

In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil until well coated.

In a separate bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Sprinkle the dry mixture over the cauliflower and toss until evenly coated.

4️⃣ Arrange

Spread florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. Do not overcrowd — space = crisp.

5️⃣ Bake

Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.

For extra crispiness, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

6️⃣ Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with dipping sauce.

🔥 Tips for Extra Crispy Cauliflower

• Dry the cauliflower completely after washing.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan.

• Use high heat (425°F is key).

• Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the coating for extra crunch.

Q: How do I make it dairy-free?
A: Skip Parmesan and add 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal instead of panko.

Q: Can I make it in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Q: How do I keep leftovers crispy?
A: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave.

Q: Can I add sauce after baking?
A: Absolutely! Toss in buffalo sauce, honey garlic sauce, or BBQ for a flavor twist.

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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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