Cheesy Garlic Oven-Baked Cauliflower: A Crispy, Flavorful Side Dish

Cheesy Garlic Oven-Baked Cauliflower: A Crispy, Flavorful Side Dish

Cauliflower is one of those versatile vegetables that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes, and this oven-baked version with cheese and garlic is a true crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a side dish or snack that’s both healthy and packed with flavor, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re trying to add more veggies to your diet or searching for a lighter alternative to fried snacks, baked cauliflower offers the perfect solution.

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way a few basic ingredients work together to create something truly special. Tender cauliflower florets are boiled briefly to soften them just enough, then coated with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, and paprika. As the cauliflower bakes, the coating turns crispy, while the cheese melts into a golden layer of deliciousness. The result? Crispy, cheesy bites with a hint of garlic and smoky paprika, making every mouthful irresistible.

This dish also fits effortlessly into a variety of meals. Serve it as a side for your favorite main course, add it to a holiday spread, or even enjoy it as a stand-alone snack. The combination of textures—the crunch from the coating and the tender cauliflower inside—along with the rich, cheesy flavor, make this recipe a go-to option whenever you want something quick, nutritious, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

2 large eggs.

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets.

½ tsp garlic powder or 1–2 cloves fresh garlic, minced.

1 tsp paprika.

⅔ cup (80g) breadcrumbs.

½ cup (50g) grated cheese (Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella).

Salt and pepper to taste.

Vegetable oil for brushing the baking pan.

Servings: 4-6.

Total time: 35 minutes.

Instructions:

Step 1

Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.

Step 2

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 3

Add the cauliflower florets and boil for 3-4 minutes, just until slightly tender.

Step 4

Drain and rinse the cauliflower under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 5

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8

Lightly brush the paper with vegetable oil.

Step 9

Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.

Step 10

Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

Step 11

Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 12

Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 13

The cheese should be melted, and the coating should be well-toasted.

Step 14

Allow the cauliflower to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 15

Enjoy it as a side dish or snack. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or yogurt dip for extra flavor.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories: 130
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 220mg