Name: Cauliflower Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, stem trimmed and cut vertically into 1″ planks; 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, divided; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn if large; Crushed red pepper flakes

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Introduction

Cauliflower Parmesan is a delicious, vegetable-forward twist on the classic Italian favorite. This recipe features roasted cauliflower steaks topped with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then broiled to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter take on comfort food.

The image shows three roasted cauliflower steaks arranged side by side on a white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each cauliflower steak has a golden-brown char on the edges and is topped with a layer of melted cheese that is bubbly and slightly browned, with red tomato sauce spread unevenly beneath the cheese. Small green basil leaves are scattered on top of and around the cauliflower steaks, adding a fresh touch and color contrast. Light shreds of what looks like Parmesan cheese are lightly dusted over the dish, enhancing its texture and appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, stem trimmed and cut vertically into 1″ planks
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup basil leaves, torn if large
Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange cauliflower planks in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: Roast the cauliflower, flipping once halfway through, until tender and golden brown, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread marinara sauce evenly over each cauliflower steak. Sprinkle mozzarella and half of the Parmesan on top.
Step 3: Switch the oven setting to broil. Broil the cauliflower until the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots, about 3 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with the remaining Parmesan, torn basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the cauliflower before roasting.
Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture if preferred.
Swap basil for fresh oregano or parsley to change the herb profile.
Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftover cauliflower Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the texture intact. Avoid reheating at high heat to prevent the cheese from drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows three thick slices of roasted cauliflower on a white rectangular plate, each slice browned and slightly charred around the edges. Each slice has a layer of melted, golden cheese on top, with visible tomato sauce underneath the cheese creating a red layer. Small green basil leaf pieces are scattered on and around the cauliflower slices, adding a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and some grated cheese is sprinkled lightly over the dish and plate edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh cauliflower for roasting to achieve the ideal texture and avoid excess moisture. Frozen cauliflower tends to be softer and may become mushy when baked.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe uses cheese, so it is not vegan as written. However, you can substitute the Parmesan and mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.