Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, and I always start with fresh cauliflower heads that are firm and creamy white. Quality matters here; avoid any with brown spots or limp florets. For the coating, I lean on a mix of breadcrumbs and seasonings to create that golden crunch we all love. When I lived in England, my mum used to coat veggies in simple flour mixtures, but I’ve since discovered that panko breadcrumbs add such a satisfying texture. If you want a gluten-free option, crushed cornflakes or almond meal work beautifully too.
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond meal for gluten-free)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and crunch.
- Dip each cauliflower floret first into the flour mixture, shaking off the excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching to allow even crisping.
- Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter evenly over the florets to help them brown beautifully.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving—they hold their crunch best when slightly cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
