Name: Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks: A Flavorful and Healthy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 large cauliflower head; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp chili pepper flakes; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan (for coating); Fresh chives, chopped; 1 ripe avocado, halved; 2 scallions, roughly chopped; ½ lime, juiced; 1 jalapeño, deseeded and roughly chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option); ¼ cup fresh parsley; ⅓ cup water; Salt & pepper, to taste

Description

These Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy cauliflower. Coated in a savory Parmesan crust and roasted to golden perfection, these cauliflower steaks are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Paired with a creamy avocado dip, they make a perfect vegetarian main dish, snack, or flavorful side.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cauliflower Steaks:

1 large cauliflower head
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp chili pepper flakes
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan (for coating)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh chives, chopped

For the Avocado Dip:

1 ripe avocado, halved
2 scallions, roughly chopped
½ lime, juiced
1 jalapeño, deseeded and roughly chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
¼ cup fresh parsley
⅓ cup water
Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower

Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower, keeping the core intact.
Slice the cauliflower into ¾-inch thick steaks (about 2–3 steaks per head).

2. Preheat and Season

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and chili flakes.
Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the seasoned oil mixture.

3. Coat with Parmesan

Sprinkle 2 tbsp grated Parmesan over the cauliflower, pressing gently so it sticks.
Flip and repeat on the other side.

4. Bake Until Crispy

Place the cauliflower steaks on a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Sprinkle with ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan in the last 5 minutes of baking for extra crispiness.

5. Make the Avocado Dip

Blend avocado, scallions, lime juice, jalapeño, olive oil, Parmesan, parsley, and water until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish the cauliflower steaks with fresh chives.
Serve immediately with the creamy avocado dip.

Notes

For an air fryer version, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make it vegan by swapping Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in an oven or air fryer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Vegetarian