Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Cauliflower florets are layered on top of garlic infused oil and topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, Pecorino Romano, Sicilian oregano, lemon juice and white wine and baked until tender and golden.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower broken into florets
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic grated
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for finishing
For the seasoned breadcrumbs (mix together)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano grated
- 1 teaspoon dried Sicilian oregano or Italian oregano
- 1/4 cup parsley minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup dry white wine pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, etc
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400f and set the rack to the middle level. Mix the seasoned breadcrumbs ingredients together and set aside.
- Combine the grated garlic and olive oil together in a bowl. Spoon half of the garlic oil into a large baking dish and spread it around to evenly distribute.
- Place the cauliflower florets into the baking dish and season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Next, sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs on top of the cauliflower, then drizzle the remaining garlic oil and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue to bake for 15 minutes longer or until the cauliflower is tender and the breadcrumb topping has browned.
- For more color, the cauliflower can be broiled for the last 1-2 minutes but watch very carefully to avoid burning. Drizzle your best extra virgin olive oil on top of the cauliflower and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Almost all of the cauliflower can be used. Just cut off the bottom 1/2-inch of stem and peel to remove the fibrous tough skin. The stem can then be cut into small pieces and baked along with the florets.
- If desired, broil right at the end for extra browning but watch carefully because the breadcrumbs can burn quickly.
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil all over the finished dish is great. You can also opt for drizzling onto individual plates.
- Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven at 325f until warm or in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 328kcal | Protein: 9.3g | Fat: 23.4g | Saturated Fat: 5.2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 894mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 2.8g | Sugar: 3.2g | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 2mg