Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets (slice large pieces in half)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper
- Fresh ground pepper (to taste)
- 8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 oz parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that perfect crispy exterior on the cauliflower while maintaining a tender interior. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the cauliflower to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower head into evenly sized florets, slicing any larger pieces in half. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size to ensure they cook at the same rate. Remove any excess stem portions but leave enough to hold the florets together.
- Oil the Cauliflower
- Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl and drizzle with 6 tablespoons of olive oil. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss the cauliflower thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated with oil. This coating will help the seasonings stick and promote browning.
- Season the Cauliflower
- Sprinkle the cauliflower with 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon of chili pepper, and fresh ground pepper to taste. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly across all the florets. The Old Bay provides a complex savory flavor while the chili pepper adds a gentle heat.
- Arrange for Roasting
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets onto the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate around each piece, promoting even browning and crispness.
- Initial Roasting
- Place the baking sheet on the top rack of your preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes. This initial roasting period will partially cook the cauliflower and begin the browning process.
- Prepare the Cheese
- While the cauliflower is roasting, grate the sharp white cheddar and parmesan cheeses if not already done. Having the cheese ready will allow you to quickly top the cauliflower when it comes out of the oven.
- Add Cheese and Finish Roasting
- After the initial 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses evenly over the cauliflower florets. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 7-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beginning to crisp at the edges, and the cauliflower is tender.
- Serve
- Remove from the oven and use a spatula to scrape up all the crispy cheese bits from the pan. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispy results, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet.
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili pepper.
- Old Bay seasoning can be substituted with a mix of paprika, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne if unavailable.
- For a lower-fat version, you can reduce the oil to 3-4 tablespoons.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or as a side for grilled meats.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg