Description
Keto cauliflower parmesan delivers restaurant-quality flavor without carb overload. Golden crispy edges and rich parmesan coating make this Italian-inspired side dish a delightful low-carb alternative you can savor guilt-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower (1.4 kg / 3 lbs)
- 240ml / 1 cup marinara sauce (no sugar added)
- 85g / ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50g / ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons
Instructions
- Position oven racks in the center and upper third positions, heating to 220°C / 425°F for optimal roasting conditions.
- Prepare the cauliflower by trimming the base to create a stable surface, removing thick green stems, and slicing vertically into 2.5 cm / 1-inch thick steaks.
- Cover a baking tray with parchment paper, carefully arranging cauliflower steaks and any detached florets in a single layer.
- Create a seasoning blend by combining olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Generously brush the seasoning mixture onto both sides of cauliflower steaks and florets, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Roast the cauliflower on the center rack for 20 minutes, allowing the edges to begin caramelizing.
- Gently flip the cauliflower using a metal spatula, then sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the surface.
- Return to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 18-20 minutes until edges turn golden brown and crispy.
- Switch oven to broil/grill setting, spreading marinara sauce evenly across the cauliflower steaks.
- Distribute mozzarella cheese over the marinara, placing the tray on the upper rack.
- Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching carefully until cheese melts and develops a light golden color.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Prep Ahead for Success: Slice cauliflower when it’s cold and firm to get perfectly uniform steaks without crumbling.
- Embrace Seasoning Generously: Coat each steak with olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a flavor-packed base that enhances natural cauliflower sweetness.
- Check Oven Rack Position: Place the rack in the middle to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning or uneven cooking.
- Mind the Moisture: Pat cauliflower steaks completely dry with paper towels to achieve that crispy golden exterior during roasting.
- Cheese Matters Most: Select full-fat, low-moisture cheeses like aged Parmesan or sharp cheddar for maximum melt and flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5.3g
- Sodium: 238mg
- Fat: 21.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.95g
- Carbohydrates: 15.3g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Protein: 12.9g
- Cholesterol: 6.75mg