Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks with Avocado Dip Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious and satisfying vegetarian main or side dish. These golden, flavorful cauliflower slices pair perfectly with a creamy avocado dip for a fresh and zesty touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cauliflower head
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Optional garnish: fresh chives, chopped
• 1 avocado, halved
• 2 scallions, roughly chopped
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1 jalapeño, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan or nutritional yeast
• 4 tablespoons parsley
• 1/3 cup water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Step 2: Dry the cauliflower thoroughly and slice it in half. Then slice each half into steaks. Arrange the steaks on a baking sheet.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and chili flakes. Brush this mixture on all sides of the cauliflower steaks.
4. Step 4: Dip one side of each steak into the freshly grated parmesan, then place that parmesan-coated side down on the baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Bake for 10 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness, until crisp and golden. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chives if desired.
6. Step 6: For the avocado dip, combine avocado, scallions, lime juice, jalapeño, olive oil, parmesan or nutritional yeast, parsley, water, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Step 7: Serve the cauliflower steaks warm with the avocado dip on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast and use olive oil only.
• Make sure to dry the cauliflower well to ensure maximum crispiness during roasting.
• Add a squeeze of lemon or lime on the steaks before serving to brighten flavors.
• You can grill the cauliflower steaks instead of baking for a smoky twist.

Storage

Store leftover cauliflower steaks and avocado dip separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steaks in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness. The dip is best served fresh but can be stirred and chilled before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated parmesan for this recipe?

While pre-grated parmesan can be used, freshly grated parmesan yields the best flavor and texture, especially for crisping on the cauliflower steaks.

How thick should I slice the cauliflower steaks?

Slice the cauliflower about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick to ensure they hold together during cooking but still become tender inside and crispy outside.

Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks with Avocado Dip Recipe

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Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks are a delicious and healthy vegetarian main or side dish featuring tender cauliflower slices coated with a flavorful parmesan and spice mixture, then oven-baked to perfection. Paired with a creamy avocado dip, this recipe offers a satisfying mix of textures and bright flavors, perfect for a nutritious meal or appetizer.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower Steaks

• 1 cauliflower head
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (for dipping)
• Optional Garnish: fresh chives, chopped

Avocado Dip

• 1 avocado, halved
• 2 scallions, roughly chopped
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1 jalapeño, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to start the roasting process that will give the cauliflower steaks a crispy exterior.
2. Prepare Cauliflower Steaks: Dry the cauliflower head thoroughly to ensure it roasts well. Slice the cauliflower in half, then cut each half into steaks to form thick slices. Place these on a baking sheet pan.
3. Make and Apply Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and chili pepper flakes. Brush this mixture onto the steaks evenly on all sides. Then dip one side of each steak into the freshly grated parmesan cheese and place that parmesan-coated side down on the baking pan.
4. Bake Cauliflower Steaks: Bake the steaks in the preheated oven at 450°F for 10 minutes to start crisping. Then reduce the temperature to 425°F (218°C) and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steaks, until they are golden and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and place them crispy side up. Garnish with fresh chopped chives if desired and serve.
5. Prepare Avocado Dip: In a mini food processor, combine the avocado, scallions, lime juice, jalapeño, olive oil, parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), parsley, and water. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Taste the dip and adjust salt and pepper as necessary for your preferred flavor.

Notes

• Make sure the cauliflower is dry before seasoning to get maximum crispiness when roasting.
• Thickness of cauliflower steaks can vary; adjust baking time accordingly to avoid undercooking or burning.
• The avocado dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; stir before serving.
• For a vegan version, substitute parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast in both the steaks and dip.
• Feel free to add more chili flakes or jalapeño for extra heat if desired.
• Use a sharp knife to slice cauliflower steaks carefully to keep them intact.

Keywords: Cauliflower Steaks, Parmesan Cauliflower, Roasted Cauliflower, Vegetarian Side Dish, Healthy Baking, Avocado Dip