Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks with Avocado Dip Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to start the roasting process that will give the cauliflower steaks a crispy exterior.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
