Description
A quick and easy vegetarian main course featuring thick cauliflower steaks coated in a spicy, cheesy panko breadcrumb mixture and roasted until golden and crispy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower (cut into 4-6, 1-inch thick steaks)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it. If using a wire rack, place it on the sheet and grease it.
- Trim the leaves and stem from the cauliflower. Slice horizontally through the center to create 1-inch thick steaks, keeping the core intact in the center of each steak.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated cheddar, parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Dip each cauliflower steak into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Lift out and let excess drip off.
- Press the steak firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even layer of coating adheres to all sides.
- Place breaded steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with extra salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and crispy and the cauliflower is tender.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Ensure the egg wash is cold to help breadcrumbs adhere. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure crispiness. For a vegan version, use flax eggs and nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use GF panko or crushed pork rinds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cauliflower steak
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 12
Keywords: cauliflower steaks, vegetarian recipe, crispy cauliflower, cheesy cauliflower, healthy dinner, gluten-free option, low carb, weeknight meal