Why You’ll Love this Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Here are some reasons why this whole roasted cauliflower is a must-try:

• No More Watery Cauliflower and Cheese: If you’ve ever struggled with waterlogged cauliflower cheese, worry no more! Roasting this dish in the oven ensures it retains its flavor without turning mushy.
• Best Taste: Roasting elevates the natural nutty flavor of the cauliflower, making it infinitely more delicious than the boiled or steamed versions. The addition of toasted walnuts takes it to another level!
• Elevated Cauliflower Cheese: The addition of a crispy topping makes this dish extraordinary. A sprinkle of Parmesan provides a delightful crunch without being overly rich.
• Crispy Cheese Topping: This topping can be prepared in advance and even frozen! Just retrieve it from the freezer and pop it on the cauliflower before the final roast.
• Customizable Tenderness: Roasting times can be adjusted based on your texture preferences. Enjoy it tender but not mushy, or add a few more minutes for an even softer dish!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) or 400°F (Gas mark 6).
2. Prepare the cauliflower: Rinse and flip the cauliflower upside down. Trim the outer leaves and slightly reduce the inner core for stability. Let some smaller leaves remain, as these are perfectly edible! Place it upright in a non-stick roasting dish.
3. Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds. Brush generously over the entire head of cauliflower. Cover with foil and roast for 30 minutes.
4. Check for tenderness: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and allow it to roast uncovered for another 20 minutes. Use a sharp knife to check the tenderness; if it’s still stiff, roast for another 10–15 minutes as needed.

Crispy Parmesan Cheese Crust

1. Melt butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, black pepper, and herbs (if using). Stir until combined.
2. Prepare the crust: Spread the mixture onto a flat baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top with another sheet of parchment and flatten it out with a rolling pin or your hands. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes (or freeze) until the cauliflower is tender.
3. Top the cauliflower: Once the cauliflower has finished roasting, cover it with the crispy cheese topping. Don’t fret if it breaks; simply patch it on top as best as you can! Sprinkle broken walnuts over the top.
4. Final roast: Return the cauliflower to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and adheres to the cauliflower.
5. Serve: Once done, sprinkle it with chopped herbs and serve immediately. Enjoy the contrast of the crispy exterior with the tender insides!

Serving Suggestions

This crispy whole roasted cauliflower is perfect for showcasing at your dinner table. Pair it with a classic Béchamel sauce for a rich complement, or enhance it even further by transforming it into a Mornay sauce by adding more cheese. If you prefer a lighter option, the dish can be enjoyed plain or with a simple green salad.

For wine enthusiasts, a white wine from the Jura region pairs wonderfully, enhancing the nutty flavors of the toasted walnuts!