Like a lot of showy Italian-inspired dishes, this cauliflower Parmesan comes together in a few steps, but the resulting casserole with tender breaded cauliflower smothered in homemade marinara, melty mozzarella, and handfuls of Parmesan is totally worth it.
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Things are turning colder quickly now. First frosts threaten fragile plants and the heat is on in the morning.
After taking some time to reacquaint myself with fall cooking and all the roasting and stewing and braising that comes with it, I’m finally getting the hang of things again. I’m remembering how all these roasted vegetables, stews, braises, and casseroles are easy to stretch out over a couple of nights, offering an easy dinner that leaves time for all the other stuff the family has going on.
This cauliflower parmesan recipe piggybacks on a zucchini parmesan recipe I worked on over the summer, but just couldn’t get right. Unlike zucchini, cauliflower is sturdy, dependable, and most importantly, not watery.
A Celebratory Vegetarian Main
As I mentioned in the intro, this recipe comes together in steps, which is normal for a show stopping dish like this. Consider making it as a vegetarian main for holiday or Thanksgiving celebrations, or as the main for a dinner with friends. Because of the delicate breading, the dish is best the day it’s made. But it travels well and can be reheated if you’d like to bring and share it with friends.
Cauliflower Parmesan: Step-By-Step
Start by making the marinara. For ease, maybe make it a day ahead? This recipe calls for a lot of marinara, so make a double batch. For me, this was the perfect amount for a pound of pasta one night, and the cauliflower Parmesan the next.
If you need a shortcut, swap in a store-bought sauce. You’ll need two (24-ounce) jars. Look for jarred marinara with a simple list of ingredients and no added sugar.
Once you have the sauce, you’ll need to bread and fry the cauliflower.
Cut the cauli into sturdy 3/4-inch thick slices. Slices that are attached to the core will hold up best, but there’s no need to try and cut “cauliflower steaks.” 2- to 4-inch segments are ideal.
Next, dip the cauliflower in the egg mixture, dredge in panko, and fry.
Assemble the cauliflower Parm, bake 40 minutes, and then dig into a lovely vegetable-centered meal.
Like a lot of showy Italian-inspired dishes, this cauliflower Parmesan comes together in a few steps, but the resulting casserole with tender breaded cauliflower smothered in homemade marinara, melty mozzarella, and handfuls of Parmesan is totally worth it.
This recipe is adapted from Melissa Clark for the New York Times.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed, peeled, and minced
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon for another salt)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon basil, parsley, or 2 sprigs thyme (optional)
- 1 large head cauliflower or two small
- 2 cups panko
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt plus more as needed (1/2 teaspoon for another salt)
- 6 - 8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for frying
- 5 cups marinara
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 8- ounces fresh mozzarella sliced very thin
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves torn or cut in a chiffonade
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To make the marinara, set a large, wide pot over medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil and then the onions. Cook, stirring often, 10 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes, and cook 2 minutes more. Fold in the tomatoes, balsamic, and herbs (if using). Bring mixture to a boil, then turn heat down for a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 - 45 minutes. As sauce cooks, add salt, pepper, and pepper flakes to taste.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment.
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Measure the panko into a shallow, wide bowl. Break the eggs into another shallow, wide bowl and beat lightly with 1 teaspoon salt.
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Cut the end off the cauliflower core and then slice into large, 3/4-inch thick florets that are 2- to 4-inches wide. Parts of the cauliflower that have the core attached will hold together best.
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Set a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium/medium-high heat.
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Working in batches, dip florets into egg mixture, let a bit drip off, and then dredge in the panko, pressing cauliflower into breadcrumbs on both sides.
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Add 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet, and when shimmering, add a batch of cauliflower. Cook until golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side. Remove cooked cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the cauliflower is cooked. As you cook, wipe burned bits of panko from the pan and add additional oil as needed, about 2 tablespoons per batch. Save little bits for the end, toss them in the egg mixture, dredge, and fry, shaking pan, until golden.
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Spread 1 cup of marinara on the bottom of a deep 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Add half the cauliflower in a single layer (place the largest pieces in this layer). Top with 1/3 of the Parmesan, half the mozzarella, and 2 cups sauce. Add the remaining cauliflower, 1/3 of the Parm, remaining mozzarella, and another 2 cups sauce. Top with remaining Parmesan.
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Bake until golden and bubbly, 40 - 45 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, top with fresh basil, slice, and serve.
wow, this is the best use of cauliflower that I can remember, knowing cauliflower’s blandness all too well, I’m impressed with the creative flavor here, and topped with parmesan too, thank you!