Breaded Cauliflower

Cauliflower doesn’t have to be plain or boring and our breaded cauliflower recipe is anything but! This deliciously simple snack features cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned bread crumb mixture made even more delicious by extra seasonings and Parmesan cheese. It’s a wonderful alternative to chicken wings and a nice way to get those “I don’t like vegetables” people in your life to try a veggie they may actually enjoy.

Ingredients for Breaded Cauliflower

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

• Cauliflower: Choose a small head of cauliflower and break it into florets ahead of time. For best results, make the florets large enough for a hearty bite.
• Egg yolks: Since only the yolk is needed, save the egg whites for another recipe. The whites are great in recipes like meringue shells with lemon curd. Check out our directions on how to easily separate eggs.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, sugar, salt and pepper enhance the flavor of the breaded cauliflower.
• Seasoned bread crumbs: Packaged bread crumbs, like Italian bread crumbs, often have seasonings such as dried parsley, onion powder and sometimes paprika. Feel free to add a little more of your favorite seasonings if you can only find plain bread crumbs.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese mixed in with the bread crumbs creates a savory coating for the cauliflower.
• Butter: The butter helps brown the cauliflower after it’s breaded.

Directions 

Step 1: Cook the cauliflower

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Place the cauliflower and a small amount of water in a skillet and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat; cover the pan and simmer the cauliflower until it is crisp-tender, for about eight minutes. Drain the water out and set the skillet aside.

Step 2: Bread the cauliflower

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and seasonings. Place the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Add a few florets at a time to the egg mixture and toss to coat them. Transfer the egg-coated cauliflower to the bread-crumb mixture using a slotted spoon and toss to coat each cauliflower floret.

Step 3: Brown the breaded cauliflower

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Cook the cauliflower in batches until it is  golden brown, for about four minutes. Sprinkle the breaded florets with parsley, if desired.

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Breaded Cauliflower Variations

• Add cayenne pepper: Sprinkle some cayenne pepper in with the seasonings if you like your breaded cauliflower a little on the spicy side.
• Use panko: Instead of seasoned bread crumbs, use panko, a Japanese-style bread crumb with a coarser texture. They result in a crunchier and lighter breaded cauliflower floret. Seasoned panko comes with seasonings such as onion powder and sometimes romano cheese mixed in.
• Use crackers and pretzels, please: Instead of bread crumbs, use a substitute such as crushed crackers, pretzels or even potato chips. For crackers, try something with a cheesy or buttery flavor. If using potato chips, look for a baked or a low-salt version to cut down on oil and sodium, respectively. Here are more alternatives to breadcrumbs.

How to Store Breaded Cauliflower

Once it cools, store the breaded cauliflower in an airtight container or zippered food-storage bag and place it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for three to five days, though the bread crumbs may soften slightly over time.

How do you reheat breaded cauliflower?

Reheat the breaded cauliflower in the oven on a parchment-covered baking tray. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the cauliflower until it crisps a bit, usually 10 to 15 minutes.

Breaded Cauliflower Tips

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Can I make this in the oven?

Sure! Instead of steaming the cauliflower, jump ahead to dipping the florets in the egg mixture and the the breading mixture. Place the breaded florets on a parchment-covered baking tray and bake them at 425° for 30 to 35 minutes or until the breading is golden brown. Flip the florets halfway through cooking time for more even browning.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Coat and bread the uncooked florets and preheat the air fryer to 350°. Place the breaded florets in small batches in the air fryer basket, drizzle them with just a little cooking oil, close the air fryer and then check on the florets after 10 minutes. Toss the florets a bit, if needed. They’ll take 15 to 20 minutes to turn golden brown.

Would these be good with a dip?

Absolutely! They’re a nice meat-free alternative to chicken wings and can be enjoyed in similar fashion. Try them with a buffalo wing sauce, barbecue sauce, honey mustard wing sauce, ranch or a selection of your favorite dipping sauces!