When the weather calls for comfort food — warm, cheesy, and satisfying — this Baked Cauliflower Parmesan is the kind of dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket. With tender roasted cauliflower, a rich swirl of marinara sauce, and melted, bubbling cheese on top, it’s a simple recipe that feels special. It’s ideal for a weeknight when you don’t have hours to spare, but still want something delicious and homey.
Ingredients
For this dish, you’ll need:
- Two medium heads of cauliflower, broken down into florets
- About 1 teaspoon salt
- About 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
These ingredients come together to give the cauliflower depth, aroma, and warmth — taking what could be a plain vegetable and turning it into a comfort-food centerpiece.
Preparation and Baking
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). This temperature ensures the cauliflower will roast evenly, developing a slightly golden, crisp edge while staying tender inside.
- Season the cauliflower. In a large mixing bowl, toss all the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure each floret is evenly coated — that way, every bite gets its share of flavor.
- Arrange for roasting. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or grease it lightly, if you prefer). Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single, even layer. This prevents overcrowding — essential for proper roasting so the pieces don’t steam and get soggy.
- Roast until tender. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it: you want the cauliflower to be tender, with just a hint of browning around the edges. The goal is soft insides and slightly crisp outsides — perfect texture.
- Add sauce and cheese. Once the cauliflower is roasted, carefully remove the sheet from the oven. Evenly pour the marinara sauce over the cauliflower, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes and sprinkle the dried oregano over the top as well.
- Final bake for melty goodness. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. This additional bake melts the cheeses and allows them to meld with the sauce and cauliflower, creating a luscious, bubbling cheese layer that’s golden and inviting.
- Garnish and serve. Once the cheese has melted and slightly browned, take the dish out and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Just before serving, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
Serve warm — the contrast between the tender cauliflower and the gooey cheese is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Why This Recipe Works / Tips
- Because cauliflower is cut into florets rather than “steaks,” it roasts more evenly and absorbs seasoning better — every little piece gets coated and caramelizes nicely.
- The garlic and onion powders add aromatic depth. Together with salt and pepper, they transform cauliflower from bland to flavorful.
- Spreading the florets out in a single layer allows hot air to circulate evenly, giving you that lovely roasted texture instead of soggy steamed bits.
- The combination of rich marinara sauce with two cheeses — mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for nutty flavor — makes the dish feel indulgent even though it’s vegetable-based.
- A short extra bake melds flavors and gives cheese a golden, slightly crisp top without drying out the cauliflower.
- A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end brightens up the dish — both visually and flavor-wise — a simple touch that takes it from “just dinner” to something more special.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Cauliflower Parmesan shines as a main vegetarian dinner — comforting, filling, and satisfying. But you can also pair it with a crisp green salad for freshness, or some warm garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce and melted cheese. On busy weeknights, it’s a go-to: minimal fuss, maximum comfort.