Caesar-Style Whole-Roasted Cauliflower

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Roasting cauliflower whole makes for an impressive main dish or a stunning side paired with chicken or steak. Here, we draw flavor inspiration from Caesar salad by making a creamy dressing to accompany the tender cauliflower. If you don’t have anchovy paste, substitute 2 drained anchovies, cut and mashed into a paste using the flat side of a chef’s knife. Let the cauliflower cool for 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 5 mins
Servings:
4
the ingredients to make the Caesar-Style Whole-Roasted Cauliflower

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Prop Stylist: Tucker Vines, Food Stylist: Liz Mervosh

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

  • 3/4 teaspoon ground pepper, divided

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

  • 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste

  • 1 teaspoon low-sodium Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1/4 teaspoon grated garlic

  • 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Remove and discard leaves from cauliflower. Slice off the bottom of the core so the cauliflower will sit flat on the prepared baking sheet. Brush 2 tablespoons oil all over the cauliflower. Sprinkle with salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

  2. Roast until deeply browned and tender, rotating the baking sheet front to back halfway through, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven and lightly coat the cauliflower with cooking spray. Increase oven temperature to broil with rack about 8 inches from heat source. Broil until charred in spots, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

    a photo of the cauliflower being sprayed with cooking spray

    Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Prop Stylist: Tucker Vines, Food Stylist: Liz Mervosh

  3. Meanwhile, whisk yogurt, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Worcestershire, mustard, garlic and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper together in a small bowl until combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

  4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add panko; cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and oregano.

    a photo of the panko mixture cooked in the pan

    Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Prop Stylist: Tucker Vines, Food Stylist: Liz Mervosh

  5. Spread the yogurt dressing on a serving platter. Place the roasted cauliflower on top. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan over the cauliflower; top with the panko mixture. Garnish with more parsley and oregano, if desired.

    a recipe photo of the Caesar-Style Whole-Roasted Cauliflower

    Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Prop Stylist: Tucker Vines, Food Stylist: Liz Mervosh

To make ahead

Refrigerate roasted cauliflower (Steps 1 and 2) and dressing (Step 3) in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.

EatingWell.com, February 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

235 Calories
16g Fat
16g Carbs
11g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cup cauliflower & 1/4 cup dressing
Calories 235
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 11g 22%
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Vitamin A 21µg
Vitamin C 80mg 88%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 11%
Folate 102µg
Vitamin K 48µg
Sodium 393mg 17%
Calcium 157mg 12%
Iron 1mg 7%
Magnesium 37mg 9%
Potassium 609mg 13%
Zinc 1mg 10%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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