Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan-Panko Crumble

A delicious roasted cauliflower dish featuring crispy panko breadcrumbs, melted Parmesan and cheddar cheese, topped with aromatic herbs and shallots. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or impressive side dish.

8 servings
1 hr 23 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
  • oz Parmesan
  • oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 18 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 heads cauliflower
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 3 tbsp thyme leaves
  • 20 whole shallots
  • 8 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup parsley
  • 2 whole lemon

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 450°F. Toss panko, Parmesan, cheddar, and 2 Tbsp. butter in a medium bowl until combined. Sprinkle evenly onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake on lower rack until cheese is melted and bubbling and panko is deep golden brown, 6-8 minutes. Let cool. Crumble into small pieces; set aside until ready to use.

    8 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, cut cauliflower into 1/2"-thick steaks (it's okay if the outside ends break apart).

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Whisk garlic, thyme, and remaining 1 cup butter in a medium measuring cup.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Toss half of cauliflower, half of shallots, 1/2 cup butter mixture, 4 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper on a rimmed baking sheet until coated. Repeat with remaining cauliflower, shallots, 1/2 cup butter mixture, 4 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. pepper on another rimmed baking sheet. Roast, tossing veggies and rotating sheets from top to bottom halfway through, until tender and browned, 45-55 minutes.

    55 min

  5. 5.

    Let cool slightly. Transfer to a platter. Top with reserved crumble and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

    5 min

  6. 6.

    Do Ahead: Uncrumbled panko mixture can be baked 1 day ahead. Wrap baking sheet with plastic and store at room temperature.