READY IN 45 mins

Baked Whole Cauliflower

Read Reviews (318)

"If you thought you didn't like cauliflower, try this! It's an awesome treat for a festive table. Beautiful presentation and something out of the ordinary." — Ariela

Directions

Clean cauliflower, and trim off leaves and any brown spots. Place the whole head of cauliflower into a steamer basket, place the basket in a large pot, and add one inch of water. Cover, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for about 20 minutes or until tender.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a medium bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted margarine. Season with garlic powder, salt, red pepper flakes, and oregano, and mix well. Place the head of cauliflower into a baking dish, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 5 mins
COOK 40 mins
READY IN 45 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Feb 01, 2006

Before making this recipe I read most of the reviews. Here is what I did to infuse flavor into the cauliflower. I cut the cauliflower into bite-size pieces and simmered it in chicken broth until tender crisp, drained it, then tossed the cauliflower with the bread crumb topping. I transfered the whole mixture to a buttered casserole. Drizzled with some extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of Locatelli Romano cheese. Positively DELICIOUS, everyone LOVED it, and no leftovers!

—DCBRUSH

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Feb 25, 2011

I was a little disappointed in this. I read the prior reviews, and followed the frequent suggestion of brushing melted butter onto the cauliflower and then dredging it through the crumb mixture, rather than just mixing the butter in with the crumbs. However, even having done that, the crumbs didn't stick well. Maybe a light eggwash would help? Also, I steamed my cauliflower an extra 10 minutes and baked it an extra 5, but it was still a little tough. I might try this again, cutting it up instead of serving it whole -- but that does seem to defeat the purpose a bit!

—Elizabeth

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396 Ratings

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Feb 12, 2004

I have made this recipe twice and loved it! The first time I also had a little trouble getting the bread coating to stick to the sides. That was a little disappointing cause the presentation would be much improved with a nice, over all golden coating. The second time I made it I used a bar-b-que marinade brush and brushed melted butter over the entire head and THEN coated it. PROBLEM SOLVED! Great presentation! My husband LOVES it!!

—MargieDarlin'

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Feb 13, 2004

Best cauliflower ever!!! I tested this out on just the 2 of us - cooking it whole - I was skeptical on how it would be to serve. TRY IT - it is really easy and I think will definitely be a conversation piece at the table. My guy looooved it! I followed recipe exactly except I took the suggestions of other submitters and brushed the butter on the caulifower and then added the dry crumbs mixed with seasonings. It adhered easily. When it comes out of the oven - just put it on a plate and serve it with a spoon - it is so tender. P.S. I steamed mine hrs. in advance and when the roast was almost done put on the final touches and popped it in the oven. This is a KEEPER!! Thanks submitter!

—Aspiring Chef Rita

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Aug 22, 2006

I used the suggestion of another member and cut the cauliflower into pieces and then simmered it in chicken broth until tender. I then drained it, tossed it with the mixture and baked as directed. It was a HUGE hit! My husband ate all but the one serving that I ate at dinner tonight! Great recipe!!!

—Joy & Co.

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Nov 04, 2006

The secret to having cauliflower with flavor is steaming/simmering it in chicken broth. Then put it in the oven with the breadcrumb mixture. Yummmmmmmy!

—Sharon

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May 12, 2003

This is the most delicious recipe I've ever tried. I took the advice of one of the reviewers, and cut the head into large pieces. I "steamed" it in the microwave. It was hard to get the mixture to stick, so on my second try (the head was big enough to make two "cookings")I melted the butter and drizzled it over the cauliflower. Then I mixed the remaining ingredients together & sprinkled them over before baking.This worked well and came out great. Thanks for the recipe!

—sandycook

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Feb 12, 2004

Loved this! I cut up & micro steamed the cauliflower (in a pampered chef micro steamer) which took minutes then baked it....YUM! I will next time drizzle the butter and then the bread crumbs as others have suggested, but the taste of the end result is ohh so yummy! Thanks Ariela!!

—I'm nuts too...

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Nutrition

Calories
149 kcal
7%

Carbohydrates
14.7 g
5%

Cholesterol
2 mg
< 1%

Fat
8.7 g
13%

Fiber
4.1 g
16%

Protein
5 g
10%

Sodium
380 mg
15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Baked Whole Cauliflower

Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 149
Calories from Fat: 78

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.7g 13 %
Saturated Fat 1.8g 9 %
Cholesterol 2mg < 1 %
Sodium 380mg 15 %
Potassium 460mg 13 %
Total Carbohydrates 14.7g 5 %
Dietary Fiber 4.1g 16 %
Protein 5g 10 %
Sugars 4.1g
Vitamin A 9 %
Vitamin C 109 %
Calcium 9 %
Iron 12 %
** Thiamin 10 %
Niacin 19 %
Vitamin B6 21 %
Magnesium 10 %
Folate 51 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.