Crispy Cheddar Cauliflower Food

LOW CARB CHEESY CAULIFLOWER BREADSTICKS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and coat with cooking spray.
• Add the cauliflower and garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely ground and the consistency of couscous. Transfer the cauliflower mixture to a large bowl. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, eggs, 1 cup Cheddar, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and combine until the mixture holds together when squeezed.
• Spread the cauliflower mixture into an 8-by-12-inch rectangle about a 1/4 inch thick on the prepared baking sheet. Use the straight edge of the parchment as your guide to keep the cauliflower mixture edges straight too. Bake until the crust turns golden brown all over, 18 to 20 minutes.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and lay another piece of parchment on top of the crust. Fit a second rimmed baking sheet on top so the bottom of the baking sheet is touching the parchment. Using oven mitts, hold the 2 baking sheets together and flip them over so the crust is now on the parchment on the upside-down baking sheet. Remove the first parchment from the crust, cut the crust into 1 1/2-inch-thick strips (you should have 8 to 9 strips) and spread them apart a little. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup Cheddar and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Bake on the upside-down baking sheet until the cheese is melted and turning brown in spots and the visible crust is a deep golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer the sticks on the parchment to a serving plate and serve with the marinara sauce for dipping.

STICKY CRISPY CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
• Liberally grease 2 parchment-lined baking sheets with olive oil.
• In a medium-large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic, ginger, and salt. Make a well in the middle and stir in the sparkling water, whisking with a fork to form a smooth batter.
• Add the cauliflower florets and gently toss to coat them evenly in the batter.
• Place the florets onto the baking sheets, allowing a space between each piece to help them crisp up in the oven (if they are too close, they will steam each other). Bake, turning once, until crispy and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce: Place the brown sugar, ketchup, tamari, vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha and garlic in a small saucepan. Using a wooden spoon, mix well and bring to a gentle, bubbling simmer. Cook, stirring often, until it reduces into a glossy consistency that coats the back of the wooden spoon, about 10 minutes.
• Remove the cauliflower from the oven and tip into a bowl. Drizzle over the sweet and sour sauce, add most of the cilantro and scallions, leaving some behind for garnish, and gently toss to coat each floret.
• Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle over the remaining cilantro and scallions before serving. Enjoy.

CHEDDAR CHEESE-STUFFED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Sprinkle generously with salt. Trim the base of the cauliflower so the stem is flat to the head but without cutting off any florets. Blanch the cauliflower until just beginning to soften, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to a plate to cool slightly.
• In a small skillet, heat the butter until melted. Add the breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon salt and toast until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. Stir in the Parmesan and basil.
• Gently begin to create space in between the florets and stuff each space with a log of Cheddar. Continue until all the pieces of cheese are used. Press the toasted breadcrumbs on top of the cauliflower. Place in a small baking dish and bake until the cauliflower is tender all the way through and the breadcrumbs are golden, about 20 minutes.

CAULIFLOWER CHEDDAR GRATIN WITH HORSERADISH CRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F. Butter a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
• Cook cauliflower in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain cauliflower well in a colander and transfer to baking dish.
• While cauliflower cooks, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat and whisk in flour. Cook roux, whisking, 3 minutes. Add milk in a slow stream, whisking, and bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce heat and simmer sauce, whisking occasionally, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add cheese, scallion greens, salt, and pepper, whisking until cheese is melted. Pour cheese sauce over cauliflower and stir gently to combine.
• Coarsely crumble crackers into a bowl. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in horseradish. Pour over crumbs and toss to coat.
• Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over cauliflower.
• Bake gratin until topping is golden brown, about 10 minutes.

CRISPY CHEESE CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Spray cookie sheet with olive oil.
• In a shallow dish, combine cheese, cumin, cayenne, salt & pepper.
• Dredge cauliflower pieces in egg, then in cheese mix.
• Put on cookie sheet, & spray with oil.
• Bake 15 minutes.
• Remove to serving plate, & sprinkle with parsley.
• Serve with lemon wedges.

CAULIFLOWER CHEDDAR FRITTERS

Steps:

• Make a smooth batter with first 7 ingredients.
• Mix in next 3 ingredients.
• For best results, refrigerate for an hour or so (but not necessary).
• Drop by spoonfulls into hot oil and deep fry til brown and crispy.
• Sprinkle with salt immediately upon removing from oil.