Loaded Mediterranean Cauliflower Fries Recipes

BAKED CAULIFLOWER FRIES

Steps:

• Cut cauliflower into medium-sized florets and process in batches in a food processor. For each batch, pulse until pieces break down and continue processing until texture resembles rice grains. Transfer to a large pot. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until mixture is wet and soft, about 30 minutes. Reduce heat if it begins to brown. Remove from heat and allow cauliflower to cool.
• Transfer cauliflower in batches to a clean cotton towel. Bring up sides, twist towel, and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. For this recipe, you should have about 3 1/2 cups cooked, squeezed-dry cauliflower.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, allowing ends to extend up over the sides for easy lifting. Lightly brush parchment with olive oil.
• Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add crushed garlic, oregano, pepper, and cayenne pepper; whisk together. Transfer cauliflower to mixing bowl. Add shredded Cheddar cheese and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Mix thoroughly. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Tamp down and smooth out evenly.
• Bake in preheated oven until deeply golden brown, about 1 hour. Allow to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, 3 or 4 hours.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat; lightly oil the mat.
• Lift cauliflower out of pan. Slice in half lengthwise; slice each half crosswise into thin "fries," about 1 inch wide. Arrange fries on the mat so they do not touch; brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with a dusting of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
• Bake in preheated oven until deeply browned, about 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

AIR FRYER MEDITERRANEAN CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Place cauliflower florets into a large resealable bag. Drizzle with oil mixture, then shake gently to lightly coat evenly. Transfer cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
• Air-fry cauliflower, shaking basket every 4 to 5 minutes, until cauliflower is browned and edges are crispy, 12 to 15 minutes total. Place hot cauliflower in a serving bowl and top with feta cheese; toss gently to combine.

MEDITERRANEAN ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH OLIVES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a 12x18-inch baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
• Combine olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 20 to 30 seconds. Watch carefully, and remove from the microwave when the oil bubbles. Set aside.
• Combine cauliflower florets, red onion, and red bell pepper in a large bowl. Pour in the olive oil mixture and stir until all the vegetables are coated. Spread out vegetables on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast in the preheated oven until vegetables reach the desired doneness, 20 to 25 minutes. Broil if you like additional color, carefully watching that the vegetables do not burn, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Sprinkle sliced olives over the vegetables and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.