Get ready to transform the humble cauliflower into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Slow Cooker Wedged Cauliflower recipe is about to revolutionize your side dish game, turning an ordinary vegetable into a crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed sensation that's impossibly easy to make. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned cauliflower wedges that practically melt in your mouth, with a golden Parmesan crust that adds irresistible texture and taste – all accomplished with minimal effort in your trusty slow cooker!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower by carefully cutting the whole head into 6-8 equal wedges, ensuring the core keeps the pieces intact.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, whisking to create a uniform seasoning mixture.
- Gently coat each cauliflower wedge in the seasoned olive oil mixture, ensuring all surfaces are evenly covered.
- Lightly grease the interior of the slow cooker with additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned cauliflower wedges in a single layer inside the slow cooker, trying not to overlap the pieces.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 4 hours, allowing the cauliflower to become tender and absorb the seasonings.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower wedges to create a golden, crispy topping.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the wedges using a large spatula and transfer to a serving platter.
- Optional: For additional browning, place the Parmesan-topped cauliflower under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is lightly golden and crisp.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- • Choose a fresh, firm cauliflower head for the best results. Look for one with tight, compact florets and no brown spots. • When cutting wedges, keep the core intact to help the pieces stay together during cooking. • For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices in your seasoning mixture. Smoked paprika or dried thyme can add an exciting twist. • Make sure to coat the cauliflower evenly with the olive oil mixture to ensure consistent seasoning and prevent dry spots. • Don't skip the optional broiling step – it adds a delightful crispy texture to the Parmesan topping. • If you prefer a bit more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. • Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
