With gooey parmesan and crispy edges, this crispy smashed cauliflower with parmesan is the perfect easy appetizer or side dish. These little gems require only 6 ingredients to make and take a few minutes of prep work. Just bake, smash, add cheese, and bake again!
Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets. In a large bowl stir together ¼ cup olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, ½ tsp salt and the zest + juice of 1 lemon. Add cauliflower florets and gently stir to evenly coat.
Bake: Arrange cauliflower in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, or until fork-tender, flipping halfway through cooking.
Smash: Remove tray from oven and increase temperature to 425°F (218°C). Use a cup to firmly smash each piece of cauliflower until flattened. Top each with a mound of parmesan cheese (about 1 teaspoon each).
Finish: Return tray to the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown at the edges. If it hasn't browned after 10 minutes, turn your oven to broil and watch closely for 1 to 2 minutes, until finished.