Cauliflower Popcorn

By Ali Slagle

Updated Feb. 9, 2022

Cauliflower Popcorn
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
40 minutes
Rating
4(1,397)
Comments
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Small florets of cauliflower look a lot like popcorn, and when coated with classic popcorn seasonings, they can be just as snackable. Roast pieces the size of popped kernels until deeply tender and frizzled, shower with panko bread crumbs seasoned with nutritional yeast, then return to the oven to toast. The panko mimics the airy crispness of popcorn, while nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, salty flavor. Adjust seasonings based on what you like: Add wet ingredients, like hot sauce or soy sauce, to the cauliflower before roasting, and dry ingredients, like Old Bay, furikake or Tajín, when you add the panko.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 2pounds cauliflower, cut into ½- to 1-inch pieces and florets
  • ⅓cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or melted ghee
  • ¼cup nutritional yeast
  • ¼teaspoon red-pepper flakes or pinch of ground cayenne
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • ½cup panko bread crumbs
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

319 calories; 23 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 16 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 22 grams carbohydrates; 9 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 13 grams protein; 634 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oven to 450 degrees. On a sheet pan, toss the cauliflower with ⅓ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast and the red-pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss well to evenly distribute. Spread in an even layer and roast for 20 minutes, until the cauliflower is crisp-tender and starting to brown at the edges.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the panko, remaining 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast and remaining tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and stir with a fork until evenly combined.

  3. Step 3

    When the 20 minutes are up, stir the cauliflower, spread it into an even layer and sprinkle with the panko mixture. Roast until the panko is toasted, 10 to 12 minutes.

Ratings

4 out of 5
1,397 user ratings
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Comments

Jewels

I approached this recipe tepidly as I would like to use nutritional yeast more, especially because of the high B12, but don't embrace the flavour so much. For this reason I only made 1/4 recipe but followed the recipe exactly (reduced to 1/4). The cauliflower was delicious. I baked it in my Air Fry toaster oven at 415 degrees air fry for 20 minutes and then at 400 for about 9 minutes with the panko. Served with bleu cheese dressing and Valentina hot sauce for my husband.

Gina Mersman

After trying this recipe I LOVE cauliflower. I was skeptical as I’m not a big fan of nutritional yeast. Hot out of the oven the toasted panko and crispy edges of the cauliflower just made this so yummy. I eat this cold as well with Italian dressing.

Amie

This is great! The cauliflower was mushy, but it was still fantastic. The flavor was unreal and I ate the entire 2 pounds in less than 24 hours. I will try and adjust some things to get it crispier, but regardless, I will make it again.

Rotmanpr

I made the recipe as is. At 450. It wasn’t mushy at all and the panko was perfectly browned. All in all this recipe is justt brilliant. I llike cauliflower but this made me love it. Never cooked with nutritional yeast either.

Dixie

We loved this. I did follow some tips from others and did not bake as long as stated. It could be that my pieces were smaller but it cooked in less time. Not a big deal and not difficult to keep an eye on. It was SO good and a keeper for sure. I was impressed with the recipe.

Beth

Made following directions for the first time and it is delicious - crispy and flavorful. Will definitely make again and can riff in the seasonings, but as written it’s super easy and super delicious!

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