These cheesy baked cauliflower fries are fairly time-consuming to make, but when served with a spicy ketchup dip, they make a great party snack.
Ingredients
- heads cauliflower: 2 piece (2.5 pound)
- kosher salt: 1 Tbsp
- olive oil: 1 Tbsp (divided, or as needed)
- eggs: 2 piece
- garlic, crushed fine: 4 clove (peeled)
- black pepper: 0.5 tsp (freshly ground)
- oregano: 0.25 tsp (dried)
- cayenne pepper: 0.125 tsp
- ounces shredded Cheddar cheese: 4 piece
- finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: 1 oz (for topping)
Metric Conversion
Stages of cooking
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Cut cauliflower into medium-sized florets. Working in batches, pulse florets in a food processor until texture resembles rice grains. Transfer to a large pot and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture is wet and soft, about 30 minutes. Reduce heat if it begins to brown. Remove from heat and allow cauliflower to cool.
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Working in batches, transfer cauliflower to a clean cotton towel. Bring up the sides, twist the towel, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. For this recipe, you'll need about 3 1/2 cups cooked, squeeze-dried cauliflower.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the ends to extend up over the sides for easy lifting. Lightly brush parchment with olive oil.
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Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add garlic, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper; whisk together until combined. Transfer cauliflower to the mixing bowl. Add shredded Cheddar cheese and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; mix thoroughly. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Tamp down and smooth out evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven until deep golden brown, about 1 hour. Allow to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, 3 or 4 hours.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat; lightly oil the mat.
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Lift chilled cauliflower out of the pan. Slice in half lengthwise; slice each half crosswise into thin "fries," about 1-inch wide. Arrange fries on the prepared mat, so they do not touch; brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with a dusting of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven until deeply browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Chef John