Baked Cauliflower Fries

Chef John's cheesy baked cauliflower fries are fairly time-consuming to make, but when served with a spicy ketchup dip, they make a great party snack.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 358 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided, or as needed
• 2 (2.5 pound) heads cauliflower
• 1 ounce finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for topping
• 4 cloves peeled garlic, crushed fine
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat; lightly oil the mat.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until deeply browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.