Step 1

Preheat oven to 450 ° F.In a large saucepan of boiling salted water

Step 2

add cauliflower. Blanch for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon

Step 3

transfer cauliflower to a large bowl of ice water. Drain.In a small bowl

Step 4

stir together butter

Step 5

parsley

Step 6

chives

Step 7

garlic

Step 8

salt

Step 9

and pepper.Arrange cauliflower florets on 2 parchment paper–lined baking sheets. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a small pot

Step 10

smash florets to even thickness. Brush evenly with the butter mixture.Sprinkle cauliflower with cheese and breadcrumbs.Bake

Step 11

switching and rotating pans halfway through

Step 12

for 30 to 35 minutes

Step 13

or until cauliflower is crispy around the edges

Step 14

and cheese is melted and golden.Tip: The softer the cooked cauliflower the easier it will be to smash. After blanching

Step 15

pat excess moisture with a paper towel so it browns faster.