Fitness / March 8, 2024

Perfect Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Get a part of the old world, a part of the new world, and an amazing side dish with this roasted cauliflower recipe.

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Most people tend to think of cauliflower as a vegetable that looks too much like broccoli or doesn’t have enough natural flavor. But perhaps you’re just not preparing cauliflower the right way. In fact, you probably didn’t know that cooks have been roasting cauliflower since the 12th century. Over the last decade, it’s become more popular, and we promise that if you prepare it the right way, it can be the perfect side dish for any meal.

Admittedly, it’s true that cauliflower naturally has a rather mild flavor. That’s why this recipe tries to incorporate a little oil, a little butter, and a few spices. With the right balance of ingredients during your prep, roasted cauliflower can quickly become a favorite side dish. Plus, once you make it once or twice, it becomes easy to prepare and incorporate in any meal.

Once you start to gain an affinity for cauliflower, there are so many things you can do with it. After all, cauliflower is quickly becoming one of the most common vegetables. Other than a simple roasted cauliflower recipe, there is a way to cook up crispy cauliflower. You can also try being a little more adventurous with turmeric roasted cauliflower.

Is Roasted Cauliflower Healthy?

Part of the reason for its growing popularity is the fact that cauliflower is so healthy. Cauliflower is naturally high in fiber, Vitamin C, antioxidants, and countless other vitamins and nutrients that people need on a daily basis. It’s not only high in fiber but also high in water, two properties that help to aid in weight loss. For anyone looking to limit carbs, cauliflower is the perfect side dish. Compared to grains and legumes, cauliflower is low in carbs, which is why you see it replacing rice, pizza crusts, and other items. The bottom line is that when nutritionists talking about adding more vegetables to your diet, they are talking about foods like cauliflower.

Tips for the Trade

If you’ve stayed away from cauliflower in the past because of its bland taste, you have the power to change that. You just have to know how. For example, a little cheese, most notable parmesan or feta, can add some much-needed flavor to cauliflower. Likewise, if pepper isn’t enough, try using paprika, nutmeg, cumin, or even chili powder to give cauliflower a little more zest.

In fact, your roasted cauliflower can be tailor made to match the main dish. If you’re eating something spicy, add some curry powder to the cauliflower. For a cajun dish, it’s fine to sprinkle some cajun seasoning on the cauliflower. You can also go with an opposites approach and season the cauliflower in a way to complement the main course. No matter what you choose, think of roasted cauliflower as an empty canvas where you can be creative and find flavors that suit your taste if our recipe doesn’t have enough flavor for you.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted (optional for richness)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
A sprinkle of nutritional yeast optional, for a nutty flavor boost

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat

Preheat your oven to 425°F, then line a baking sheet with parchment for easy clean-up.

Prepare

Break the cauliflower into uniform florets.

Season

In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper along with the cauliflower florets.

Cook

Spread the florets on the prepped baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.

Serve

Transfer the roasted cauliflower into a serving dish, sprinkle some nutritional yeast (optional).

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

After roasting cauliflower, it can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days. In the freezer, it’ll stay good for up to 6 months.

Should I soak the cauliflower

Before roasting cauliflower, it helps to soak it upside down in cool, salted water for at least 10 minutes.

Avoid Crowds

One key trick with roasted cauliflower is to avoid putting too much in the oven and overcrowding the cooking dish. If the pan is too crowded, you’ll get steamed and soggy cauliflower rather than roasted cauliflower.

Keep it even

Do your best to cut the cauliflower florets as evenly as possible. Bigger pieces won’t become as crispy as small pieces, so keep the florets roughly the same size and maximize flat edges when cutting up the cauliflower.

Should i stir or flip cauliflower midway through roasting?

No. Stirring or flipping isn’t necessary. By leaving it alone, the underside of the cauliflower will develop a delightful crust.

Serving Suggestions

There is almost no bad idea when it comes to the main course with a side of roasted cauliflower. It’s going to go with just about anything. But in case you’re interested, we have a few ideas. For starters, cauliflower would be brilliant alongside oven baked chicken thighs or just about any type of chicken dish. If you like cauliflower because it’s low in carbs, try using as a side dish with paleo low carb keto beef and broccoli. We also like the idea of complementing baby back ribs with a side of roasted cauliflower.

Perfect Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Get a part of the old world, a part of the new world, and an amazing side dish with this roasted cauliflower recipe.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 83kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted (optional for richness)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
A sprinkle of nutritional yeast optional, for a nutty flavor boost

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425?F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy cleanup. A hot oven is key.
Break the cauliflower into uniform florets for even cooking.
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter (if using), garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add the cauliflower florets and toss well.
Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to avoid crowding. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crispy.
Transfer your roasted cauliflower to a serving dish. An nice optional add-on, try to sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for a nutty flavor.