Easy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Posted November 7, 2023 by: Admin
The finest oven-roasted cauliflower recipe that’s incredibly simple. Achieve the perfect flavor and texture with just a few basic ingredients: seasoning, oil, and butter.
Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
This baked cauliflower dish is a go-to side, much like Corn on the Cob and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. You’ll find yourself making it over and over again.
This oven-roasted cauliflower is not only easy but also exceptional. The combination of butter and olive oil results in caramelized florets that are baked to a crisp-tender perfection. What’s fantastic about this recipe is that you can personalize the seasoning with ingredients you have on hand for excellent results.
The Best Seasoning for Cauliflower
Cauliflower pairs well with a wide range of seasonings. Even a simple salt and pepper seasoning is delightful. Some of our favorite seasonings include:
- Salt (fine sea salt is our preference)
- Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- Garlic Powder (or try garlic salt)
- Paprika (adds both color and flavor; a little goes a long way)
Can you add cheese? We love adding cheese to cauliflower. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese on the cauliflower in the final 5 minutes of cooking to create parmesan roasted cauliflower.
How to Roast Cauliflower
This roasted cauliflower recipe is incredibly straightforward and utilizes ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Slice the cauliflower into either traditional florets or flat cauliflower steaks.
- Seasoning – Arrange the cauliflower in the center of your baking sheet, drizzle with oil and butter, toss to coat, and season. Toss again, then spread into a single layer.
- Bake the cauliflower for 15-20 minutes or until it reaches your desired tenderness and turns golden at the edges. Baking time may vary depending on the size of your pieces.
How to Slice Cauliflower into Steaks: Slice the cauliflower head into 4-5 wedges. Then, cut the wedges into even 1/2″ thick steaks and break them apart into bite-sized pieces. Roasting them with the flat sides against the baking sheet enhances the depth of flavor and ensures even browning.
How Long to Bake Cauliflower?
The baking time for roasted cauliflower varies based on the size, thickness, and desired doneness of your pieces:
- Smaller pieces – typically 15-20 minutes are sufficient.
- Larger florets – bake for 20-25 minutes until the cauliflower caramelizes and turns golden.
Air Fryer Instructions:
Cooking cauliflower in an air fryer is quick and easy. When air frying, omit the butter and use 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Air fry the cauliflower at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until it becomes golden and tender.
Make-Ahead
- Meal Prep – you can pre-chop your cauliflower a few days ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it. Add seasoning just before roasting.
- Refrigerate – once cooled to room temperature, you can cover and refrigerate leftover roasted cauliflower for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – You can reheat the cauliflower on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the air fryer until it’s heated through.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the head of cauliflower into 1/2″ thick steaks, breaking up wedges into even, bite-sized pieces.
- Add the cauliflower to the center of the baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and melted butter and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper for the seasoning. Sprinkle onto cauliflower and toss to evenly coat.
- Spread the cauliflower evenly on the baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your florets or slices. If you prefer, you can substitute oil for butter.
