Roasted Cauliflower Recipe [Video] (2024)

This Roasted Cauliflower recipe gives the veggie a lift in terms of flavors and texture! Prepare this side dish in under 20 minutes with this easy recipe!

If you are looking for a great side dish that is easy and flavorful, look no further! Here is an amazing recipe! You know we like to roast our veggies like the sweet potatoes, carrots, and asparagus.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe [Video] (1)

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Roasting the cauliflower is a fun way to enjoy this veggie with all the seasonings that make it flavorful. The raw vegetable is rather bland and that makes it a perfect canvas for all the colorful flavors that you can add.

A lot of people shun this vegetable because it is not as exciting as others. But, what it lacks in flavor, it compensates with health benefits.

And since it is naturally neutral in taste, then, it makes for the perfect side to your savory dishes. You can also enjoy it as a healthy snack!

Now is the best time to learn how to make this recipe with the vegetable in peak season this fall.And it is a no-brainer! With just a few ingredients that can be found in your kitchen, you can enjoy this dish in no time!

How to choose cauliflower?

It is most common during the summer and fall. And while you can find it in the market all-year-round, it is best to buy it in peak season so you will be sure to get only the freshest ones.

When buying this veggie, look at how green the leaves are and how dense and clear the florets are. The leaves must be fresh-looking and the florets, tight and spotless. This way you end up with the best-roasted cauliflower.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe [Video] (3)

Is Cauliflower healthy?

Yes, it certainly is!It is a low-calorie veggie but is rich in antioxidants. One of its antioxidants, the sulforaphane, has been linked to preventing diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases.

It is mostly composed of water, and hence, it has few calories. One cup of this superfood has only 27 calories.

This is good news for those trying to lose weight because, without too many calories, you will still feel full. The same goes for this baked cauliflower recipe. A serving will only have around 68 calories with the addition of the other ingredients.

How do I cut cauliflower?

The first step to cutting this veggie is to use a sharp knife to halve one head. Then, at an angle, use the tip of the knife to cut through the smaller stems around the core.

You can use your bare hands, too, to break these apart.Then, cut each of the florets into your desired size. Make sure to cut them into uniform sizes so that the rate at which each piece cooks is uniform, too.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe [Video] (4)

How to roast cauliflower?

  1. Prepare the oven: First, preheat the oven as you prepare the vegetable.
  2. Prepare the mixture: Combine olive oil with the rest of the seasonings.
  3. Season the florets: Next, wash the veggie with water, cut into pieces, and then, dry thoroughly. If it is wet, it may not crisp up as much. Then, coat it with the mixture by tossing it.
  4. Roast: Put it in the oven and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. If you choose to add cheese, sprinkle your cheese on top and then, broil for a couple of minutes more.

What is the best temperature to roast Cauliflower?

For this recipe, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you make Roasted Cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes! What you can do is prepare it first up to the point that you are to put it in the oven. Refrigerate the prepared florets, and then, simply cook before you plan to serve them. It cooks fairly quickly anyway.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe [Video] (5)

Baked Cauliflower Recipe Variations:

The recipe presented in this post is somewhat Italian with the use of Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. For variety, you can choose among these suggested themes with the corresponding combination of seasonings:

  • Indian: add yellow curry powder, ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Mexican: add cilantro and cumin
  • Chinese: add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Tips:

  • Serve this with poultry, lamb, or seafood-based main dishes.
  • To dry the veggie after washing, you can use a salad spinner.
  • When buying the vegetable, keep it in the crisper packed in an airtight container. Inside the container, wrap it in a paper which will help absorb spoilage-inducing moisture.

Roasted Cauliflower

  • Prep Time15 MIN
  • Cook Time20 MIN
  • Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 heads cauliflower
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese optional

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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

  • Cover with foil and lightly grease a large baking sheet. Set aside.

  • In a small bowl, combine olive oil and seasonings.

  • Wash cauliflower and break apart into similarly sized pieces. Spread on a kitchen towel and dry very well.

  • Add cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with prepared seasoning mixture.

  • Spread in one layer onto the prepared baking sheet.

  • Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. If using cheese, sprinkle some on top and broil for 203 minutes before removing from the oven.

Nutrition Facts

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe [Video] (6)
Roasted Cauliflower Recipe [Video] (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

Why is my roasted cauliflower tough? ›

Have you roasted cauliflower before and it came out tough or mushy? A common problem is either roasting it at too low a temperature or stopping once the cauliflower is tender—both mean that the florets do not caramelize.

How healthy is roasted cauliflower? ›

It'll be on your veggie rotation in no time. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable responsible for helping to reduce risk of cancer due to it's special antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as it's high fiber content. It is also an excellent source of Vitamin C!

Does cauliflower need to be washed before roasting? ›

Holly's Tips For Roasted Cauliflower

Dry the Cauliflower: The cauliflower should be very dry (no water from washing!) so it doesn't steam. If time allows, wash and shake dry up to 2 days before roasting or use prewashed florets. Cut a Flat Side: Place each floret flat side down so it gets nice and brown.

What do you soak cauliflower in to get bugs out? ›

The salt and vinegar mixture will suck out all the dirt and bugs hidden inside the crevices of the cauliflower and leave you with a clean vegetable that is safe for eating. Once you toss the mucky water out, chop your cauliflower and rinse it in clean water before you get down to cooking it.

Why isn't my roasted cauliflower crispy? ›

Like all veggies, cauliflower needs some breathing room on the pan. Otherwise, the florets will produce so much steam that they'll never turn crisp on the edges. It's better to use two pans, arranged on separate racks near the middle of the oven, than to cram too much onto one pan.

What does baking soda do to cauliflower? ›

Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent, and it can be used to brighten up your veggies too. Sprinkle a little in the water before boiling to prevent cauliflower from yellowing and make corn look more vibrant.

How to cook cauliflower Rachael Ray? ›

Pre-heat the oven to 425°F. On a baking sheet, toss the the cauliflower with the EVOO. Season with salt and pepper and arrange in an even layer. Roast until tender and browned, 20-25 minutes.

How do you get the smell out of roasted cauliflower? ›

To avoid cauliflower smell while cooking, add a few drops of white vinegar - it kills the smell.

Is roasted cauliflower good for cholesterol? ›

Research shows sulforaphane helps lower cholesterol levels, which can keep your arteries clear of fatty buildup. This promotes healthy blood pressure and lowers your risk of heart disease. Cauliflower's dietary fiber has similar cholesterol-lowering abilities.

Does cauliflower clean your gut? ›

Cauliflower contains enzymes that aid in detoxification. 19 Those enzymes act like internal garbage collectors: They scour your body for toxins and waste products, bind to them, and then escort them out of the body.

Is cauliflower better for you than broccoli? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

Is cauliflower a carb or protein? ›

In 1 cup of chopped cauliflower, you'll get 5.3 g of total carbs, 3.2 g of net carbs, 0.3 g of fat, and 2.1 g of protein, per the USDA. Not to mention, you get 320 mg of potassium, making this vegetable a good source of the nutrient.

How long should I soak cauliflower in salt water? ›

Next, transfer the florets to a colander and place them under running water to wash off the dirt and bigger bugs. After this, it is suggested to blanch them in salt water to kill bacteria and parasites for 10–20 minutes.

Does cauliflower soak up liquid? ›

For one, it doesn't absorb liquid like rice does, so riced cauliflower alongside stews and curries will be more watery.

Does cauliflower absorb marinade? ›

The vegetables actually absorb some of the marinade, helping to season them from the inside out. All you have to do is toss your vegetables in your favorite marinade and let them sit. That's it.

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