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This basic, Roasted Cauliflower Recipe is a tasty, low-carb, simple side dish to throw together any day of the week. All you need is olive oil, salt, pepper and a little oven time to get the maximum caramelized, brown, super flavorful cauliflower.
I am a big fan of raw or Roasted Cauliflower and love putting it into other recipes as a low-carb ‘filler’. My kids? Notsomuch. That’s why I love this roasted cauliflower recipe. If it’s brown and crispy around the edges, my kids will devour this. Roasting cauliflower adds a new level of taste and texture that will convert you too.
Why Make Roasted Cauliflower?
Roasted cauliflower is a delicious and versatile vegetable that has gained popularity in recent years. Here are several reasons why people love roasted cauliflower:
- Flavor: Roasting cauliflower enhances its natural flavors and brings out its nutty, sweet, and slightly caramelized taste. The high heat of roasting helps to develop a rich, deep flavor that is often described as earthy and satisfying.
- Texture: Roasting cauliflower gives it a wonderful crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior. The edges become slightly browned and crispy, providing a delightful contrast to the soft and creamy center.
- Versatility: Roasted cauliflower is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes. It can be served as a standalone side dish, added to salads, stirred into pasta or grain bowls, or even used as a pizza topping. Its neutral flavor profile allows it to absorb the flavors of other ingredients and spices, making it a great complement to many different cuisines.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Roasting cauliflower with minimal oil helps retain its nutritional value while adding a satisfying crunch.
- A Meaty Vegetarian Option: Roasted cauliflower can be a satisfying alternative to meat, especially for vegetarians and vegans. When cooked properly, its hearty texture and robust flavors can make it feel like a substantial and satisfying main course.
Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Only a handful of simple ingredients are needed to get going on this cauliflower recipe. So gather up these ingredients as well as any other seasonings you’d like to make your vegetables taste their best.
- Cauliflower Florets – buy these precut from the store, or buy a whole head of cauliflower and cut it into florets.
- Olive Oil – oil will help with the caramelizing and browning of the cauliflower.
- Salt and Pepper – to taste and for flavor!
Roasted Cauliflower Optional Seasonings
To jazz up your roasted cauliflower, try different seasonings! The recipe card is the basic version, but if you want to try something new, give a few of these a try!
- Garlic powder (or fresh garlic) – a super simple but great way to add flavor.
- Curry powder – perfect to go along with Indian or Asian dishes.
- Italian Seasoning – make this an Italian side dish with this seasoning.
- Taco Seasoning – I know this one sounds a little strange, but it’s pretty tasty!
- Grill Seasoning – this is actually really good when making a salad with cauliflower!
How to Roast Cauliflower
Only a few simple steps to gloriously roasted cauliflower:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cut cauliflower into florets, toss generously in olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Spread evenly onto the baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
- Flip and roast another 10-15 minutes or until as brown and crispy as desired.
- Optional step: in the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle roasted cauliflower with parmesan cheese and bake.
- Serve warm.
What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower?
Roasted cauliflower is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of other foods. Here are some ideas for what to serve with roasted cauliflower:
- Grains: Serve roasted cauliflower alongside cooked grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous. The grains provide a satisfying base and help create a balanced meal. You can also mix the roasted cauliflower into the grains for a flavorful and nutritious combination.
- Protein: Add a protein source to your meal to make it more substantial. Grilled chicken, roasted salmon, seared tofu, or sautéed shrimp are all excellent options. The mild flavor of roasted cauliflower complements the proteins without overpowering them.
- Leafy Greens: Pair roasted cauliflower with a fresh salad or sautéed greens. The combination of the roasted vegetable with the crispness of the greens adds texture and freshness to the meal. Consider making a salad with spinach, arugula, or kale and toss it with a light dressing, like this Caesar Avocado Dressing.
How to Store Roasted Cauliflower?
Allow the roasted cauliflower to cool completely before storing. Transfer the cooled roasted cauliflower to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Make sure the containers are clean and dry to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause the cauliflower to become soggy.
Place the containers in the refrigerator. Roasted cauliflower should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). It is recommended to use the roasted cauliflower within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy the roasted cauliflower, you can reheat it in a few different ways. One option is to heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, stirring occasionally until heated.
More Cauliflower recipes you will love:
- Cauliflower Gratin
- Cauliflower Cheese Sauce
- Cauliflower Soup
- Chicken Fried Cauliflower Rice
- Cream of Cauliflower Soup
- Grandma’s Cauliflower
Enjoy, friends! Have a great day! xo
Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cut cauliflower into florets, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and place onto the baking sheet. Spread into an even layer.
- Bake 15-20 minutes, flip and then cook another 10-15 minutes OR until browned to your liking.
- Optional last step: in the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle with parmesan cheese to get melty, crispy, cheesy cauliflower. Serve warm.
I made this with curry powder and it was delicious!
Hi Lauren! Wasn’t this recipe with breadcrumbs once upon a time? Somethong like “crack” cauliflower lol?
Love your blog, have made lots of your yummies!
Kimberly
Hmm…what is this recipe? https://laurenslatest.com/grandmas-cauliflower/
Trying this tomorrow! Thank you!