Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower is a versatile side dish that my entire family loves. When roasted the cauliflower florets cooks with a caramelized texture but remains tender on the inside.

Roasting vegetables always make the perfect side dish recipe for any meal. If you love this recipe, try Parmesan Roasted Broccoli, Oven Roasted Asparagus, Oven Roasted Squash, Oven Roasted Carrots Recipe and Roasted Red Potatoes.

Why This Recipe Works

Cauliflower combined with the simple spices really brings out the rich and nutty flavors. Even my pickiest eater devours this simple side dish straight from the baking sheet.

The spices can easily be changed to what you prefer. Serve Whole Roasted Cauliflower with your favorite main dish recipes or serve it as a snack.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower – We cut a medium cauliflower into bite size pieces
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice
• Garlic Powder – Substitute with Garlic Salt or Fresh Minced Cloves Garlic
• Paprika – If you are out, see Best Paprika Substitute 

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower- Sprinkle about ½ cup of parmesan cheese over the top right before roasting for amazing tastes.
• Additions – Add ½ tsp of curry powder or Italian Seasoning for a delicious variations.
• Sauce – Right before serving, drizzle the top with BBQ sauce, Tahini Sauce or Homemade Buffalo Sauce Recipe. You can even squeeze fresh lemon juice or top with lemon zest for a delicious taste.

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Step 2 – Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and remove the florets. Dice into small bite-sized pieces if needed to make easy bite size pieces. 

Step 3 – Place the cauliflower in a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil on top and sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, paprika and black pepper on top.  Toss to thoroughly coat the cauliflower with the oil and the seasoning mixture. 

Step 4 – Spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet in a single layer. 

Step 5 – Bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cauliflower starts to brown and gets caramelized. 

• Step 6 – Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy! 

Expert Tips 

• Caramelize Cauliflower – Make sure to not over cover the pan or it will steam the cauliflower and not caramelize it. 
• Roasting Cauliflower – The baking time will vary slightly based on the size of your florets and how you like your cauliflower cooked. If you prefer softer cauliflower, cook it closer to 25 minutes and if you want crispier cauliflower, reduce the cooking time to 18 minutes.   
• Cutting Cauliflower – Try to cut the cauliflower about the same size pieces so that the cauliflower cooks about the same time.

What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower?

Roasted Cauliflower makes a delicious side dish to many main dish recipes. These are some of our favorite to pair with this delicious roasted cauliflower.

• Grilled Teriyaki Steak
• Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
• Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
• Blackened Mahi Mahi

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make Ahead – If you prefer, you can prepare your cauliflower ahead of time. See How to Cut Cauliflower into Florets for all the tips.
• Storing – Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Reheating – Reheat the leftovers in the microwave, oven or the air fryer until heated through.