Description
This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower recipe offers a deliciously simple and healthy way to enjoy a flavorful vegetable side dish. Featuring tender cauliflower florets seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of Parmesan cheese, then oven-roasted to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for any occasion and easily customizable to fit vegan and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Toss Cauliflower with Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the florets are not crowded to allow maximum crispiness during roasting.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the cauliflower for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through cooking to promote even browning. The cauliflower should become golden brown and crispy on the edges by the end.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the cauliflower during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to melt and add a savory flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure the cauliflower is patted dry before seasoning and roasting to remove excess moisture.
- This dish can be enjoyed as a side, tossed into salads, or served as a healthy snack with your favorite dip.
- To make this recipe vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to achieve the best roasting results and prevent steaming.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
