Description

This Easy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe transforms fresh cauliflower into golden, tender, and flavorful bites with crispy edges. Simple to prepare and versatile for any meal, it highlights the natural nutty taste of cauliflower with a blend of olive oil and seasonings. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or addition to salads and bowls, it’s a healthy, delicious, and satisfying vegetable recipe suitable for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into evenly sized florets (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to create perfect caramelization. Meanwhile, wash and chop your cauliflower into bite-sized, evenly sized florets for consistent cooking.
Season Thoroughly: Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over them. Toss until every piece is well coated with the oil and seasoning to ensure even roasting and full flavor development.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow air circulation and achieve crispy, browned edges.
Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to promote even browning. Roast until the cauliflower is golden brown with a tender interior, bringing out its nutty sweetness and crispy texture.
Garnish and Serve: Once roasted, remove the cauliflower from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or your choice of herbs. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use dry florets: Ensure cauliflower is as dry as possible before oiling to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
Flip halfway: Turning florets halfway through roasting promotes even browning on all sides.
Don’t skimp on oil: A good coating of olive oil is essential for achieving golden, crisp edges.
Keep sizes uniform: Cutting florets uniformly helps them cook evenly without burning or undercooking.
Add fresh herbs last: Adding delicate herbs after roasting preserves their color and fresh flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup)
Calories: 100
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: roasted cauliflower, easy vegetable recipe, healthy side dish, vegan, gluten-free, cauliflower snack, crispy roasted vegetables