The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (2024)

  • Vegetables
  • Low Carb and Vegan
  • Low Carb and Vegetarian
  • Vegetarian
  • Easy Recipes

A squeeze of lemon juice and some Parmesan cheese are all you need for an excellent side dish.

By

Elise Bauer

The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated August 15, 2023

The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (2)

Cauliflower. Plain, simple, and on its own? Rather unimaginative.

But roasted? Until the edges get all browned and caramelized? Totally different story.

When roasted, cauliflower becomes nutty and buttery, but without any nuts or butter. Roasted, it is the perfect vehicle for garlic, olive oil, lemon and Parmesan.

I grew up with basic steamed cauliflower, which is fine and good and sometimes all that you need. But if you've never had roasted cauliflower, I urge you to try it! It will transform a picky I-don't-like-vegetables eater into a cauliflower addict.

The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (3)

How to Cut and Core Cauliflower

It's easy to cut and core cauliflower! Just pull off the leaves from the base, and cut the cauliflower in quarters, from the top of the crown through the stem. Lay the cauliflower quarters on the cutting board and angle the knife to cut the florets from the core.

How to Cut and Core CauliflowerREAD MORE:

Can You Roast Frozen Cauliflower?

Sure! In fact if you are starting with frozen cauliflower florets, it's better to not defrost them first. Here are some tips to adjust this recipe for frozen cauliflower:

The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (4)

  • Raise the oven temperature by 50°F (10°C), to 450°F (232°C). You want searing dry heat to evaporate any ice condensation on the frozen cauliflower, so that the cauliflower roasts in the oven, not steams.
  • Toss the florets generously with oil, making sure they are truly well coated, before putting them in the oven. The oil will help the cauliflower edges brown and help keep the florets from drying out.
  • Stir the florets half-way through cooking, so more sides get exposed to the high heat.
5 Easy Tips for Crispy (Never Rubbery) Roasted Frozen VegetablesREAD MORE:

What to Serve With Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower pairs beautifully as a side for chicken, so consider serving it with roast chicken, or lemon chicken. I also love baked cod or halibut with roasted cauliflower on side. Cauliflower would work well alongside grilled beef too, like these grilled skirt steak skewers.

The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (5)

5 More Ways to Love Cauliflower

  • Roasted Curried Cauliflower
  • Simple Cauliflower Soup
  • Pasta with Cauliflower, Tomato, and Parmesan
  • Cauliflower Gnocchi (Trader Joe's Copycat!)
  • How to Make the Best Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Easy Roasted Cauliflower

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time40 mins

Servings4 servings

This recipe is more of a method than a precise recipe with exact amounts. Sprinkle as much or as little Parmesan cheese as you want.

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon)

  • Extra virgin olive oil

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Method

  1. Preheat oven, prepare pan:

    Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly oil a large roasting pan or baking sheet, or line with aluminum foil.

  2. Prep the cauliflower:

    Place the cauliflower florets in a bowl. Toss with minced garlic. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Drizzle with olive oil and toss so that the florets are lightly coated with oil.

    The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (6)

  3. Spread on roasting pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper:

    Spread the florets out into a single layer on the roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (7)

  4. Roast until lightly browned:

    Roast the cauliflower at 400°F (205°C), uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly brown. Use a fork to test for doneness; the tines should easily pierce the cauliflower when done.

    The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (8)

  5. Sprinkle with Parmesan:

    Remove the cauliflower from the oven and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

    Did you love this recipe? Give us some stars below!

    The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (9)

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
71Calories
4g Fat
7g Carbs
3g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories71
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g4%
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 119mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 7g3%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 63mg316%
Calcium 38mg3%
Iron 1mg3%
Potassium 215mg5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

The Easiest Roasted Cauliflower Recipes Is Also the Best (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 6179

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.