Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

There’s something almost magical about transforming a humble cauliflower into a golden, cheesy delight that dances between the realms of a snack and a side dish; it’s a culinary trick I never tire of sharing.

I adore how roasted cauliflower morphs into a side dish with a taste that’s downright nutty and nearly a little bit too delicious to be healthy. That’s what I thought when I came up with this version, using olive oil, garlic powder, and what’s basically a medicinal amount of salt and pepper to make that cauliflower taste as good as it (nutritionally) is.

And then there’s the nearly irresistible part: topping it with freshly grated Parmesan, which, for those who have medical issues with dairy, can easily be replaced with nutritional yeast.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Ingredients

• Cauliflower: Rich in fiber, low in calories, supports digestion and heart health.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats, promotes heart health, adds rich flavor and moisture.
• Garlic Powder: Boosts immune system, adds depth, warmth, and a savory kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: High in protein and calcium, contributes a nutty, umami flavor.
• Black Pepper: Enhances flavor, provides subtle heat, contains antioxidants.
• Parsley: Freshness and color, rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to preheat and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a big bowl, mix the florets of cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the cauliflower is perfectly coated.

3. Place the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s important that the florets are not crammed together, to allow space for even roasting, but you can still fit them on the pan close to each other without significant overcrowding.

4. In the preheated oven, roast the cauliflower for 20 minutes. Stir it halfway through to make sure it cooks evenly.

5. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and spread the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the partially roasted cauliflower.

6. Put the baking sheet back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes. This time is yours to determine, depending on how you like your cauliflower. I prefer mine when it’s bordering on mushy, but still validly cauliflower: tender, with nary a crisp in sight. The Parmesan should be melted, should have developed a bit of a skin from doing its melting thing, and should be starting to turn golden brown.

7. Take the cauliflower out of the oven, and put it in a dish for serving.

8. If you want, you can scatter the chopped fresh parsley over the roasted cauliflower to make it look more colorful and fresh.

9. Warm the side dish or snack of the Parmesan roasted cauliflower and serve it.

10. Savor the flavor of your delectable Parmesan roasted cauliflower!

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper (or cooking spray for greasing)
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spatula or wooden spoon
7. Cheese grater (if grating Parmesan at home)
8. Serving dish

FAQ

• Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?You can indeed use frozen cauliflower. You must, however, ensure that it is thawed and patted dry before roasting, else you will end up with excess moisture in your roasted cauliflower.
• Is there a substitute for olive oil?Olive oil can be replaced with oils that you may prefer, such as avocado or sunflower oil.
• Can I add other spices to this recipe?For sure! You can add spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to ramp up the flavor.
• How do I store leftover roasted cauliflower?Store uneaten food in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Can I make this dish vegan?Yes, replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan version of this dish.
• What can I serve with Parmesan roasted cauliflower?This dish combines well with chicken that has been grilled, fish that has been grilled, or as part of a vegetarian meal with salads and grains.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive Oil: Replace with melted coconut oil or avocado oil for an unusual flavor.
Garlic Powder: For a fresher taste, use 2 teaspoons of minced fresh garlic.
Salt: Replace it with kosher salt or sea salt, and you’ll get a somewhat different texture and flavor.
Black Pepper: Substitute white pepper for a milder, slightly different heat.
Try grating Pecorino Romano or using a vegan Parmesan alternative if you want a non-dairy option to Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips

1. Cut Consistently Ensure the cauliflower florets are uniform in size. This promotes even cooking and avoids some pieces being over- or under-cooked.

2. Preheat Thoroughly Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put in the cauliflower. This ensures immediate roasting and helps achieve a delicious caramelization on the outside.

3. Cheese Enhancement Mix a small amount of Parmesan with the initial olive oil and seasonings to coat the florets. This can help infuse more cheesy flavor throughout the dish.

4. Crispiness Control For a crunchier texture, broil the cauliflower for the last 2-3 minutes after adding the Parmesan. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.

5. Flavor Variations Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes with the seasoning mix for a smoky or slightly spicy variation that complements the cheese.