Name: Baked Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re searching for the ultimate way to transform cauliflower into an irresistibly golden, flavorful side dish, Baked Cauliflower is about to become your new go-to recipe. This gem combines tender florets with a whisper of spices and a hint of cheese for a crowd-pleasing veggie that’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying. With minimal prep and a punch of smoky, savory flavor, it turns humble cauliflower into a dinner table superstar, whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight meal or a festive gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients stand between you and this delicious Baked Cauliflower! Each one is carefully chosen to enhance the natural sweetness, add a hit of savory flavor, and create delectable crispy edges.

Cauliflower: Start with a fresh, medium head and cut into even florets for perfect roasting every time.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and gives each piece golden, caramelized edges.
Garlic Powder: Adds gentle warmth without overpowering the natural cauliflower taste.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky depth and beautiful color to the finished dish.
Salt: Essential for brightening the flavors and balancing the veggies’ sweetness.
Black Pepper: A dash of heat that perks up every bite of Baked Cauliflower.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): Sprinkled on at the end, it melts into a nutty, salty crust.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and refreshing finish right before serving.

How to Make Baked Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) so your cauliflower can develop that irresistible crispy exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or use a metal sheet for a bit more crunch.

Step 2: Toss and Season the Cauliflower

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your freshly cut cauliflower florets. Drizzle on the olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently toss until each floret is perfectly coated in that flavorful mixture—don’t be afraid to use your hands to ensure every piece is covered!

Step 3: Spread and Roast

Scatter the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Spread them out well so the heat can circulate, ensuring the Baked Cauliflower roasts evenly and gets those crisp edges.

Step 4: Flip for Even Browning

About halfway through roasting (around the 15-minute mark), use a spatula or tongs to gently flip the florets. This extra step helps every nook and cranny caramelize to perfection.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional) and Finish Baking

For those who love a cheesy finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the florets for the final five minutes. The cheese will melt into a golden, savory crust elevating your Baked Cauliflower to an irresistible level.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your cauliflower is deeply golden and fork-tender, remove it from the oven. Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color or squeeze over a little lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Baked Cauliflower

Garnishes

For a simple finish, nothing beats a shower of fresh parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. A quick squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brings out every savory note in the Baked Cauliflower and adds a lovely freshness.

Side Dishes

The flavors of Baked Cauliflower pair beautifully with mains like roast chicken, grilled fish, or even as a vibrant addition to a grain bowl. Try serving it alongside a quinoa salad or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter for an eye-catching spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, thread roasted florets on skewers for party appetizers, or layer Baked Cauliflower in wraps, tacos, or even stir them into a creamy pasta dish. It’s also delicious tossed with chickpeas and tomatoes for a protein-packed vegetarian meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Baked Cauliflower into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit over time, transforming tomorrow’s lunch into something special.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze them, let the roasted florets cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Baked Cauliflower keeps well for up to a month but may lose a bit of its crispiness upon thawing.

Reheating

To bring back some of that just-roasted texture, reheat leftover Baked Cauliflower in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The quick blast of heat revives the crisp edges and melts any lingering cheese.

FAQs

Can I add other spices to Baked Cauliflower?

Absolutely! Try tossing in cumin, curry powder, or crushed red pepper flakes for a new spin. This is a highly adaptable base recipe, so you can tweak the flavors to match your main dish or your mood.

What’s the best type Side Dish

Freshly grated Parmesan always delivers the most flavor and melts beautifully. But if you’re pressed for time, pre-grated options still work well—just avoid the canned, powdery versions for this dish.

Can I make Baked Cauliflower vegan?

Definitely! Simply skip the Parmesan or swap in your favorite plant-based cheese. The recipe is naturally vegan without the cheese, and it’s already gluten-free and low in carbs.

How do I make my Baked Cauliflower extra crispy?

For maximum crispiness, skip the parchment and roast directly on a greased metal baking sheet. Spreading the florets out well and using high heat will also give you those coveted golden edges.

Will this recipe work with frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen florets in a pinch. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture and add a few extra minutes to the roasting time to help them caramelize nicely.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Baked Cauliflower, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen. The combination of crisp-tender veggies, smoky spices, and a hint of cheese makes this dish comfortingly familiar yet special every time. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it at your own table—don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you think!

Baked Cauliflower Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy this simple and flavorful recipe for Baked Cauliflower that makes a perfect side dish or healthy snack. The cauliflower is seasoned with a blend of spices and roasted to perfection, creating a delicious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower:

1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional:

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Roast the cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
Add optional cheese: If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the cauliflower during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.