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- 1 medium head of cauliflower - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Optional: lemon wedges for serving The main ingredients in this dish create a nice balance of flavors. The cauliflower serves as a great base. It has a mild taste that absorbs all the seasonings. The olive oil adds richness, while the minced garlic gives a strong aroma. The Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty flavor that makes everything better. The seasoning ingredients enhance the dish. Garlic powder boosts the garlic flavor, adding depth. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness that you will love. Sea salt brings out the natural sweetness of the cauliflower, while black pepper adds just the right kick. For garnishes, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. The lemon wedges are a fun touch. They brighten the dish with a quick squeeze before serving. This combination makes Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower a standout side dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) - Prepare the baking sheet with parchment paper Start by preheating your oven. This step is key to getting your cauliflower nice and crispy. While the oven warms up, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and helps the cauliflower roast evenly. - Combine cauliflower florets with olive oil and seasonings - Toss to coat thoroughly Next, take a mixing bowl and add the cauliflower florets. Pour in three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Then, add in the minced garlic, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well. You want each floret to be coated with the flavorful mix. - Spread cauliflower in a single layer - Importance of not overcrowding for even roasting Now, spread the seasoned cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the florets are in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding them; this helps them roast evenly and become crispy. If they are too close, they will steam instead of roast. - Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. About halfway through, take them out and stir gently. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides. - Sprinkle grated Parmesan over roasted cauliflower - Roast for an additional 10-15 minutes After the initial roasting, it’s time for cheese! Remove the baking sheet and sprinkle half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan over the cauliflower. Return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. Look for golden brown cheese and tender florets with crispy edges. - Drizzle with olive oil and add parsley before serving Once your cauliflower is done, take it out of the oven. For a final touch, drizzle a bit more olive oil over it. Add fresh chopped parsley for color and flavor. Now, it’s ready to serve! Enjoy this delicious side dish with your favorite main courses. - Ideal spacing of cauliflower florets: Spread the florets out on your baking sheet. Give them space to breathe. Crowding will make them steam, not roast. Aim for a single layer for best results. - Avoiding sogginess during roasting: Use parchment paper on the baking sheet. This helps the florets crisp up. Make sure your oven is hot enough at 425°F (220°C). The heat is key to getting that nice crunch. - Suggestions for additional spices or herbs: Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. Or use thyme and rosemary for more depth. Each herb can add a new twist to the taste. - Adjusting garlic levels for intensity: If you love garlic, add more minced cloves. You can also increase garlic powder for a stronger flavor. Just remember that too much can overpower. - Plating tips for visual appeal: Use a large platter to serve. Let the golden florets shine. Add a sprinkle of parsley on top for color. - Best sides or main dishes to pair with: This roasted cauliflower pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also works great next to quinoa or a fresh salad. Enjoy it with any main dish for a complete meal. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Select a cauliflower head that is firm, with tightly packed florets and vibrant leaves for the best flavor and texture. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to modify the amount of garlic, cheese, or spices based on your personal preference or dietary needs. Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist while maintaining that cheesy goodness. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the roasted cauliflower right after cooking, as it can lose its crispness if left to sit. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Feta adds a tangy taste. This can brighten the flavor of the roasted cauliflower. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Vegan cheese also works well. Look for brands that melt nicely. Each cheese brings a unique twist to the dish. Want to spice things up? Add cayenne pepper for heat. It gives a nice kick to the roasted cauliflower. You could also sprinkle in some nutritional yeast for a savory touch. Mixing in other veggies can create a colorful roast. Carrots or bell peppers add sweetness. Broccoli or Brussels sprouts can give a crunch. These twists make the dish more fun and tasty. If you're gluten-free, you're in luck! This recipe is already gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese. You can also skip the cheese entirely. Add more spices or herbs to keep the flavor strong. This way, everyone can enjoy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower! To keep your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and flavor in. Enjoy your dish within three to four days for the best taste. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in two ways: the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps the texture crispy. If you're short on time, use the microwave. Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Keep an eye on it to avoid sogginess. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze cooked cauliflower. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Enjoy the delicious flavors even after freezing! Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it up. This way, you can enjoy the dish later without losing too much flavor or texture. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. To prep in advance, follow these steps: - Roast the cauliflower until it is tender, about 20 minutes. - Let it cool, then store it in the fridge. - When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, it stays warm and tastes fresh. If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try these options: - Nutritional yeast for a vegan choice. - Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. - Grated mozzarella for a milder taste. These alternatives can fit different diets while still adding a nice flavor to your dish. To keep your cauliflower crispy, use these tips: - Spread the florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. - Avoid overcrowding them, as this traps steam. - Roast at a high temperature, like 425°F (220°C), for the best results. - Stir the florets halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting. Follow these steps, and you'll have that perfect, crispy texture! This recipe for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is simple and tasty. You learned about key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can play with flavors and make it your own. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste later. With this dish, you can impress friends and family while enjoying healthy eating. Try it out, and you’ll see how delicious roasted cauliflower can be. Enjoy cooking!

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

A delicious and crispy roasted cauliflower dish with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • optional lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat each floret.
  • Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring not to overcrowd the florets.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes, stirring gently after 10 minutes.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Drizzle more olive oil over the cauliflower if desired and add the chopped parsley just before serving.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, serve on a colorful platter with lemon wedges.
Keyword cauliflower, garlic, Parmesan, roasted, vegetarian