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

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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

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)

FAQs

How healthy is roasted cauliflower? ›

When it comes to nutrition, cauliflower is a superstar. It's high in vitamins C and K, and is also a good source of folate, which supports cell growth and is essential during pregnancy. Cauliflower is fat-free and cholesterol-free. And it's low in sodium.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

What is the best way to cook cauliflower without losing nutrients? ›

Steaming and microwaving cauliflower will better preserve its vitamin content, especially the B vitamins, than if it is boiled. To microwave: Put 2 cups of florets in a shallow microwavable dish, or cover a whole head of cauliflower with plastic wrap.

What organ is cauliflower good for? ›

Cauliflower Benefits

Fiber helps maintain healthy digestion, reducing your risk of digestive disorders. It also promotes the growth of good bacteria in your gut. A healthy balance of gut bacteria helps lower inflammation in your body and reduces your risk of heart disease, dementia, and obesity.

Which is healthier, broccoli or cauliflower? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

What happens when you add lemon juice to water when cooking cauliflower? ›

Helps retain color: Cauliflower can sometimes turn brown or lose its vibrant white color when cooked. However, the acid in lemon juice can help prevent discoloration and maintain the cauliflower's white appearance.

How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? ›

How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? It's recommended to eat at least 3/4 cup of cauliflower every day. This means you should have almost 5 cups every week. For those who can easily digest this vegetable, it would be good to have 1.5 cups every day, which amounts to about 10 cups of cauliflower in a week.

What pairs well with cauliflower? ›

Anchovy, beef, blue cheese, buffalo mozzarella, butter, cheddar cheese, chickpeas, curry, farro, feta cheese, gruyère cheese, parmesan cheese, pork, quinoa, rice, saffron, tahini, tofu, turkey, turmeric, yoghurt.

What to avoid when buying cauliflower? ›

Avoid cauliflower with small brown specks on the florets; they are a sign of aging. The size of the cauliflower head does not affect its quality. Keep raw cauliflower in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, for three to five days.

What part of the body does cauliflower help? ›

Cauliflower is high in fiber and water. Both are important for preventing constipation, maintaining a healthy digestive tract, and lowering the risk of colon cancer. Studies have shown that dietary fiber may also help regulate the immune system and inflammation.

Is roasted cauliflower good for you? ›

If you're not into cauliflower, try it roasted. It'll be on your veggie rotation in no time. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable responsible for helping to reduce risk of cancer due to it's special antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as it's high fiber content.

Why you must not throw away cauliflower leaves? ›

Because cauliflower leaves are not only edible, they're delicious! Leaves and stems are healthy and nutritious, chocked full of fibre, calcium and vitamin C (that's the one that gives you muscles, by the way).

Does cauliflower lose nutrients when roasted? ›

Roasted or broiled — Dry heat cooking methods are a great way to enjoy vegetables without losing too many nutrients. Plus, roasting or broiling make tougher vegetables more palatable and easier to digest. Boiled — When cooking vegetables over a long period of time in water, some nutrients will be lost.

Is it healthier to steam or bake cauliflower? ›

Evenly-sized florets: When cutting the cauliflower into florets, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Steaming for nutrient retention: Steaming preserves the cauliflower's natural flavors and nutrients best. This is the ideal option if you're looking to maximize health benefits.

Is cauliflower healthy for weight loss? ›

As a good source of fiber, cauliflower slows digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. This may help reduce the number of calories you eat throughout the day, an important factor in weight control ( 2 , 9 ). High water content is another weight loss-friendly aspect of cauliflower.

References

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