Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy side dish made with garlic, caramelized onions, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. It’s packed with flavor, crisp around the edges, and wonderfully tender inside.

Forget bland, water-logged cauliflower: this oven roasted cauliflower turns the humble veggie into something golden, nutty, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving florets or preparing a whole roasted cauliflower, this easy cauliflower recipe will quickly become your go-to. Once you try it, you’ll never want to cook it any other way!

What Makes This Roasted Cauliflower Work

The secret to this truly delicious roasted cauliflower lies in the high-heat roasting. When cauliflower hits a hot oven, its natural sugars begin to caramelize, creating those golden, crispy edges while keeping the inside soft and creamy.

This method works whether you’re roasting florets or a whole roasted cauliflower head. A drizzle of olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and your favorite herbs are all you need to elevate this cauliflower recipe into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb, plant-based, and pairs beautifully with almost any meal

What Goes Into Roasted Cauliflower

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This roasted cauliflower recipe keeps things simple and flavorful. A handful of pantry staples transforms everyday cauliflower into a rich, golden, and crave-worthy side dish.

• Cauliflower: One large head (about 2 pounds or 1 kilo), cut into florets, forms the hearty, nutty base of the dish.
• Onion: Sliced or chopped, onion caramelizes as it roasts, adding sweet depth to every bite.
• Garlic: Smashed or minced garlic infuses the dish with rich, savory flavor and roasts to golden perfection.
• Olive Oil: Helps the cauliflower crisp up in the oven and adds a luscious, silky finish.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements

How To Make Roasted Cauliflower

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large, rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the cauliflower into florets and chop the onion. Mince the garlic, then place everything directly onto the prepared baking sheet.

3. Season and Toss: Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle salt, crushed red pepper, cracked black pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly.

4. Arrange and Roast: Spread the mixture out accross the baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to begin browning at the edges.

5. Add Parmesan and Continue Roasting: Remove the tray from the oven, sprinkle the vegetable with freshly grated parmesan cheese, and toss gently to combine.

6. Finish and Serve: Return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and fork-tender. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish.

Serve it alongside grilled meats like Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce, Salmon with Creamy Dijon Sauce, or Cajun Butter Steak Bites for a well-rounded plate. It’s also perfect next to creamy pasta, hearty grain bowls, or even tucked into wraps and sandwiches for a flavorful veggie boost. Whether you’re keeping it light or going all-out, this cauliflower side brings golden, garlicky balance to the table.