Roasted Cauliflower With Parmesan Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and simple way to elevate your cauliflower game, look no further than this Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform plain cauliflower into a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of the nutty roasted flavor, savory Parmesan, and a touch of garlic creates a winning combination that is sure to impress. Whether you’re a cauliflower aficionado or just looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor with every bite!

Ingredients

To make roasted cauliflower with Parmesan, you will need the following ingredients:

Cauliflower

The star of the dish! Choose a fresh and firm cauliflower head for the best results. Cauliflower adds a lovely texture and taste to this recipe.

Parmesan cheese

This tangy and nutty cheese adds a delicious depth of flavor to the roasted cauliflower. Using freshly grated Parmesan will elevate the dish even more.

Olive oil

Olive oil not only helps in achieving a crispy exterior but also imparts a rich and savory flavor to the cauliflower. It also acts as a binder for the seasonings.

Salt and pepper

Simple yet essential, salt and pepper help to enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients. Use them according to your taste preference.

Garlic powder

Garlic powder adds a gentle garlic flavor to the cauliflower, without overpowering the other flavors. It enhances the overall aromatic profile of the dish.

Parsley

Adding a touch of freshness, parsley brightens up the dish and adds a burst of color. It also adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Preparation

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s move on to the preparation steps:

Preheat the oven

Begin by preheating your oven to ensure that it is ready for roasting the cauliflower later on. Set the temperature to 425°F (220°C) and allow the oven to fully preheat.

Cut the cauliflower

Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and remove any green leaves. Cut the cauliflower head into florets, ensuring that they are all similar in size. This will ensure even cooking.

Toss with olive oil

Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Gently toss the florets until they are evenly coated with the oil. This will help in achieving a crispy texture.

Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the cauliflower florets. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences. Make sure to coat all the florets evenly with the seasonings.

Roast in the oven

Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and let the cauliflower roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and tender.

Grate fresh Parmesan cheese

While the cauliflower is roasting, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese. The nutty and salty flavor of the Parmesan will perfectly complement the roasted cauliflower.

Finish with parsley

Once the cauliflower is roasted to perfection, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the cauliflower while it is still hot. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese.

Alternative seasonings

If you like to experiment with flavors, here are some alternative seasonings you can try:

Spicy cauliflower

To add some heat to your roasted cauliflower, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or chili powder over the cauliflower florets along with the other seasonings. This will give it a nice spicy kick.

Lemon garlic cauliflower

For a zesty and citrusy flavor, drizzle some lemon juice over the roasted cauliflower and sprinkle it with lemon zest. Add extra garlic powder or minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.

Cajun cauliflower

Give your roasted cauliflower a Cajun twist by seasoning it with a mix of Cajun spices. You can either use a store-bought Cajun seasoning blend or make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano.

Serving suggestions

Roasted cauliflower with Parmesan can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

As a side dish

Roasted cauliflower makes a fantastic side dish for a wide range of main courses. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted salmon. Its versatility allows it to complement various flavors and cuisines.

In salads

Add a healthy and flavorful twist to your salads by incorporating roasted cauliflower. Let it cool slightly, then toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and satisfying salad.

With pasta

Roasted cauliflower can also be used as a delicious topping or mix-in for pasta dishes. Toss it with cooked pasta, some sautéed garlic, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan for a simple yet satisfying meal.

As a healthy snack

Roasted cauliflower makes for a nutritious and guilt-free snack option. Pack some roasted cauliflower florets in a lunchbox or enjoy them while watching your favorite TV show. They are flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty side dish, a flavorful addition to a salad, or a nutritious snack, roasted cauliflower with Parmesan is a dish that ticks all the boxes. With its easy preparation and customizable seasonings, it’s bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy experimenting with different flavor combinations and finding new ways to incorporate this versatile vegetable into your meals. Happy cooking!