Description
This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower recipe offers a flavorful and healthy side dish featuring tender cauliflower florets roasted to perfection with a smoky, garlicky seasoning blend. Topped with Parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing option for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
Seasoning Mix
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional; for vegans, use nutritional yeast)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful spice mixture.
- Coat Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in the seasoning mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring florets do not overlap to allow even roasting.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even golden brown crispiness.
- Add Cheese or Yeast: After initial roasting, optionally sprinkle the Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast over the cauliflower and return to the oven for an additional 2 minutes to melt and lightly brown the topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast as a flavorful alternative.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred level of spice or omit for mild flavor.
- Ensure florets are in one layer for even roasting and to maximize crispiness.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright, fresh garnish that complements the smoky seasoning.
- Leftover roasted cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
