Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe - Belly Full (2024)

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Published: March 20, 2014Updated: August 30, 2021Author: Amy

Sweet cauliflower tossed in olive oil, garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese, then cooked until tender and golden. Roasted Cauliflower is a simple side dish with fantastic results and goes with just about everything!

Looking for more cauliflower recipes? Don’t miss our Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan, Mashed Cauliflower, and Cauliflower Curry Rice.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe - Belly Full (1)

Easy Oven Roasted Cauliflower

Ah, roasted cauliflower. I’m in love with this stuff! It’s seriously like candy to me. Well, not quite. But close!

Sometimes I’ll throw this together and eat it for lunch – nothing else with it. Roasted (and grilled) vegetables are just the best.

This recipe for Roasted Cauliflower couldn’t be easier, too. You only need cauliflower, olive oil, garlic, thyme, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. You could also sprinkle additional seasonings on your cauliflower, but I just love it simple. Roasting vegetables brings out the absolute best flavor – they really don’t need anything else.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe - Belly Full (2)

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

  • Cauliflower: A whole head of fresh cauliflower, cut into small florets. If you’re in a crunch for time, some markets even sell it pre-cut.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: This will give the dish some moisture and richness.
  • Garlic: Peeled and smashed, so buy it fresh.
  • Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs are ideal. Skip the dried herbs for this recipe.
  • Seasoning: Simple salt and pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese off the block. Skip the pre-grated kind in the plastic tub.

How to Roast Cauliflower

Here are a few tips to ensure your cauliflower is roasted perfectly!
(Don’t miss the detailed printable recipe card below and the video.)

  • Cut the florets into medium-sized florets.Too small and they’ll burn.
  • Make sure the florets are uniform in size.Making sure they’ll all the same size, allows them to cook the same.
  • Place them onto the baking sheet in a single layer.Vegetables let off moisture as they cook and if they’re piled on top of one another they will steam and not roast.
  • Toss halfway through cooking.This allows the florets to roast evenly and brown on all sides.
  • What temperature to roast cauliflower? Roast at 425 degrees F. High heat is best!
  • How long to roast cauliflower? Roast until the cauliflower is tender and slightly crisp, about 25 minutes at 425. Don’t over-cook the florets or they’ll be mushy and fall apart. You want them to be al dente and nicely browned around the edges – the charred pieces are the most delish!
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe - Belly Full (3)

What to Serve with Cauliflower

Our roasted cauliflower recipe is perfect any time of year. Serve it with one of the following for a complete meal:

  • Skillet Steak
  • Honey Garlic Chicken
  • Baked Chicken Breast
  • Air Fryer Pork Chops

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower – Video

More Roasted Vegetables:

  • The Best Roasted Broccoli
  • Roasted Green Beans
  • Roasted Eggplant and Cherry Tomatoes
  • Rosted Parmesan Creamed Onions

I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onFacebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe - Belly Full (4)

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted Cauliflower is a simple side with fantastic results! Sweet cauliflower tossed with seasonings and Parmesan, then roasted until tender and golden.

Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower , cut into florets about 1 1/2 inches each
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic , peeled and smashed
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

  • Toss florets on a large rimmed baking sheet with the olive oil, garlic, and thyme until coated; season with salt and pepper.

  • Roast for 15 minutes, tossing once until almost tender. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and toss to combine; roast for an additional 10 minutes, tossing once more, until fork tender and golden.

  • Serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 171mg | Potassium: 452mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 71.9mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

Other Notes

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: roasted cauliflower

Did you make this recipe?Snap a picture and mention @bellyfullblog!

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe - Belly Full (5)
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe - Belly Full (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep cauliflower from getting mushy? ›

If you cut all the way through the floret, you're cutting through the cell structure of the curd — and when you cook it, that part will get mushy. Easier still: Place the larger florets on a baking sheet, sprinkle with a little olive oil and roast them. Michael Marks is the marketing manager for FreshPoint.

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.

Why is my roasted cauliflower mushy? ›

Roasted Cauliflower Cooking Prep

First, grab a baking tray large enough for the cauliflower to sit in a single layer. Overcrowding the baking tray will result in mushy and not evenly cooked cauliflower. Choosing a proper cooking fat ensures roasted cauliflower goodness.

How do you roast cauliflower Martha Stewart? ›

Fold long ends of parchment under cauliflower to create a packet. Roast until knife-tender, about 40 minutes. Tear open parchment at top; roast until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes more. Stir together parsley, cilantro, garlic, mustard, vinegar, and remaining 1/2 cup oil in a small bowl to combine.

Why isn't my roasted cauliflower crispy? ›

Dry the cauliflower really well after washing - I sometimes let it sit out for an hour on the counter to make sure all the moisture is gone. Coat the bottom of a bare baking sheet with olive oil. Don't use parchment paper here. Space out the cauliflower so the florets are not touching and don't steam.

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.

What will adding lemon juice to the water for cooking cauliflower do? ›

Food Science

Cauliflower contains some phytonutrients, these nutrients may react with iron cookware and gives the cauliflower a brownish color. To prevent this add some lemon juice to the cauliflower or to the water in which it is blanched.

Why is my roasted cauliflower hard? ›

"When making cauliflower steaks or roasting florets, if you don't roast it in the oven long enough it will be warm but still hard and unenjoyable to eat," says Michalczyk.

Does roasted cauliflower cause bloating? ›

Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.

Why does cooked cauliflower hurt my stomach? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which can quickly lead to digestive upset, especially when consumed raw. Symptoms can include bloating, gas and cramping.

How to cook cauliflower Gordon Ramsay? ›

Cooking instructions

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add the cauliflower florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and refresh in iced water, drain again and transfer to a large ovenproof dish.

What does baking soda do to cauliflower? ›

Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent, and it can be used to brighten up your veggies too. Sprinkle a little in the water before boiling to prevent cauliflower from yellowing and make corn look more vibrant.

How do you keep cauliflower fresh and crisp? ›

How to Store Cauliflower in the Fridge. Store fresh cauliflower heads in a loosely closed or perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. Cauliflower needs air circulation, so don't seal or knot the bag closed. (If you bought a plastic-wrapped head of cauliflower from the grocery store, just loosen up the knot.)

How do you firm up mashed cauliflower? ›

You can add a litle softened cream cheese to the pot in the final step and stir until melted. Or you can add a keto thickener like glucomannan or xanthan gum. Be sure to whisk it in well when the mashed cauliflower is hot. You don't need more than about ¼ teaspoon per head of cauliflower.

How to keep cauliflower fresh after cutting? ›

When you get it home, unwrap it immediately and transfer to a loosely sealed plastic bag, with a paper towel tucked in to absorb any excess moisture. Whole heads of cauliflower can be kept in a loosely sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for 4 to 7 days. Precut florets should be stored for no more than 4 days.

How to store cauliflower florets in the fridge? ›

Depending on the freshness of your cauliflower, it should last five days. You can also cut up the cauliflower before storing it. Dry the florets on a paper towel, transfer them to an airtight container, and place them in the fridge. Florets can last four or five days in the refrigerator.

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