Roasted Cauliflower Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (2024)

Roasted cauliflower recipe is a fast and easy recipe that turns this unassuming and healthy vegetable into a star. Your family will soon be asking for this delicious side dish all the time!

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (1)

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After the huge success of my Roasted Cauliflower recipe, I decided to create another one because I know you all love roasted vegetable recipes as much as I do! 😉

Cauliflower is such a versatile ingredient and can be cooked in so many different ways, like this Mashed Cauliflower Recipe and Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole Recipe and this Cauliflower Steaks.

You may have noticed that cauliflower has become a very popular vegetable, especially as a substitute ingredient in recipes. It now appears as pizza crust, cauliflower wings and even cauliflower rice.

One of the reasons for cauliflower’s new found fame is because:

  1. It’s healthy and nutritious – it’s naturally high in fiber and B-vitamins
  2. It has a unique texture that’s easy to incorporate into recipes
  3. Its almost non-existent flavor allows it to absorb other flavors extremely well

Washing instructions

Like all fruits and vegetables, you need to make sure that the cauliflower is nice and clean before cooking it. You can get it cleaner by cutting it into florets first (see instructions below) before washing it.

  1. Cut cauliflower into florets (see instructions below)
  2. Fill a large bowl or tub (or your sink) with cold water.
  3. Place the cauliflower florets into the water and let them soak for several minutes.
  4. After soaking, place the florets into a colander and rinse under a stream of cold water.
  5. Shake off any excess water.
  6. Pat dry the florets.

Ingredients to make this roasted cauliflower recipe

This Roasted Cauliflower Recipe is absolutely tasty and very easy to make. I think the best part of this oven roasted cauliflower recipe is that you can use any spice you like. It doesn’t take much to make this dish explode with flavor! All you need is the following short list of ingredients:

  • smoked paprika
  • turmeric
  • garlic powder
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • fine sea salt
  • cauliflower
  • extra virgin olive oil

I love hot spices. But if they are too strong for you, replace them for the ones you are used to. You can add also curry powder, red pepper flakes, chili powder, cloves garlic and even fresh herbs such as rosemary and cilantro. Either way, this healthy side dish will be the star of your table. If you like a cheese flavor, you can also add some parmesan cheese on top of the florets before baking.

Cutting instructions

To cut the cauliflower into florets:

1. Pull all the leaves off the base of the cauliflower and cut off any excess stem.

2. Cut the head of the cauliflower in half from top to bottom.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (2)

3. Cut each half piece in half through the core so that you end up with four quarters of the cauliflower.

4. Remove the core of each quarter by running your knife between the florets and the core piece. After you have removed the core, all the florets should naturally fall apart. If you find some of the florets are still quite large, break them up into smaller pieces (bite-sized pieces) with your knife (or hands). It’s great if your florets haveplenty of flat edges because theflat sides will lay flush against the pan, giving them a chance to caramelize.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (3)

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Making this Roasted Cauliflower Recipe could not be any easier. Once you realize how simple it is (and how delicious!), you’ll want to make this as often as possible!

  1. Mix together smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Set spice mixture aside.
  2. Cut the cauliflower into florets.
  3. Preheat the oven at 425F.
  4. Spread the florets out into a single layeron an aluminum foil or parchment paper lined sheet pan (rimmed baking sheet) and pour/drizzle olive oil on top of them. Toss the florets until they are all evenly coated with oil. Then sprinkle the spice mixture over the florets, and mix well to combine.
  5. Roast the cauliflower until it is tender and golden brown.

You can prepare it ahead of time by cutting the cauliflower into florets and adding all the spices. Then when it’s about 30 minutes before dinnertime, place the cauliflower in the oven, and bake it for about 25 minutes. Optional, you can also ad some lemon zest and lemon juice on top of it before serving.

Make ahead tips

  • florets in advance so you can quickly roast them when ready to eat. Alternatively, you can roast the cauliflower beforehand, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: you can reheat the leftovers in the microwave, air fryer, toaster oven, or regular oven. Just reheat until the cauliflower has warmed through.
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Storing Leftovers

  • To store:Leftover roasted cauliflower recipe in an airtight container for up to 4 days once they’ve cooled to room temperature.
  • To reheat:Reheat leftover cauliflower in the oven, so they stay crispy.

More Cauliflower recipes to try:

I mentioned before how easy it is to incorporate cauliflower into other dishes, so now is your chance to try it for yourself. Check out this Easy Cauliflower Fried Riceor this Mushroom Cauliflower Rice Skillet Recipe.

For pizza night, how about a Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizza Crust?

Or you can also try this delicious Cauliflower Casseroleor this delicious Mashed Cauliflower Recipe.

What to serve with roasted cauliflower recipe:

I think cauliflower is always the best side dish because it basically goes with any protein, such as salmon, chicken breast, baked chicken, seared steak, pork chops, garlic butter shrimp, and even frittata. I love to serve it with salmon and a salad. Hm… So good!! Also, you can serve it in tacos, making it a vegetarian or vegan meal.

Also, this Roasted Cauliflower Recipe is a great option to serve for holiday parties because it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like cauliflower, right?

This is also a great side dish if you are on a low-carb, vegan/vegetarian, paleo, or gluten-free diet. I really hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Make Cauliflower Not Mushy?

Ensure that there is enough space on your baking sheet when you roast the cauliflower. You should let there be some space when you roast them or the cauliflower florets will steam and you’ll end up with mushy cauliflower. Also, it will help if you spread the florets into an even layer.

How Do I Pick Cauliflower?

The heads of the cauliflower should be compact, white, and firm. Avoid any that look dry and yellow. You also want cauliflower that are dense and feel heavy for their size.

Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower?

You can find cut cauliflower florets in the frozen section of most grocery stores. You can thaw and roast them if the fresh cauliflower section is not ideal.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (5)

3.52 from 162 votes

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Roasted cauliflowerrecipe is a fast and easy recipe that turns this unassuming and healthy vegetable into a star. Your family will soon be asking for this delicious side dish all the time!

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 25 minutes minutes

Total: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

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Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Adjust the oven rack to the middle position, and preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, add smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic powder salt and black pepper. Mix everything very well.

  • Place the cauliflower florets on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Pour olive oil on top of the cauliflower florets and toss until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the cauliflower, and mix well to combine.

  • Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Tips

  • Click HERE to watch the web story.
  • When buying the cauliflower, make sure the head is firm, tight, and does not have yellow patches.
  • You can buy pre-cut florets to save prep time.
  • Make sure the florets are fully dry or they will not roast but steam instead.
  • To store: Leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container for up to 4 days once they’ve cooled to room temperature.
  • To reheat: Reheat leftover cauliflower in the oven, so they stay crispy.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/4 Calories: 111kcal (6%) Carbohydrates: 4.4g (1%) Protein: 1.5g (3%) Fat: 10.6g (16%) Saturated Fat: 1.5g (9%) Sodium: 254mg (11%) Fiber: 1.9g (8%) Sugar: 1.8g (2%)

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.

© Author: Olivia Ribas

Similar Recipes:

  • Easy Zucchini Cauliflower Rice

  • Cauliflower Rice Recipe

  • Golden Cauliflower Rice Recipe

  • Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

If you like this Roasted Cauliflower Recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Do you want to taste more? Subscribe to my newsletter, and follow Primavera Kitchen on Twitter, Pinterest,Instagram, and Facebook for all delicious recipe updates. As always, I really appreciate you stopping by.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why is my roasted cauliflower soggy? ›

RECIPE TIPS AND FAQ'S:

Why is my roasted cauliflower soggy? Crowding the cauliflower on the pan could make them cook up mushy and a bit soggy. Leave some space between the florets. Be sure not to use too much olive oil to cook them.

What brings out the flavour of cauliflower? ›

There are two really simple techniques that bring out the best in cauliflower: grilling and pickling. Dumping cauliflower florets in a mixture of salt and lemon juice for 45 minutes to an hour turns them into spiky little flavor bombs, delivering high-pitched squeaks in salads, sandwiches or the stew recipe here.

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.

How to cook cauliflower Rachael Ray? ›

Pre-heat the oven to 425°F. On a baking sheet, toss the the cauliflower with the EVOO. Season with salt and pepper and arrange in an even layer. Roast until tender and browned, 20-25 minutes.

How to avoid soggy roasted cauliflower? ›

Crowding the Baking Sheet

Cauliflower has a very high water content, so it won't get crispy if you bake the florets crowded together. "Be sure to give each floret a bit of room so that the they have space for airflow. I'd also recommend baking them on a silicone baking mat," says Blay.

How to get roasted veggies crispy? ›

The #1 Tip for Extra-Crispy Roasted Vegetables
  1. Preheat oven to 425℉.
  2. Prep veggies and pat dry (ensuring the veggies are dry will help avoid clumping with the cornstarch). ...
  3. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch per pound of vegetables. ...
  4. Roast until fork-tender and crispy, 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the vegetable.
Apr 3, 2023

What does adding lemon juice to 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.

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 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.

Why is my roasted cauliflower not crispy? ›

Like all veggies, cauliflower needs some breathing room on the pan. Otherwise, the florets will produce so much steam that they'll never turn crisp on the edges. It's better to use two pans, arranged on separate racks near the middle of the oven, than to cram too much onto one pan.

How to get bugs out of cauliflower? ›

Rinse the cauliflower florets.

Transfer the cauliflower pieces to a colander and place them under running water to eliminate bugs and larger pieces of dirt.

How do you roast cauliflower without it smelling? ›

To avoid cauliflower smell while cooking, add a few drops of white vinegar - it kills the smell.

How to make cauliflower puree Gordon Ramsay? ›

Remove the cauliflower stalks and cut them into small pieces. Heat the butter and milk in a pan and stew the cauliflower in it until softened. Add the cream and return to a high temperature. Immediately strain and liquidise the cauliflower then season and pass through a fine chinois.

Why isn't my roasted cauliflower crispy? ›

Like all veggies, cauliflower needs some breathing room on the pan. Otherwise, the florets will produce so much steam that they'll never turn crisp on the edges. It's better to use two pans, arranged on separate racks near the middle of the oven, than to cram too much onto one pan.

How to stop roasted veg from going soggy? ›

If the pan is packed too tightly, the vegetables will steam instead of caramelizing. The result is sad, limp, less-than-flavorful vegetables. The solution: Give your vegetables some room to breathe. Arrange the veggies in a single layer, keeping at least a quarter inch of space between them.

How do you make roasted vegetables not mushy? ›

Don't crowd the baking sheet.

If you crowd and overlap the veggies, they will steam and get mushy, not what we want! Roast vegetables at a high heat, 425 degrees F and make sure you preheat the oven so it is HOT when the veggies go in!

How do you dry soggy cauliflower? ›

Arrange blanched cauliflower in single layers on drying trays. Dry at 140 degrees F (60°C) in an oven or dehydrator. If necessary, turn large pieces over every 3 to 4 hours during the drying period. Vegetables can scorch easily toward the end of drying, so monitor more closely as drying nears completion.

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