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.

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Roasted Cauliflower Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (5)

3.51 from 160 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

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Roasted Cauliflower Recipe | Primavera Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you are concerned about worms or insects hanging out in your organic cauliflower, soak the head in salt water for 30 minutes before cooking, then rinse with cool water. Boiling, steaming, braising and roasting are some of the many simple ways that cauliflower can be prepared.

How healthy is roasted cauliflower? ›

It'll be on your veggie rotation in no time. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable responsible for helping to reduce risk of cancer due to it's special antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as it's high fiber content. It is also an excellent source of Vitamin C!

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 to cook cauliflower Rachael Ray? ›

In a covered Dutch oven, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Cut the core away from the cauliflower and set the head into the pot and add the stock. Cover and steam until tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove and separate the cauliflower into florets.

Should cauliflower be washed before roasting? ›

Preheat oven to 425°F. Wash cauliflower, cut it into medium-sized florets, and dry very thoroughly. Don't skip drying — it's important.

What do you soak cauliflower in to get bugs out? ›

The salt and vinegar mixture will suck out all the dirt and bugs hidden inside the crevices of the cauliflower and leave you with a clean vegetable that is safe for eating. Once you toss the mucky water out, chop your cauliflower and rinse it in clean water before you get down to cooking it.

Is cauliflower an anti-inflammatory food? ›

Cauliflower has a group of substances known as glucosinolates. As you chew and digest it, these substances are broken down into compounds that may help prevent cancer. They help protect cells from damage and have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects.

Is cauliflower a carb or protein? ›

In 1 cup of chopped cauliflower, you'll get 5.3 g of total carbs, 3.2 g of net carbs, 0.3 g of fat, and 2.1 g of protein, per the USDA. Not to mention, you get 320 mg of potassium, making this vegetable a good source of the nutrient.

Is it healthier to steam or bake cauliflower? ›

Evenly-sized florets: When cutting the cauliflower into florets, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Steaming for nutrient retention: Steaming preserves the cauliflower's natural flavors and nutrients best. This is the ideal option if you're looking to maximize health benefits.

Why is my cauliflower not getting crispy? ›

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.

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 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.

Can you overcook cauliflower? ›

Overcooked cauliflower has a strong odor and yellowish color due to sulfur compounds that are released. Cook cauliflower rapidly to preserve color and flavor. When shopping for cauliflower, select firm, unblemished heads that are heavy for their size.

Does cauliflower soak up liquid? ›

For one, it doesn't absorb liquid like rice does, so riced cauliflower alongside stews and curries will be more watery.

Does cauliflower absorb marinade? ›

When the cauliflower is finished cooking, dump the florets into the vinegar marinade and give everything a good toss. Let it sit for a few minutes, tossing every minute or so, to allow the cauliflower to absorb the flavorful marinade.

How do you keep cauliflower from getting mushy? ›

The key to nonmushy cauliflower lies in how you cut it: Break apart the large head into smaller florets. Now take your knife, and starting at the stem end of the floret, slice about halfway down and snap apart.

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