Description
Roasted garlic-parmesan cauliflower brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with crispy, golden edges and rich, savory notes. Cheese-lovers and vegetable enthusiasts will savor this simple yet elegant side dish that elevates humble cauliflower into a crave-worthy culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Oil and Aromatics:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Arrange the oven rack in the center position and heat to 425F (220C), ensuring even temperature distribution for optimal roasting.
- Create a non-stick surface by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, which will prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Separate the cauliflower into uniform florets, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size to promote consistent cooking and caramelization.
- Combine the florets in a spacious mixing bowl, drizzling with olive oil to help seasonings adhere and promote golden browning.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoky paprika, and aromatic Italian seasoning over the cauliflower, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with flavor.
- Distribute the seasoned florets across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, allowing ample space between pieces to encourage crispy edges and prevent steaming.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to guarantee uniform browning and prevent uneven cooking.
- Once the cauliflower develops a rich golden-brown color and crisp exterior, remove from the oven and immediately shower with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Gently toss the hot cauliflower to help the cheese melt slightly and coat each floret with its savory essence.
- Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant color and herbaceous note, then serve immediately while warm and crisp.
Notes
- Opt for fresh cauliflower heads with tight, compact florets to ensure maximum crispiness and even roasting.
- Chop garlic finely or use a microplane to distribute the flavor more evenly throughout the cauliflower.
- Pat cauliflower completely dry before seasoning to achieve that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior without steaming.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese to maintain the rich, cheesy flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg