Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a simple and delicious side dish that’s both healthy and full of flavor. Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a crisp, caramelized texture, while Parmesan adds a savory, cheesy finish. Here’s how to make this easy and tasty dish:

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a burst of freshness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower:

• Cut the cauliflower into florets, making sure they are relatively even in size so they cook uniformly.

3. Season the Cauliflower:

• In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the florets are well-coated with the oil and seasoning.

4. Roast the Cauliflower:

• Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd the florets so they can roast evenly and become crispy.
• Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through for even roasting.

5. Add Parmesan:

• Once the cauliflower is roasted, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot florets. Toss gently to coat the cauliflower with the cheese.
• Return the cauliflower to the oven and roast for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the Parmesan has melted and is slightly golden.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish.
• Optional: Drizzle with a little lemon juice for added brightness and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor.

7. Enjoy!

• Serve the Parmesan roasted cauliflower as a side dish to complement any main course, or enjoy it as a snack or light appetizer.

Tips for the Best Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower:

• Crispier Texture: For even crispier cauliflower, try placing the florets directly on the baking sheet without parchment paper, or roast them at a slightly higher temperature (425°F/220°C) for a few minutes longer.
• Add Extra Flavor: You can experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a variety of flavors.
• Garlic Butter: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle the roasted cauliflower with melted garlic butter just before serving.
• Cheese Variations: You can mix in some shredded mozzarella or asiago cheese along with the Parmesan for a more complex cheesy flavor.

This Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy side dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. It’s a great way to enjoy cauliflower, even for those who might not normally gravitate toward this veggie!