Description
Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy side dish featuring tender cauliflower florets roasted to golden perfection with a savory blend of garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and a satisfying crunch, ideal for a low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian meal accompaniment.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Seasonings & Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese & Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Toss Cauliflower with Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned cauliflower. Toss again gently to ensure each floret is well coated with the cheese, which will add a rich, crispy texture when roasted.
- Spread Cauliflower on Baking Sheet: Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out to promote even roasting and crispiness on all sides.
- Roast in Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower for 25–30 minutes. Flip the florets once halfway through the cooking time to ensure golden brown and crispy edges on both sides.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil and cook the cauliflower for an additional 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or a healthy snack.
Notes
- For an extra crispy texture, broil the cauliflower for the last 2–3 minutes of roasting.
- This roasted cauliflower pairs perfectly with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Make sure to cut the cauliflower into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
