Description
Crispy golden baked cauliflower brings Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with its herb-infused crunch. Savory spices and simple techniques deliver an irresistible side dish perfect for health-conscious friends joining your meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal roasting conditions.
- Separate cauliflower into uniform florets, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking and heat distribution.
- Drizzle olive oil over florets, using gentle tossing motions to create a light, uniform coating that promotes caramelization.
- Combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
- Generously dust cauliflower with the prepared spice mixture, rotating and shaking to ensure complete and thorough coverage.
- Carefully arrange seasoned florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, preventing overcrowding to allow proper roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating the tray midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and tender texture.
- Remove from oven when edges are crispy and center becomes tender, indicating perfect caramelization and flavor development.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant visual appeal and optional brightness to the dish.
- Serve immediately with complementary dipping sauces to enhance the roasted cauliflower’s rich, savory profile.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm cauliflower heads with tight, white florets for the best roasted texture and flavor intensity.
- Cut florets uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization across the baking sheet.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to prevent steaming instead of roasting, which helps achieve crispy golden edges.
- Experiment with alternative seasonings like smoked paprika, za’atar, or curry powder for global flavor variations that transform this simple side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg