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To make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower, gather these items: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon (for added brightness) You may already have some of these pantry staples at home. Olive oil adds richness. Garlic gives a bold taste. Smoked paprika adds warmth and depth. Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors. These simple ingredients create a big taste. To make this dish your own, consider these optional additions: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - A sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe - Other herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor These easy tweaks can make your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower even more exciting! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need one medium head of cauliflower, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Here’s how to prep: 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the cauliflower roast well. 2. Cut the cauliflower into florets. Aim for bite-sized pieces. 3. In a large bowl, mix the florets with three tablespoons of olive oil. 4. Add four cloves of minced garlic, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. 5. Toss everything until the florets are coated. This step makes sure every bite is tasty. Roasting brings out the best flavors in cauliflower. Here’s how to do it right: 1. Spread the florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have space. 2. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes. You want them to soften and start to char. 3. After 20 minutes, take the baking sheet out. Sprinkle half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the florets. 4. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. The cheese should melt and turn golden. Finishing touches make the dish pop. 1. Once the cauliflower is done, take it out of the oven. 2. Zest one lemon over the top. This adds brightness to the rich flavors. 3. Lastly, garnish with two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness to your dish. Now, your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is ready to impress! Enjoy this tasty side dish with your favorite meals. To get that perfect roast, you want to start with dry cauliflower. If it’s wet, it won't crisp well. After cutting the cauliflower, pat it dry with a paper towel. Use enough olive oil to coat each floret. This helps them brown nicely. Spread them out on the baking sheet. If they are too close, they will steam instead of roast. Garlic is the star of this dish, but you can mix it up! Try roasting whole garlic cloves instead of minced garlic. This gives a sweet, mellow flavor. You can also add garlic powder for an extra kick. For a twist, add roasted garlic with a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds some heat and depth. Parmesan cheese is fantastic, but feel free to be creative! You can use Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste. If you want a nutty flavor, try using Grana Padano. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works wonders. It adds a cheesy flavor without the milk. Experiment with these choices to find your perfect match! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Select a cauliflower head that is firm and compact, with no brown spots or blemishes, to ensure the best flavor and texture. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs, like thyme or oregano, to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer to promote even roasting and prevent steaming, which keeps the florets crispy. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the roasted cauliflower right out of the oven while it's still hot and crispy. {{image_2}} You can spice things up with a spicy version. Just add red pepper flakes to your mix. Start with 1/2 teaspoon. You can adjust based on your taste. This will give your cauliflower a nice kick. It pairs well with the garlic and cheese. You still follow the same steps for roasting. Enjoy the heat with every bite. For a fresh twist, add herbs to the mix. Try thyme or rosemary for great flavor. Chop about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs. Toss them in with the olive oil. This adds a lovely earthiness to your dish. You can also use dried herbs if fresh is not available. They still bring out great flavor. If you want a vegan option, replace Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Mix 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast into your cauliflower. Follow the same steps for roasting. You’ll still enjoy a tasty side dish that everyone can savor. To store your leftover Garlic Parmesan roasted cauliflower, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to five days. Use a spoon to scoop out portions when you want to enjoy it again. To reheat your cauliflower, you have a few options. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just warm it in short bursts, checking often. If you want to freeze your Garlic Parmesan roasted cauliflower, do it before you add the cheese. After roasting, let the cauliflower cool down. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the roasting step. Store the coated cauliflower in the fridge for up to a day. When you are ready, roast it as directed. This saves time and keeps the flavors fresh. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower pairs well with many dishes. Serve it as a side with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with pasta and salads. For a fun twist, toss it into a grain bowl. Add some lemon zest or extra parsley for a fresh touch. Yes, eating roasted cauliflower is healthy. Cauliflower is low in calories and high in fiber. It also contains vitamins C, K, and B6. Regularly enjoying this dish can support a balanced diet. Just watch the cheese and oil if you want to keep it light. This article covers everything about Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower. We talked about key ingredients and helpful pantry staples. You learned how to prepare, roast, and finish this dish perfectly. I shared tips to achieve a great roast and tasty variations for all diets. Finally, we covered how to store and reheat leftovers effectively. In summary, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy dish using simple steps. Try out these ideas tonight and make it your own!

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

A delicious and healthy side dish featuring roasted cauliflower with garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 zest of lemon (for added brightness)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
  • Spread the cauliflower evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it begins to char and soften.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower.
  • Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and zest the lemon over the top of the cauliflower for a fresh kick.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For added brightness, zest a lemon over the dish before serving.
Keyword cauliflower, roasted, sidedish, vegetarian