Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
This Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower recipe is the perfect side dish for any dinner or holiday gathering. Made with fresh cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil, it’s an easy and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy, low-carb vegetable side.
Why You Will Love This Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Let’s be honest here, cauliflower is not on most people’s lists as their favorite vegetable side dish. And if you’re one of those people, let me change your mind with this fabulous recipe.
👩🏻🍳 Easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together effortlessly.
🧀 Crispy, cheesy perfection. The cauliflower roasts until golden brown and slightly crisp, then gets coated with Parmesan cheese for the most irresistible flavor and texture. Even picky eaters will love it!
🌟 Healthy and low-carb. It’s a lighter alternative to heavy side dishes, but still rich and satisfying because of the cheese.
Ingredients for Making Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
Scroll down to the recipe card to see the complete list of ingredients.
Did I convince you to make the most delicious cheesy roasted cauliflower? Then this is all you need to make it!
- Cauliflower. You can use a medium-sized cauliflower, which can yield about 4-5 cups of florets. You can also buy a bag of cauliflower florets to make it more convenient.
- Olive oil. It serves different functions. It allows the seasonings to stick to the cauliflower. It helps with browning and crisping. And it also adds flavor, especially when using high-quality olive oil.
- Spices. In this recipe, I’m only using garlic powder and paprika to make it as simple as possible. However, I sometimes make it with chili powder and cumin to give it a Latin twist. Other times, I add curry powder and turmeric for an Indian-inspired flavor. And if you like spicy food, you can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Parmesan cheese. It adds a crispy, nutty flavor. Want to make it super cheesy? Add shredded mozzarella to get that amazing gooey texture. Also, try to grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese for the best results.
- Salt & black pepper. Use them to taste.
How to Make Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
Scroll down to the recipe card to see detailed step-by-step instructions.
Making this recipe could not be easier, and in just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with just about anything!
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets. You can also use a bag of pre-cut cauliflower to make this faster and easier. Rinse and pat dry.
- Toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, spices, salt, pepper, and half of the amount of Parmesan cheese.
- Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a pre-heated oven at 425 degrees F (218 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
- Sprinkle with more grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Watch the Video
Diana’s Recommendations
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. When the cauliflower florets are too close they create steam, and this prevents them from getting that delicious, crispy, caramelized flavor.
- Ensure that the cauliflower is as dry as possible. Any water left on it will prevent the oil and spices from sticking, and it will also give you a mushy and soggy texture.
- Use your favorite type of cheese or a combination of cheeses. I love making it with freshly grated Parmesan, but you can also use or add mozzarella, Gruyère, sharp cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack.
- Play around with your favorite spices. Add cumin, chili powder, chipotle seasoning, and lime juice to give it a Latin twist. Add curry, turmeric, and coriander for an Indian-inspired flavor. Or for an Asian-inspired cauliflower, add ginger, soy sauce, or sriracha!
Tools Needed To Make Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
Discover Diana’s favorite kitchen essentials and cooking gear!
✓ The best way to get that crispy and beautiful color is by spreading the cauliflower on a large baking sheet.
✓ For easy clean up, line the baking sheet with parchment paper. I’ve been using these precut parchment paper baking sheets, which are inexpensive and very handy.
✓ Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will always give you the best texture. This amazing Microplane grater creates a fine, fluffy, almost powdery texture, which is perfect for this recipe.
Try These Delicious Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Easy Air Fryer Broccoli
- Glazed Carrots
- KFC Coleslaw Recipe
- Vegetable Stir Fry
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Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized cauliflower (about 1½ – 2lb of cauliflower florets)
- ¼ cup (59 ml) olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (I use about ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C).
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets using a sharp knife*. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl, drizzle with the olive oil, and season with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and ½ of the Parmesan cheese. Toss well until the florets are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets evenly on a large baking sheet** and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- * Watch the video to see how easy it is to cut a cauliflower into florets! You can also use pre-packaged fresh cauliflower florets to skip this step.
- ** Cover the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up.
- Roasted cauliflower is always best served as soon as it comes out of the oven. However, if you have any leftovers, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that they will lose their crispy texture.
