Crispy Oven-Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
This Crispy Roasted Baked Cauliflower recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a golden, crunchy side dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make. With simple pantry ingredients and a quick roasting process, it’s perfect for an effortless vegetable upgrade that pairs well with a wide variety of meals.
- Author: Rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets
Seasonings and Oils
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – for a nutty, cheesy finish
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is essential for achieving that crisp, golden texture.
- Prepare Your Cauliflower: Place cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss thoroughly with your hands or tongs until all florets are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Spread and Roast: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spread cauliflower florets out in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap to promote even roasting.
- Bake to Perfection: Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through to ensure even browning. Look for crisp edges and a golden hue as indicators of doneness.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on the cauliflower during the last 5 minutes of baking so it melts and crisps up nicely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm straight from the oven. This dish pairs wonderfully with dips such as ranch or garlic aioli.
Notes
- You can substitute avocado oil for olive oil for a higher smoke point and slightly different flavor.
- For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs before roasting.
- This recipe pairs well with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or ranch dip for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer to preserve crispiness.
- To freeze leftovers, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven or air fryer, avoiding microwaves to prevent sogginess.
Keywords: baked cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, crispy cauliflower, healthy side dish, easy vegetable recipe