Description
This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower recipe offers a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy tender yet crispy cauliflower florets infused with a smoky and slightly spicy seasoning. Perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack, the dish is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and a quick roasting technique that brings out the best texture and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Seasoning
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional; for vegans, use nutritional yeast)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even roasting and easy cleanup.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, and salt and pepper. This blend will give the cauliflower a balanced smoky and mildly spicy flavor.
- Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them thoroughly in the seasoning mixture until each floret is evenly coated with oil and spices.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping for maximum crispiness.
- Roast Cauliflower: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the florets halfway through to promote even browning and crisping on all sides.
- Add Cheese or Nutritional Yeast: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast over the cauliflower and return to the oven for an additional 2 minutes to melt the topping slightly and enhance flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Adjust cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level.
- Ensure cauliflower florets are dry before tossing to maximize crispiness.
- Flipping the florets halfway through roasting helps them brown evenly.
- This dish pairs well with dips like ranch, tahini, or marinara sauce.
