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Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan

Roasted cauliflower with Parmesan cheese makes for a delectable combination that is both healthy and flavorful. When roasted to perfection, the cauliflower becomes tender and slightly caramelized. At the same time, the nutty, salty Parmesan cheese adds a rich depth of flavor that perfectly complements the vegetable.

Roasted Cauliflower with parmesan on a plate

The dish is easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal prep time. To prepare, cut the cauliflower into florets, toss with oil and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, and roast until golden brown and crispy.

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Top Tips

  • Go with fresh cauliflower and garlic.
  • Cook on a sheet pan
  • Start with a high temperature, ideally 350 – 375, even 400, then reduce to 325
  • Add water – the vapor will help cook the cauliflower through
  • Add the parmesan cheese and lemon juice last

Ingredients and Substitutions

Fresh Cauliflower

When I’m short on time and have a recipe that requires a riced consistency, I prefer frozen riced cauliflower from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s.

Freezing a cauliflower changes the texture and is not my favorite for roasting. I prefer fresh cauliflower for roasting; the only downside is the short shelf life. 

For this roasted cauliflower with parmesan recipe, I used fresh cauliflower. Frozen cauliflower tends to release water and results in a mushy consistency.

whole fresh cauliflower on a platter

Parmesan Cheese

This recipe includes fresh oregano, but if you only have dried oregano, you can swap it in this recipe, and instead of 2 tbsps, reduce it to 1 tbsp of dried oregano.

Garlic

You can use frozen garlic instead of fresh garlic cloves in this roasted cauliflower and parmesan recipe if you only have frozen garlic. 

FAQs

How do you roast a whole cauliflower?

Let’s start with a sheet pan, a  countertop air fryer, convection oven, whole cauliflower, and the oil of choice – I prefer avocado oil for a high-heat recipe.

Cauliflower is cruciferous and has a tough consistency, and cooking cauliflower can take a long. However, I found that adding water to the pan can significantly reduce cooking time. 

How can I prevent mushy cauliflower?

Mushy cauliflower happens when you cook cauliflower at low heat with too much liquid for an extended period. The key here is to increase the heat and a little bit of fat. The water helps cook the cauliflower thoroughly.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Sheet pan recipes are simple and easy-to-clean dinner recipes. I love to pair this with this Cuban-inspired roasted chicken or any other protein like salmon, chimichurri shrimp, beef, chicken, or fish.

This dish would be an incredible side to a chicken meatball dinner, or keep it vegetarian and pair it with a light salad. 

Storage and Reheating

Roasted cauliflower and parmesan can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store in a glass container for easy storage. 

Reheat in a baking dish in the oven for 5 minutes at 375 and serve.

Roasted Cauliflower with parmesan on a plate

Roasted cauliflower with parmesan

Olga Muñoz
Cheesy, garlicky roasted cauliflower with a touch of lemon.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 person
Calories 97 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Convection Toaster Oven
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Baking Pan
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Large bowl
  • 1 Plate

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole Fresh Cauliflower
  • 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 clove Garlic Trader Joe's or Fresh
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 3 ounce Green Onions
  • 1 cup Purified Water
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Instructions
 

  • Prepare by preheating the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Start by rinsing the cauliflower and pulling apart the florets. Then place the florets on the baking pan.
    Cauliflower florets on baking dish
  • Generously drizzle the olive oil and coat evenly. Sprinkle salt.
  • Place the baking pan in the oven at 375 for 10 minutes.
  • Lower the oven to 325 degrees. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and add water. Return to the oven (this will help cook the cauliflower) and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the cauliflower from the oven. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower with the garlic and cheese.
  • Return to the oven for 5 minutes at 325 degrees. Remove, sprinkle lemon juice, serve and enjoy.

Notes

This is an excellent veggie option. Pair it with a protein or salad and voila. 🙂

Nutrition

Calories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 175mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 266IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Dinner, gluten-free, low-carb, Lunch, organic, Quick Dinner, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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