Whole Roasted Cauliflower

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Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a quick and easy side dish that will look great on any dinner table! This whole head of cauliflower is lightly drizzled in olive oil and seasoned with savory smoked paprika, garlic, and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. It’s so delicious it might just steal the show and become the main course!

Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a healthier alternative side dish that can be served with any meal! Try pairing it with our creamy Coconut Lime Chicken, savory Sour Cream Pork Chops, or melt in your mouth Baked Flounder with Lemon Garlic and Butter!

Paprika flavored roasted cauliflower.

Tips and Variations 

  • This particular roasted cauliflower will end up with a red hue to it due to the smoked paprika. If you’d prefer not to have the red tint, you can switch up the herb blend. Try garlic, rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, Italian seasonings, or a combination!
  • When choosing a head of cauliflower, make sure it is crisp and tender with minimal bruising or spots on the outside for the freshest results.
  • Use purple or green cauliflower for a uniquely beautiful color presentation and additional antioxidants.
  • Feel free to change up the seasoning or even the cheese. A drizzle of melted sharp cheddar or grated asiago would be great flavors to try.
  • Drizzle with balsamic for a sweet and tangy variation. 
  • Honey and red pepper flakes would give this cauliflower a sweet and spicy pallet!
Close up roasted cauliflower.

Storage and Reheating 

Refrigerator: Store any leftover Roasted Cauliflower in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 5 days for the best flavor. 

Freezer: You can freeze Roasted Cauliflower for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw before reheating.

Reheating: To keep the crunch to the cauliflower, warm in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. You can also heat in the microwave until warmed through but it won’t retain that crisp.

Quarter cut out of a head of cauliflower.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

4.7 from 6 votes
Print Pin
Author: Kim
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 to 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Wash the cauliflower and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the leaves and most of the stem. Cut off the bottom, so the cauliflower sits upright.
    1 head of cauliflower
  • In a small bowl, combine the oil, Parmesan, garlic, paprika and salt. Use a pastry brush to apply the mixture to cauliflower including the bottom near the stem area. Flip the cauliflower upside down, and pour any leftover mixture into the inside of the cauliflower. Tilt the cauliflower around to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
    ⅓ cup olive oil
    ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
    2 to 4 garlic cloves
    1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
    1 teaspoon salt
  • Place the cauliflower right side up, and transfer to a Dutch oven, cast iron pan, roasting pan, or other oven safe pan with a lid. Cover and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the cauliflower is knife tender.
  • Add extra olive oil, Parmesan cheese, or fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
  • See post for storage options.

Suggested Equipment

Notes

*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1/4 head of cauliflower. Actual calories will vary.
 
*Doubling or tripling this recipe has not been tested. Therefore, we can not guarantee the outcome of adjusting the ingredients.
 
*For more information, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to the post.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25of the cauliflowerCalories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 771mgPotassium: 469mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 442IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg
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How To Make Whole Roasted Cauliflower

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F.
  2. Wash the cauliflower and pat dry with paper towels. Remove all of the leaves and most of the stem. Cut off the bottom so the cauliflower can sit upright.
  3. Then, in a small mixing bowl, combine the oil, Parmesan, garlic, paprika, and salt. Use a pastry brush to apply the mixture to the cauliflower. Don’t forget to include the bottom near the stem area! Flip the cauliflower upside down and pour any leftover mixture into the inside of the cauliflower to really coat it with flavor. Tilt the cauliflower around to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed. You don’t want the seasoning to pool in one area and the rest be plain.
  4. Transfer the cauliflower to a Dutch oven, cast iron pan, roasting pan, or other oven safe pan with a lid and place it right side up. Cover and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the cauliflower is knife tender.
  5. Add extra olive oil, Parmesan cheese, or fresh parsley as a garnish. Slice into individual servings and serve fresh from the oven. Enjoy!
Collage showing how to make whole roasted cauliflower.
4.67 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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