Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower

$- Cauliflower florets - Olive oil - Fresh garlic - Parmesan cheese - Crushed red pepper flakes - Dried Italian herbs - Fresh parsley - Salt - Black pepper The key to this dish is the main ingredients. Start with fresh cauliflower florets. They should be firm and bright white. This vegetable gives a great base for roasting. Next comes olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil works best; it adds a rich flavor. Fresh garlic is essential too. It gives a lovely aroma and taste. Finally, don’t forget the Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated will melt beautifully over the cauliflower. You can add some optional ingredients for extra flavor. Crushed red pepper flakes bring heat. If you enjoy a spicy kick, this is for you. Dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme can also enhance the taste. They add depth to the dish. For a fresh finish, use chopped parsley to garnish your final plate. Seasoning is key to brightening up the flavors. Use salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings bring out the best in your ingredients. Adjust them based on your preference. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures crispiness. - In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower florets with minced garlic, olive oil, and seasonings. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to coat each piece evenly. - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup. - Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, flip the florets with a spatula. Look for fork-tender, golden edges. - After roasting, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot cauliflower. - Return it to the oven for 5 more minutes. The cheese will melt and bubble. - Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy! To get even browning, spread the cauliflower in a single layer. This gives each piece room to roast well. At 425°F, the high heat works magic. Flip the florets halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice golden color. If your cauliflower is not browning enough, you may need to adjust the roasting time. Check it at 25 minutes. If it needs more time, add a few more minutes. Look for fork-tender and lightly golden florets for the best texture. When choosing cauliflower, look for a medium head that is firm and dense. Fresh, green leaves should be intact. Avoid any brown spots. This gives you the best taste and texture. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor. It makes a big difference in taste. Also, pick freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Packaged cheese often lacks flavor and doesn’t melt as well. Roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower pairs well with many main dishes. It goes great with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside pasta for a hearty meal. For presentation, serve in a rustic bowl. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and spice. Don't forget the parsley for a fresh touch! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Select a cauliflower head that is firm and free from blemishes for the best flavor and texture. Customize Your Cheese: For a different flavor profile, experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or a sprinkle of feta. Perfect Roasting: Make sure the cauliflower florets are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to achieve even roasting and browning. Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar before serving for a bright, tangy finish. {{image_4}} You can add a spicy twist to this dish. Just mix in crushed red pepper flakes. This gives the cauliflower a nice kick. If you want more flavor, try using fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, or rosemary work well. Just chop them finely and toss them in with the other seasonings. You can even mix herbs for a fun taste. If you're vegan, don't worry! You can swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just sprinkle it over the hot cauliflower before serving. For gluten-free options, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your seasoning labels to be sure. You can also try air frying the cauliflower. This method gives a crispier texture. Just cook at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Another fun way is to steam the florets first. After steaming, roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes. This makes them extra tender and flavorful. After enjoying your roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower, you'll want to store any leftovers properly. Place the cooled cauliflower in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For freezing, let the cauliflower cool completely. Then, spread it on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. This method helps prevent clumping. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the texture crisp. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish and heat for one to two minutes. This method is quick, but it may make the cauliflower softer. Roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last for two to three months. However, for the best taste and texture, try to eat it sooner. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before consuming. Keeping an eye on freshness ensures you enjoy this savory delight at its best. You can pair Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal. - A fresh salad for a lighter option. - Pasta dishes to add a veggie boost. - Quinoa or rice for a filling side. - Serve it with hummus for a tasty snack. Each of these options makes for a balanced meal. Mixing flavors and textures enhances your dining experience. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just be sure to thaw it first. Drain any excess water to avoid sogginess. However, fresh cauliflower gives a better texture and flavor. Frozen may not roast as well. Adjust cooking time if using frozen. Keep an eye on it while roasting to get that perfect golden color. To make Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower vegan, swap the cheese. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also try vegan cheese alternatives. Ensure the olive oil remains, as it adds richness. This keeps the dish tasty and creamy without dairy. Enjoy your flavorful vegan treat! Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower is a simple and delicious dish. We covered main ingredients like cauliflower, olive oil, and garlic. You learned how to prep, roast, and add finishing touches. We shared tips for even cooking and ingredient choice. You can even try flavor twists or different cooking methods. Store your leftovers properly to enjoy later. Now, you have all the tools to create this dish. Enjoy making it your own and share it with others!$

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower

A deliciously roasted cauliflower dish with garlic and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
to taste Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnishing)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with the minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, optional crushed red pepper flakes, dried Italian herbs, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently until the florets are well coated.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned cauliflower mixture evenly across the sheet in a single layer.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Once the cauliflower is roasted, remove from the oven and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot cauliflower. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
After the final roasting, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

Serve in a rustic bowl with extra olive oil and red pepper flakes for added color.

Keyword cauliflower, roasted, sidedish, vegetarian