Easy Roasted Cauliflower

A squeeze of lemon juice and some Parmesan cheese are all you need for an excellent side dish.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
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Updated August 15, 2023
Elise Bauer

Cauliflower. Plain, simple, and on its own? Rather unimaginative.

But roasted? Until the edges get all browned and caramelized? Totally different story.

When roasted, cauliflower becomes nutty and buttery, but without any nuts or butter. Roasted, it is the perfect vehicle for garlic, olive oil, lemon and Parmesan.

I grew up with basic steamed cauliflower, which is fine and good and sometimes all that you need. But if you've never had roasted cauliflower, I urge you to try it! It will transform a picky I-don't-like-vegetables eater into a cauliflower addict.

Roasted Cauliflower on a Fork and More in the Bowl underneath It

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

How to Cut and Core Cauliflower

It's easy to cut and core cauliflower! Just pull off the leaves from the base, and cut the cauliflower in quarters, from the top of the crown through the stem. Lay the cauliflower quarters on the cutting board and angle the knife to cut the florets from the core.

Can You Roast Frozen Cauliflower?

Sure! In fact if you are starting with frozen cauliflower florets, it's better to not defrost them first. Here are some tips to adjust this recipe for frozen cauliflower:

Roasted Cauliflower

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
  • Raise the oven temperature by 50°F (10°C), to 450°F (232°C). You want searing dry heat to evaporate any ice condensation on the frozen cauliflower, so that the cauliflower roasts in the oven, not steams.
  • Toss the florets generously with oil, making sure they are truly well coated, before putting them in the oven. The oil will help the cauliflower edges brown and help keep the florets from drying out.
  • Stir the florets half-way through cooking, so more sides get exposed to the high heat.

What to Serve With Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower pairs beautifully as a side for chicken, so consider serving it with roast chicken, or lemon chicken. I also love baked cod or halibut with roasted cauliflower on side. Cauliflower would work well alongside grilled beef too, like these grilled skirt steak skewers.

Roasted Cauliflower

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

5 More Ways to Love Cauliflower

Easy Roasted Cauliflower

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Servings 4 servings

This recipe is more of a method than a precise recipe with exact amounts. Sprinkle as much or as little Parmesan cheese as you want.

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about half a lemon)

  • Extra virgin olive oil

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Method

  1. Preheat oven, prepare pan:

    Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly oil a large roasting pan or baking sheet, or line with aluminum foil.

  2. Prep the cauliflower:

    Place the cauliflower florets in a bowl. Toss with minced garlic. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Drizzle with olive oil and toss so that the florets are lightly coated with oil.

    Bowl of Cauliflower for Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
  3. Spread on roasting pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper:

    Spread the florets out into a single layer on the roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    Tray of Cauliflower for Roasted Cauliflower in Oven

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
  4. Roast until lightly browned:

    Roast the cauliflower at 400°F (205°C), uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly brown. Use a fork to test for doneness; the tines should easily pierce the cauliflower when done.

    Roasted Cauliflower on a Tray

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
  5. Sprinkle with Parmesan:

    Remove the cauliflower from the oven and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

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    Roasted Cauliflower in a Bowl Next to Parmesan Cheese in a Small Plate

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
71 Calories
4g Fat
7g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 71
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 119mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 63mg 316%
Calcium 38mg 3%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 215mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.