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Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan

crispy roasted cauliflower with parmesan - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for golden, crispy cauliflower florets coated with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, perfect for dinner or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • A squeeze of lemon juice for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Rinse and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets to remove moisture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded.
  5. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through (around 10 minutes) using tongs or a spatula for even browning.
  6. After 20 minutes, sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the cauliflower and return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is golden and crispy.
  7. Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the florets.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

Dry the cauliflower thoroughly before roasting to ensure crispiness. Do not crowd the pan to avoid steaming. Add Parmesan cheese near the end of roasting to prevent burning. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. For gluten-free, ensure Parmesan is certified gluten-free. Reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven to regain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, Parmesan, crispy cauliflower, easy dinner, side dish, vegetarian, low-carb