Easy Roasted Cauliflower Florets | Flavorful Side Dish

Crispy roasted cauliflower florets are a great appetizer or side dish for almost any meal! They can also add flavor and texture to salads, pasta or soups.

Did I ever mention that my husband is a great cook? He's really good at just throwing things together (seemingly at random!) and they turn out great. This is one of those recipes, so I need to give him credit.

After he makes a new creation, I am the one that writes down what he did (with measurements like "one pinch" or "four shakes") and then I recreate it and figure out some more concrete measurements (cups, tsps, etc). So I did contribute to this recipe in that way. 😉

The seasoning in this recipe is a mix of a lot of different flavors, but I think they work together so well! I'm often a salt, pepper and garlic kind of seasoner (A word? I doubt it. Haha), just because it's so easy and it's always good, but it's also nice to ramp up the flavor and try new things like this combination.

Is Roasted Cauliflower Healthy?

Cauliflower isn't a green vegetable, but that doesn't mean it packs less of a nutritional punch. It's high in many vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Because of this, it can help fight inflammation, improve digestion and reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, diabetes and more!

Cauliflower is a significant source of many nutrients, and it's so versatile, so you should really have it in your regular meal rotation.

What to Season Roasted CAuliflower With

You can season cauliflower with pretty much anything... it's like a blank canvas! But I love the combination of flavors in this recipe. You'll use:

• Garlic - Freshly minced is best, but you could also use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead
• Sea Salt - Always a necessity to enhance flavors
• Black Pepper - Freshly ground is always best
• Chili powder - For a little bit of spice
• Nutritional Yeast - Brings a slight cheesiness to the mix
• Parsley - Adds an earthy flavor
• Red Chili Flakes - Adds a small kick of heat, but not too much
• Lemon Juice - Brightens all the flavors

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Crispy

The secret to making roasted cauliflower crispy is to cook at a high heat and not overcrowd the pan. Make sure the florets lay in a single layer and have a little bit of space around them. The cauliflower will still cook fully if they are packed on the pan, but they won't be as crispy.

What to Do with Roasted CAuliflower

Roasted cauliflower is an amazing side dish, but can also be used as an appetizer, a topping on salads, and as an addition to soups, pasta, omelets and sandwiches!

What Main Dish GOes with Roasted CAuliflower?

Roasted cauliflower goes great with almost any meat-based main dish: roasted chicken, pork chops, ribs, steak, fish, etc.

Tools You May Need

Mixing bowl

Measuring cups & spoons

Baking sheet

Spatula

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower Florets

Ingredients:

• 1 small head cauliflower
• ⅓ cup olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ bulb fresh garlic, minced (5-6 cloves)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 teaspoon nutritional yeast
• 4 teaspoon dried parsley
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 415°F. Wash your cauliflower head and cut it into small florets that are roughly the same size.

In a large mixing bowl combine the florets with garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder, nutritional yeast, parsley and red pepper flakes. Toss well. Then add olive oil and lemon juice and toss again. I've found that the best way to evenly distribute the spices throughout the cauliflower is to toss them in before adding any liquids.

Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet. Having the florets in a single layer with a little space between them is ideal, but they will still cook if they are crowded on the pan, they just won't be as crispy.

Roast for 30 minutes, tossing at the halfway point.

How to Store Leftover Roasted Cauliflower FLorets

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Can Roasted CAuliflower Be REheated?

Roasted cauliflower can easily be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave, however it is never as crispy after being reheated. It's still delicious, though!

Can YOu Freeze Roasted CAuliflower?

Freezing is a great way to keep roasted cauliflower for a day in the future when you'll need a quick side. Freeze in an airtight container or ziploc bag for up to 6 months. Place the frozen cauliflower in the refrigerator in the morning and at suppertime, bake in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes.

Did you try this recipe and love it? If so, I would so appreciate a 5-star review! Thanks!

More Healthy Side Dishes

• OVEN ROASTED CARROTS & ASPARAGUS
• GERMAN RED CABBAGE
• SAUTÉED KALE AND SPINACH
• CRISPY OVEN FRIES
• PAN-FRIED ASPARAGUS