Imagine a side dish so delectable that even vegetable skeptics will be begging for seconds. This Roasted Parmesan Garlic Cauliflower transforms an ordinary vegetable into a crispy, golden masterpiece bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry completely with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy roasting.
- Cut the cauliflower into uniform-sized florets, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in size. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a flavorful coating.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture.
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper roasting and caramelization.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the cauliflower florets, covering them generously.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the florets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
- Check for doneness by testing with a fork - the cauliflower should be tender and golden brown with crispy edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always thoroughly pat your cauliflower dry before roasting to ensure those perfect, crunchy edges.
- Use a large baking sheet and spread florets in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam your cauliflower instead of roasting it.
- For maximum flavor, ensure your garlic is freshly minced and your Parmesan cheese is high-quality and freshly grated.
- Invest in a good silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Don't skip turning the cauliflower halfway through cooking - this guarantees even browning and prevents burning.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste. Add red pepper flakes for heat or experiment with different herb blends.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
