Easy Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Cauliflower
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Unsplash

Whole roasted cauliflower is a show-stopping side dish that’s both versatile and incredibly simple to prepare. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of cauliflower while offering endless possibilities for customization. So let’s jump in.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cauliflower, leaves trimmed and stem intact
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional additions (choose one or combine!):

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Leave the core intact for stability while roasting. Rinse the cauliflower and pat it dry with paper towels.
  3. Drizzle the cauliflower with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Rub the oil and spices all over the surface.
  4. If using any of the optional additions, toss them with the cauliflower now.
  5. Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the florets are tender and golden brown on the outside. 
  6. For an extra touch of caramelization, in the last 10 minutes of roasting, baste the cauliflower with melted butter or additional olive oil.
  7. Once roasted, remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.