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The Secret Your Cauliflower’s Been Hiding
Think cauliflower is boring? Think again.
This humble vegetable is often overlooked, boiled to blandness, or smothered in heavy sauces. But what if we told you that cauliflower has the potential to steal the spotlight at your dinner table? In just 30 minutes, you can transform it into a golden, crispy,
Parmesan-infused masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds. Yes, cauliflower can be exciting—here’s how to make it happen.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or garlic salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method
- Prepare the cauliflower: Trim any blemishes, break into uniform florets, and rinse thoroughly. Pat the florets dry to ensure crispiness during roasting.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the seasoning mix: In a bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Coat the florets: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
- Add breadcrumbs (optional): Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the coated florets for an extra crunch. Toss gently to distribute.
- Arrange on the tray: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking tray, ensuring the florets don’t overlap.
- Roast: Place the tray in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Remove the tray, flip the florets, and roast for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Serve and Savor
Once roasted, remove the tray from the oven and garnish the cauliflower with a final sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. The result? A side dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with buttery, cheesy flavor. Pair it with your favorite main course or enjoy it as a standalone snack—it’s that good.
Key Takeaways
- Use cauliflower regardless of imperfections—it’s perfectly fine for roasting.
- Uniformly sized florets ensure even cooking and a pleasing texture.
- A simple seasoning mix of Parmesan, butter, and spices elevates the dish.
- Baking at 400°F creates a golden, crispy crust that’s hard to resist.
- Roasted cauliflower pairs well with any meal or stands alone as a snack.
Actionable Step-by-Step Checklist
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash, trim, and break it into florets.
- Make the Seasoning: Combine butter, oil, Parmesan, and spices.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Toss florets in the seasoning until evenly coated.
- Roast: Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a final sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley before serving.
