Roasted Cauliflower - Simply Recipes

Why Make This

• Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural nutty, buttery flavors.
• This recipe works with frozen cauliflower if you increase the oven temperature.
• Serve alongside roast chicken, baked fish, or grilled beef for a simple meal upgrade.

Cauliflower. Plain, simple, and on its own? Rather unimaginative.

But roasted? Until the edges get all browned and caramelized? Totally different story.

When roasted, cauliflower becomes nutty and buttery, but without any nuts or butter. Roasted, it is the perfect vehicle for garlic, olive oil, lemon and Parmesan.

I grew up with basic steamed cauliflower, which is fine and good and sometimes all that you need. But if you've never had roasted cauliflower, I urge you to try it! It will transform a picky I-don't-like-vegetables eater into a cauliflower addict.

How To Cut and Core Cauliflower

It's easy to cut and core cauliflower! Just pull off the leaves from the base, and cut the cauliflower in quarters, from the top of the crown through the stem. Lay the cauliflower quarters on the cutting board and angle the knife to cut the florets from the core.

How To Cut and Core Cauliflower READ MORE:

Can You Roast Frozen Cauliflower?

Sure! In fact, if you are starting with frozen cauliflower florets, it's better not to defrost them first. Here are some tips to adjust this recipe for frozen cauliflower:

• Raise the oven temperature by 50°F (10°C) to 450°F (232°C). You want searing dry heat to evaporate any ice condensation on the frozen cauliflower, so that the cauliflower roasts in the oven, not steams.
• Toss the florets generously with oil, making sure they are truly well coated, before putting them in the oven. The oil will help the cauliflower edges brown and help keep the florets from drying out.
• Stir the florets halfway through cooking, so more sides get exposed to the high heat.

5 Easy Tips for Crispy (Never Rubbery) Roasted Frozen Vegetables READ MORE:

What To Serve With Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower pairs beautifully as a side for chicken, so consider serving it with roast chicken, or lemon chicken. I also love baked cod or halibut with roasted cauliflower on side. Cauliflower would work well alongside grilled beef, too, like these grilled skirt steak skewers.

5 More Ways to Love Cauliflower

• Roasted Curried Cauliflower
• Simple Cauliflower Soup
• Pasta with Cauliflower, Tomato, and Parmesan
• Cauliflower Gnocchi (Trader Joe's Copycat!)
• Cauliflower Rice