July 25, 2018
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
by Kirbie
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is an easy and flavorful side dish to prepare. It’s one of my favorite ways to eat cauliflower and is a stress-free dish to make on busy weeknights.
I’ve made this side dish several times this summer and it’s been such a big time saver. I usually do two pans worth so we have leftovers for the next day as well. I love that I don’t need to hover over my stove while this is cooking too.
It’s such an easy preparation for cauliflower, but it’s also one of my favorites. When roasted, the cauliflower is caramelized, developing a subtle sweetness that you don’t get when it’s cooked with other methods.
To make this dish, all you need is cauliflower, olive oil and parmesan cheese. That’s it! If you want to be a little fancier, you can also add fresh ground black pepper and herbs.
Since I’ve made this dish so many times, I’ve tested different variations on roasting temperature, cauliflower size, etc. Here are some of my tips for roasting cauliflower.
Slicing the Cauliflower
Rather than separating the cauliflower into small florets, it’s best to slice the cauliflower. When you roast round florets, the sections closer to the top of the oven tend to burn before the cauliflower is finished. The sliced florets have a flat surface, which allows for even cooking.
Brush with oil
Many recipes will tell you to toss the cauliflower in oil. It can be difficult to make sure all your cauliflower is coated in oil and when you toss the cauliflower, usually you end up with a lot of cauliflower crumbs breaking off.
I found that you can use less oil and ensure that all the cauliflower pieces are evenly coated by brushing the cauliflower florets with oil.
You do definitely want to make sure you coat the cauliflower in a little oil. If you attempt to roast without the oil, the cauliflower will be too dry.
Cheese
Make sure you wait until the last few minutes before adding the cheese. The florets need about 30 minutes to become tender and caramelized. If you add the cheese at the beginning, the cheese will cook for too long.
If you don’t like the taste of Parmesan, you can feel free to use other cheeses as well.
- 1 large head of cauliflower sliced into ½ inch thick floret slices
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- fresh ground black pepper optional
- 2 tsp finely chopped parsley optional
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place cauliflower in a single layer onto baking sheet. Brush surface of cauliflower with oil. Flip cauliflower over and brush with oil.
Place cauliflower into the oven and cook for about 30 minutes or until cauliflower is tender and edges turn a light brown.
Sprinkle cauliflower with cheese. Place back into the oven and cook for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and begins to bubble.
Top cauliflower with fresh ground black pepper if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Rather than separating the cauliflower into small florets, it’s best to slice the cauliflower (see photo above for reference). When you roast round florets, the sections closer to the top of the oven tend to burn before the cauliflower is finished. The sliced florets have a flat surface, which allows for even cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Amount Per Serving (0.25 of recipe)
Calories 152 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 254mg 11%
Potassium 643mg 18%
Total Carbohydrates 10g 3%
Dietary Fiber 4g 16%
Sugars 4g
Protein 8g 16%
Vitamin A 2.2%
Vitamin C 122.7%
Calcium 18.5%
Iron 5.5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
