Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe: Golden Goodness Every Time

Cauliflower roasted with an unexpected crispy golden crunch brings magic to your plate.

Florets transform when high heat caramelizes their natural sugars into delectable bites.

Seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and herbs, this recipe turns an ordinary vegetable into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean-inspired spices dance across each piece, creating layers of complex flavor.

Quick preparation makes this dish perfect for busy home cooks seeking nutritious meals.

Minimal ingredients and maximum taste combine to surprise even vegetable skeptics.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, sharing its delightful simplicity with everyone at your table.

FAQs

• Why use Old Bay seasoning?

Old Bay adds a unique blend of herbs and spices that gives the cauliflower a zesty, complex flavor profile with hints of celery salt, paprika, and other warm spices.

• How do I ensure my cauliflower gets crispy?

Use a single layer on the baking sheet and high heat. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming instead of roasting, and ensure florets are evenly coated with oil.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with similar hard cheeses like Gruyère or Pecorino Romano. Just ensure they melt well and have a sharp, robust flavor that complements the cauliflower.

Why Roasted Cauliflower Is Everyone’s Favorite Side

• Boost Veggie Appeal: Transform boring cauliflower into a crispy, cheesy delight that even veggie skeptics will devour.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Toss ingredients in a bowl, spread on a baking sheet, and let the oven do the hard work with zero complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine zesty Old Bay seasoning, spicy chili pepper, and rich cheddar and parmesan for a mouthwatering taste experience that elevates a simple vegetable side dish.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up a restaurant-quality side dish in less than 30 minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients List for Roasted Cauliflower With Cheddar

• Cauliflower: A versatile vegetable that becomes crispy and delicious when roasted at high temperature.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor to the cauliflower.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Add a savory, tangy flavor and create a crispy, golden cheese crust on the roasted cauliflower.

• Old Bay Seasoning, Chili Pepper, Fresh Ground Pepper: Provide a spicy and complex flavor profile that enhances the natural taste of the cauliflower.

Simple Instructions for Cheddar Roasted Cauliflower

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cauliflower

Fire up your oven to a blazing 450F (230C).

Grab the cauliflower and chop it into bite-sized florets, slicing any large pieces in half to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Coat with Olive Oil

Tumble the cauliflower into a spacious mixing bowl.

Drizzle olive oil over the florets and give them a good toss, making sure each piece gets a glossy olive oil jacket.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Old Bay seasoning
• Chili pepper
• Fresh ground pepper

Toss the florets again, creating a flavor-packed coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with foil and spread the cauliflower out in a single layer.

No crowding allowed – each floret needs its personal space to get perfectly crispy.

Step 5: First Roast

Slide the baking sheet onto the top rack of the oven.

Let the cauliflower roast for 15 minutes, developing a gorgeous golden color and tender interior.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheese

While the cauliflower is roasting, grab your grater and shred the cheddar and parmesan cheeses into delicate, melty strands.

Step 7: Cheese Finale

Pull the cauliflower out of the oven and generously shower it with the grated cheeses.

Return to the oven for 7-10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and crispy around the edges.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Scrape those crispy cheese bits from the pan – they’re the best part!

Transfer to a serving dish and get ready to enjoy a side dish that’ll steal the show at any meal.

Tips for Crispy Cauliflower With Cheddar & Parmesan

• Cut large cauliflower florets in half to ensure even cooking and maximum crispy edges.
• Use a large bowl to drizzle and toss olive oil, guaranteeing each piece gets a perfect coating for ultimate crispiness.
• Mix Old Bay and chili pepper for a flavor-packed punch that elevates the cauliflower from basic to brilliant.
• Grate cheeses fresh for the best melting quality and sprinkle after initial roasting to prevent burning.
• Spread florets in a single layer on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.

Cheddar Parmesan Cauliflower Variations Worth Trying

• Vegan Cauliflower Crunch: Replace cheddar and parmesan with nutritional yeast and crushed cashew parmesan for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy Mediterranean Roast: Swap Old Bay for za'atar seasoning, add smoked paprika, and sprinkle feta cheese instead of cheddar.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Keep original recipe, increase olive oil, and use extra-sharp aged cheddar for higher fat content.
• Herb-Infused Cauliflower: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder to enhance the roasted vegetable's flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Present Roasted Cauliflower Side

• Cheese Lover's Delight: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or aged parmesan on top for an intense flavor burst that elevates the crispy cauliflower.
• Quick Side Dish Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite protein for a complete meal.
• Dipping Sauce Sensation: Create a zesty garlic aioli or tangy sriracha mayo to complement the roasted cauliflower's crispy texture and cheesy goodness.
• Garnish Glory: Finish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a bright, fresh note and beautiful green color to the golden-brown dish.

Best Practices for Storing Roasted Cauliflower Sides

• Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Spread cold cauliflower on a baking sheet, bake at 375F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Wrap completely cooled cauliflower in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Sprinkle fresh cheese when reheating to revive flavor and add extra crunch. Avoid overheating to prevent burning cheese.

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy roasted cauliflower delivers a Mediterranean-inspired sensation that elevates humble vegetables into a culinary masterpiece. Garlic, herbs, and olive oil create irresistible golden edges you cannot resist savoring with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets (slice large pieces in half)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 ounces (113 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

• Fresh ground pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 450F (230C) and arrange the rack in the top position to ensure optimal roasting conditions.
2. Transform the whole cauliflower into bite-sized florets, strategically cutting larger pieces in half to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
3. Transfer florets into a spacious mixing bowl and generously coat with olive oil, using a gentle tossing motion to ensure complete coverage.
4. Enhance the cauliflower’s flavor profile by sprinkling Old Bay seasoning, chili pepper, and freshly ground black pepper, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and carefully arrange the seasoned florets in a single layer, preventing overcrowding to maximize crispiness.
6. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for precisely 15 minutes, allowing the edges to turn golden brown and develop a delightful crunch.
7. While the cauliflower roasts, finely grate both cheddar and parmesan cheeses, preparing them for the final flavor enhancement.
8. Carefully remove the partially roasted cauliflower and generously sprinkle the grated cheese mixture over the florets, returning to the oven for an additional 7-10 minutes.
9. Monitor the cauliflower until the cheese turns golden and crispy, creating a delectable caramelized crust.
10. Extract from the oven, scrape the crispy cheese fragments from the pan, and serve immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent steaming.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and avoid pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Replace Old Bay seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile, and use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheese alternative that maintains rich, savory notes.
• Watch closely during the final cheese-melting stage to prevent burning, as the high heat can quickly turn cheese from golden to bitter.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 471 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg