This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower recipe transforms simple cauliflower florets into a golden, crunchy delight. Roasted at high heat, the cauliflower develops a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. Seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is packed with flavor and makes for a perfect side or snack. Whether you’re serving it alongside a main course or enjoying it as a standalone appetizer, this recipe is easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Roasted Cauliflower:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon (for serving)
Instructions:
Preparing the Cauliflower:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil until well coated.
- Season and Coat: In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle this mixture over the cauliflower and toss until evenly coated.
- Bake Until Crispy: Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Enjoy this crispy roasted cauliflower on its own or pair it with your favorite dipping sauce!
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer Platter: Serve with a creamy dipping sauce like garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy tahini.
- Taco Filling: Use the crispy cauliflower as a filling in warm tortillas with avocado, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
- Grain Bowl Topping: Add it on top of quinoa or rice bowls with fresh veggies, hummus, and a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing.
Additional Tips:
- Even Roasting: Cut cauliflower florets into similar sizes to ensure even roasting. Smaller florets will crisp up more, while larger ones might stay a bit more tender inside.
- Flip for Crispiness: Be sure to flip the cauliflower halfway through roasting to get that golden-brown crunch on all sides.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the florets in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting, which reduces the crispiness.
This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a delicious side, this recipe delivers crunch and taste in every bite! 🥦🔥
You can find more inspiration here.