This Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan cheese is the kind of recipe that looks impressive, but couldn't be easier to make. The outside becomes crispy and golden while the inside stays perfectly tender. This creates a flavorful dish that works as a side or a hearty vegetarian main course.
Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that can do it all because it is mild enough to take on bold flavors, hearty enough to feel satisfying, and it roasts up beautifully. Plus, this is naturally low-carb and packed with nutrients. It tastes great, and it feels good to eat it!!.
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Ingredients
To make Oven roasted cauliflower, you'll need these easy-to-find items
- Cauliflower - the main character. It is ready to turn crispy and golden!
- Dijon Mustard - the secret ingredient that makes everything taste fancy.
- Olive Oil - the magic maker that helps everything roast up perfectly.
- Parmesan Cheese - Salty, cheesy goodness that creates the crave-worthy crispy out.
- Garlic Powder - a little sprinkle equals big flavor
- Salt & Pepper - Brining everything together to make flavors pop
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to make Oven roasted Cauliflower
Everything you need to know is laid out in these easy-to-follow steps, in fact, this is the easiest cauliflower side dish you can make!
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove leaves from the cauliflower and cut off the bottom. (You're looking for a flat stable base)
- Slowly drizzle oil into the dijon mustard, whisking vigorously. It should become thick and smooth.
- With a pastry brush, paint the entire cauliflower with the mixture. Then, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the prepped cauliflower in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
- Pull the cauliflower out of the oven and cover it with shredded parmesan cheese. Bake for another 30 minutes. Enjoy!
Equipment and Supplies
- Whisk - A large enough whisk makes a difference. This 10-inch whisk is long enough to get into a large stock pot without burning my hand.
- Pastry Brush - Silicone brushes are easy to clean and easy to use! Makes coating food with flavor simple.
- Cheese Grater - I love my KitchenAid grater! It's easy to clean and comes with a measuring cup. Win-win!
Emulsifying Mustard
This process is often used in making dressings and marinades; basically, it allows things to be mixed that are normally hard to mix (like oil and vinegar). Mustard is the perfect way to do this! All you have to do is whisk.
Emulsion Recipe For a Vinaigrette:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1-2 tablespoon Vinegar or Lemon Juice
- ½ Cup Olive Oil
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder...)
Here are the steps:
- 1: Whisk together mustard and vinegar (or lemon juice).
- 2: Slowly drizzle and whisk in olive oil. Whisk intensely! It should become thick and smooth.
- 3: Stir in seasonings.
Serving Ideas
How to serve oven roasted Cauliflower
- Classic Serving Ideas
- A simple side dish - serve this oven roasted cauliflower next to Baked BBQ chicken legs, steak, pork chops, or salmon. It fits almost everything.
- With a main & grain - pair it with rice, quinoa, or risotto for a balanced dinner.
- On a veggie plate - Add it to a spread with roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels for a colorful meal.
- With a dipping sauce - because this crispy roasted cauliflower deserves a dip! Our buttermilk ranch, easy southwest ranch, or Dijon yogurt sauce are winners.
- Fun and creative Serving Ideas
- Cauliflower "steak" night - Roast thick slices and serve like steak with a drizzle of sauce and herbs.
- Tossed into a salad - Let it cool slightly, then chop and throw it into a kale or spinach salad.
- Roasted Cauliflower Pasta - Toss into pasta with garlic, olive oil, parmesan and red pepper flakes.
Optional fun extras
- Paprika - adds warm flavor and a little extra glow
- Lemon - a bright squeeze at the end for a chef's kiss finish
- Parsley - the finishing touch that makes it look fancy with zero effort
- Red Pepper Flakes - for when you want your cauliflower to have a little attitude
Storing Leftovers
In the fridge
To store leftovers, place the Oven Roasted Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just know it may soften slightly as it sits, but the flavor is fantastic.
In the Freezer
Yes, you can freeze it! Let the cauliflower cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
Air Fryer (Fast and extra crispy) - Air fry at 375°F for 4-6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Oven - Reheat at 400°F for 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet until warmed through and crispy again.
Microwave -(Quickest way) Microwave in 30-second bursts until hot. It won't be crispy; however, it's still tasty if you are in a hurry.
More Sides
Video of Recipe
Recipe
Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese
Equipment
- Oven
- Cheese Grater
- Whisk
Ingredients
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- ¾ teaspoon Pepper
- ¾ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ¼ Cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ Cup Olive oil
- 1 Medium Cauliflower
- 1½ Cups Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove leaves from the cauliflower and cut off the bottom. (You're looking for a flat stable base)
- Slowly drizzle oil into the dijon mustard whisking vigorously. It should become thick and smooth.
- With a pastry brush, paint the entire cauliflower with the mixture. Then, season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Place prepped cauliflower in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
- Pull cauliflower out of the oven and cover with shredded parmesan cheese. Bake for another 30 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it won't get quite as crispy. Roast it straight from frozen at 450°F and expect it to release more moisture. It will still be delicious, just softer.
Use freshly grated Parmesan and don't roast it too long. Make sure to add the Parmesan during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
Nope, roasting it raw is the best way to keep it flavorful and crispy edges. Boiling will make it mushy!
Chef Tim Clowers says
This is the easiest recipe thats healthy that you will love.