Oven-Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Paprika, and Parmesan Recipe
This baked cauliflower recipe delivers crispy, golden florets seasoned with garlic, paprika, and optional Parmesan cheese, making for a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 head of cauliflower (chopped into bite-sized florets)
Seasoning
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Toppings (Optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for a nutty, cheesy finish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that golden crispiness on the cauliflower.
- Prepare Your Cauliflower: Place the chopped cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss well using your hands or tongs to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Spread and Roast: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer without overlapping to promote even roasting.
- Bake to Perfection: Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through cooking to help achieve crisp edges and a golden color.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the cauliflower during the last 5 minutes of baking to let it melt and crisp up nicely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with dips like ranch or garlic aioli for added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower florets are spread out in a single layer to maximize crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to taste for salt and spices.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a delightful nutty flavor.
- Flipping halfway through cooking helps the cauliflower cook evenly and develop crisp edges.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for best texture.
Keywords: baked cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, healthy side dish, easy vegetable recipe, Parmesan cauliflower, garlic paprika cauliflower
