Crispy roasted cauliflower is a fantastic side dish that’s both healthy and packed with flavor. The key to getting that perfect crispy texture is a high heat roasting method and a little bit of oil. Here’s a simple recipe that will give you a deliciously crispy cauliflower every time:
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4-5 cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric (optional for color and extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra crispiness and flavor)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high roasting temperature is key to getting the cauliflower crispy.
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Season the Cauliflower:
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure each floret is evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Roast the Cauliflower:
- Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd the florets; they need space to crisp up. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges. The key here is to give the cauliflower space and allow it to brown, so don’t crowd the pan.
- Optional: Add Parmesan for Extra Crisp:
- About 5 minutes before the cauliflower is done, sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the florets. This will help the cauliflower crisp up even more and add a cheesy flavor.
- Serve:
- Once the cauliflower is crispy and browned, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or snack. It also pairs wonderfully with a dip like tzatziki, ranch, or even a lemon tahini sauce.
Tips:
- Extra Crispy: For even more crunch, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the cauliflower before roasting. This will help the cauliflower crisp up even more.
- Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices! You could add chili powder, cumin, or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
- Make It a Meal: You can turn this into a meal by adding some roasted chickpeas or drizzling it with a tahini dressing for extra protein and flavor.
This roasted cauliflower is perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. It’s a great, easy side that’s also perfect for meal prep.
Would you like to adjust the seasoning to fit a particular flavor profile, or is this good to go as is?