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This easy Oven Roasted Cauliflower makes a fast and healthy side dish that can be on the table in about 25 minutes!
Cauliflower is an underrated vegetable – sure, people use it to make cauliflower rice and pizza crust and all that, but it deserves the spotlight as a tasty vegetable all by itself. I love how roasting cauliflower brings out the sweet flavors when the surfaces get browned and caramelized. As my sister says: it’s like if bread were a vegetable.
How to make the best oven roasted cauliflower
Roasting is hands down my favorite way to cook most vegetables. It is so easy and results in the best texture and taste. A few tips for making the best oven roasted cauliflower:
- Heat oven to 425 degrees F. A higher heat will help the cauliflower get nice and browned instead of steamed.
- Use a good baking sheet. I swear by THESE. I have 4 that I got as a wedding present 10 years ago and never use anything else
- After tossing the cauliflower in the oil and spices, arrange on the baking sheet with the flat edge down. This will mean more surface area of the cauliflower is touching the hot pan, therefore getting browned and delicious.
Ingredients for Roasted Cauliflower
With a little oil, salt and heat, cauliflower transforms into something you won’t be able to stop eating. This recipe uses simple ingredients, all you need is:
- Cauliflower
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Smoked paprika (optional)
What spices are good with roasted cauliflower?
I kept this roasted cauliflower very simple with just salt, pepper and smoked paprika. But there are so many different spices that would work here! I would also try this with curry powder, garam masala, garlic powder, or turmeric. Check out my Spiced Cauliflower and Chickpea Pitas for a different flavor profile!
What Temperature to Roast Cauliflower at?
To make sure the cauliflower roasts and gets nicely caramelized, roast at 425 degrees F.
How long to roast Cauliflower in the oven?
Roast cauliflower for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees F until the cauliflower is tender and easily pierced with a knife.
What to serve with roasted cauliflower
This makes a great side dish for almost anything, but I especially like it for saucy dishes. Try it with:
More side dishes you will love!
Oven Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower Leaves removed and cut into florets. 1-1.5 lbs after being cut up.
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- Pre heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup if desired. Set aside
- Add cauliflower florets to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika. Toss to fully coat all the cauliflower.
- Pour cauliflower onto the prepared baking sheet, pouring all the oil and spices over the cauliflower as well. Spread into an even layer. Flip the cauliflower pieces so that the flat side is facing down against the baking sheet when possible.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cauliflower is tender and easily pierced with a knife and starting to brown at edges.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
