Easy Roasted Cauliflower
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Sometimes we all just need an easy side dish that is really quick to make, and this Easy Roasted Cauliflower fits the bill perfectly. The trick to this dish is really in the roasting. The cauliflower needs plenty of time in the oven and you flip it several times during the cooking process.
Easy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe:
This Simple Roasted Cauliflower recipe is so easy that it should not even qualify as a recipe! But I have to admit, I LOVE recipes like this one that allow me to take a few easy ingredients and make something yummy. Just be sure to allow plenty of time for this to be in the oven as it’s not one of those fast cooking dishes!
Barbara makes this all the time and has had countless friends ask how she makes it. It is even an inside joke with one friend when they are getting together that Barbara “will bring the cauliflower.”
If you are making dinner for a crowd, use two or even three heads of cauliflower and add a bit more olive oil, salt and pepper and you will have a great side dish to feed the masses. Add a small bowl of ranch to the table and the kids (and adults) will love dipping this roasted cauliflower in their favorite dressing. If you’ve jumped on the air fryer band-wagon, learn how to roast your cauliflower using it in this air-fryer cauliflower post.
If you have a head of cauliflower, and want to go a different direction try Ranch Cauliflower Salad, Mashed Cauliflower, or Crunchy Pea Salad with Cauliflower.
How to Make Easy Roasted Cauliflower:
- Preheat oven.
- Break up the head of cauliflower into small florets.
- Drizzle with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast until lightly browned and soft.
For the full recipe and ingredient list for the best ever roasted cauliflower, scroll to the bottom of the page.Â
Sometimes the simplest of recipes can be one of the best tasting dishes. While our Easy Roasted Cauliflower only uses olive oil, salt and pepper for seasoning, it is still full of flavor.
A big reason for this is leaving it in a hot oven for a good amount of time to allow the cauliflower to crisp up and brown. But do not forget to flip the cauliflower three to four times so all sides get crispy!
What do you eat with roasted cauliflower?
Simple roasted cauliflower pairs perfectly with a perfectly grilled steak or Classic Sloppy Joes. Or if you are following a low carb diet, serve keto roasted cauliflower along side Keto Chicken Legs or Low Carb Lemon Chicken Salad.
How do you cut cauliflower for roasting?
For uniform sized pieces of cauliflower, cut out the core first. Then take your knife and cut off individual florets. If the florets are large in size, simply cut in half.
If you’re in a hurry, then you could also core the cauliflower and then cut into cauliflower steaks first. Next cut each cauliflower steak in to diced pieces of cauliflower.
Notes About Best Ever Roasted Cauliflower:
- Heads of cauliflower differ in size. If you are using an extra large head, use more olive oil.
- This simple roasted cauliflower recipe is an easy base. Try adding your favorite herbs and spices before roasting including thyme, basil, garlic salt, etc.
- Cauliflower is naturally low in carbs which makes it a great side dish for a keto or low carb diet.
- If you prefer your cauliflower to have a crunch to it, lower the amount of time in the oven. For a softer texture, cook longer.
Recipes for Roasted Vegetables
While these aren’t roasted, we highly recommend these Nutty Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!
Easy Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 3 - 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Rinse and dry cauliflower; break into small florets (Don't toss the stems. Instead, chop into small pieces).
- Add cauliflower, olive oil, salt and pepper to a bowl, and stir to evenly coat the cauliflower.
- Pour onto a roasting pan.
- Roast in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring and flipping cauliflower every 15 minutes.
- Cauliflower is done when it's lightly browned and fork tender.
Video
Notes
- Heads of cauliflower differ in size. If you are using an extra large head, use more olive oil.
- This simple roasted cauliflower recipe is an easy base. Try adding your favorite herbs and spices before roasting including thyme, basil, garlic salt, etc.Â
- Cauliflower is naturally low in carbs which makes it a great side dish for a keto or low carb diet.Â
- If you prefer your cauliflower to have a crunch to it, lower the amount of time in the oven. For a softer texture, cook longer.
- A big reason for this is leaving it in a hot oven for a good amount of time to allow the cauliflower to crisp up and brown.
- Do not forget to flip the cauliflower three to four times so all sides get crispy!
- Try this Easy Roasted Cauliflower with our Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches or Classic Sloppy Joes.
Nutrition
Linking up to Weekend Potluck.
