Roasted Cauliflower is one of those dishes that sounds humble until it comes out of the oven golden, crisp on the edges, and packed with flavour. The oven works a little magic here, turning a simple veg into something nutty, caramelised, and downright addictive. This is the kind of cauliflower people keep picking at straight from the tray.

What makes this version special is how little it asks of you while delivering big results. No complicated prep, no fancy ingredients, just smart seasoning and the right oven heat to coax out everything cauliflower does best. Whether you serve it as a side, pile it into bowls, or snack on it while pretending you are “just checking for doneness,” this one earns its spot on repeat.

Top view of Roasted cauliflower on a baking tray. - 1
  • Why People Love This Recipe
  • What Goes Into Roasted Cauliflower
  • Add-Ins and Swaps to Change Things Up
  • How To Make Roasted Cauliflower
  • Pro Tips for Extra-Golden Cauliflower
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Why People Love This Recipe

  • High heat roasting done right keeps the cauliflower tender inside while creating deeply golden edges that never turn soggy
  • Balanced seasoning means every floret is flavourful without being heavy or greasy
  • Minimal prep, maximum payoff since everything roasts together on one tray
  • Versatile enough for anything from a casual weeknight dinner to a holiday spread
  • Works beautifully as florets or a whole roasted cauliflower moment depending on how dramatic you feel

What Goes Into Roasted Cauliflower

Top shot of ingredients: Cauliflower, onion, garlic, olive oil, parmesan cheese, red pepper, pepper, salt. - 2

This roasted cauliflower recipe keeps things simple and flavorful. A handful of pantry staples transforms everyday cauliflower into a rich, golden, and crave-worthy side dish.

  • Cauliflower: One large head (about 2 pounds or 1 kilo), cut into florets, forms the hearty, nutty base of the dish.
  • Onion: Sliced or chopped, onion caramelizes as it roasts, adding sweet depth to every bite.
  • Garlic: Smashed or minced garlic infuses the dish with rich, savory flavor and roasts to golden perfection.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the cauliflower crisp up in the oven and adds a luscious, silky finish.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements

Add-Ins and Swaps to Change Things Up

If you want to tweak your oven roasted cauliflower without losing its soul, these options slide right in.

  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with roasted veg.
  • Lemon Zest: Brightens everything up and cuts through the richness right before serving.
  • Toasted Nuts: Almonds or pine nuts add crunch and make this feel a little fancy.
  • Tahini Drizzle: Turns this into something creamy and bold without overpowering the cauliflower.

How To Make Roasted Cauliflower

Lightly greased baking sheet. - 3
  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large, rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.
Cauliflower, mined garlic, and onion on a baking sheet. - 4
  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the cauliflower into florets and chop the onion. Mince the garlic, then place everything directly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Olive oil drizzled over the vegetables then sprinkled with salt, crushed red pepper, cracked black pepper. - 5
  1. Season and Toss: Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle salt, crushed red pepper, cracked black pepper. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Cauliflower on a baking sheet inside the oven. - 6
  1. Arrange and Roast: Spread the mixture out accross the baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to begin browning at the edges.
Cauliflower sprinkled with freshly grated parmesan cheese. - 7
  1. Add Parmesan and Continue Roasting: Remove the tray from the oven, sprinkle the vegetable with freshly grated parmesan cheese, and toss gently to combine.
Close-up shot of Roasted Cauliflower. - 8
  1. Finish and Serve: Return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and fork-tender. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish.

Serve it alongside grilled meats like Lemon Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce , Salmon with Creamy Dijon Sauce , or Cajun Butter Steak Bites for a well-rounded plate. It’s also perfect next to creamy pasta, hearty grain bowls, or even tucked into wraps and sandwiches for a flavorful veggie boost. Whether you’re keeping it light or going all-out, this cauliflower side brings golden, garlicky balance to the table.

Pro Tips for Extra-Golden Cauliflower

  • Make sure your oven is fully preheated before the tray goes in or you will miss out on those crispy edges
  • Space matters more than you think, so use two trays if needed rather than crowding one
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns far better than pre shredded varieties
  • For a whole roasted cauliflower look, roast it intact and baste with oil halfway through for even colour
  • Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch

The key is high heat and enough space. Roast at 425°F (220°C) and spread the cauliflower out in a single layer; crowding traps moisture and prevents crisping. Tossing in olive oil also helps achieve those caramelized, golden edges.

You can reheat leftovers in the microwave for a quick option, but for a crispier texture, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Cauliflower has a mild flavor that pairs well with garlic, onion, red pepper flakes, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and fresh herbs. In this cauliflower recipe, we use garlic, onion, olive oil, parmesan, and a bit of heat for maximum flavor.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe PIN - 9 Karina in a white and black dress with her hair blowing back, standing in front of her cooktop, cooking salmon in a pan - 10

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IngredientsUSMetric1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1 large cauliflower about 2 pounds OR 1 kilo, cut into florets
  • ▢ 1 large onion sliced or chopped
  • ▢ 6 cloves garlic smashed with the back of a knife, or minced
  • ▢ 1/4 cup olive oil
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese fresh grated
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons salt to taste
  • ▢ 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ▢ 1 pinch cracked pepper to season

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet. Combine cauliflower, onion and garlic on the baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper(s) to evenly coat.
  • Arrange in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and toss through cauliflower. Return to the oven to bake for a further 10-15 minutes until the cauliflower is caramelized on the edges and fork-tender.

Notes

  • PREHEAT OVEN: Make sure your oven is nice and hot so you get those caramelized edges, nutty flavour and a crispy result.
  • LIGHTLY GREASE or line your baking sheet with foil for quick and easy clean up.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Roasted Cauliflower resting on a baking tray for cauliflower soup - 11

Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients

  • 1 large cauliflower about 2 pounds OR 1 kilo, cut into florets
  • 1 large onion sliced or chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic smashed with the back of a knife, or minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese fresh grated
  • 2 teaspoons salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 pinch cracked pepper to season

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet. Combine cauliflower, onion and garlic on the baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper(s) to evenly coat.
  • Arrange in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and toss through cauliflower. Return to the oven to bake for a further 10-15 minutes until the cauliflower is caramelized on the edges and fork-tender.

Notes

  • PREHEAT OVEN: Make sure your oven is nice and hot so you get those caramelized edges, nutty flavour and a crispy result.
  • LIGHTLY GREASE or line your baking sheet with foil for quick and easy clean up.

Nutrition

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