Baked cauliflower

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This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Cauliflower transforms a simple head of cauliflower into a savory, golden, and addictive side dish or snack. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the cauliflower while giving it a wonderful crispy edge and tender center.

Prep and Cook Times

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 25–30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, washed, dried, and cut into bite-sized florets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus a pinch for finishing)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray (roasting directly on a slightly oiled metal sheet also helps get nice, crispy edges).

2. Season the Cauliflower

  1. Pat the cauliflower florets completely dry with a paper towel (dry florets roast much better than wet ones).
  2. Place the florets into a large bowl. Drizzle evenly with the olive oil and toss to coat.
  3. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano, tossing again until every piece is well seasoned.

3. Add the Parmesan and Roast

  1. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower and toss gently.
  2. Spread the florets out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded, or they will steam instead of roast!
  3. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the florets.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping or stirring halfway through, until the cauliflower is fork-tender and the cheese and edges are a deep, golden brown and crispy.
  2. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired, and serve warm!
Pro-Tip: For an extra crispy crunch, turn your oven to broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking—just keep a close eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn!

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