Easy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

I recently experimented with a new take on easy roasted cauliflower that quickly won me over. I tossed cauliflower florets with olive oil, melted butter, salt, pepper, and hints of garlic powder and smoked paprika. Curious how to roast cauliflower in the oven? This simple recipe brings a delicious twist to your table.

I was really excited to share my take on an Easy Roasted Cauliflower recipe that turns out super tasty every time I make it. I start with a medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets, and toss it with 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and if you’re like me, a little 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to amp up the flavor. I love how the butter and olive oil work together to caramelize the cauliflower in the oven to leave it crisp-tender, and you can even try different seasonings if you have other things on hand.

Whether you’re searching for a guide on how to roast cauliflower in the oven or just need a simple roasted veggie side dish, this recipe is a go-to that never disappoints. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, I love how simple it is to make, but still packs so much flavor. I can just toss in whatever seasonings I’ve got lying around, which makes it super customizable. Second, the combo of olive oil and butter really gives the cauliflower a caramelized, crispy texture that I just can’t get enough of. Third, the whole process is really easy and doesn’t take long at all, so it’s perfect for when I’m hungry and don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. Lastly, it always turns out great—even when I’m not super confident in my cooking skills, which makes me feel pretty proud every time I whip it up.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower: A low calorie veggie packed with fiber and vitamins that helps keep you full and strong.
• Olive oil: A healthy fat that crisps up the florets and gives a rich, smooth flavor.
• Melted butter: Adds a creamy, indulgent touch that really enhances the other spices.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that naturally boost the dish while keeping it simple and tasty.
• Garlic powder: An optional spice that brings a warm, zesty kick to every bite.
• Smoked paprika: An optional addition that offers a subtle, smoky taste which is simply unforgettable.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional garlic powder, about 1/2 teaspoon
• Optional smoked paprika, about 1/2 teaspoon

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F, so it’s nice and hot when you put the cauliflower in.

2. Cut a medium head of cauliflower into florets, trying to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

3. In a big mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower with 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

4. Sprinkle over salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and if you like, add about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.

5. If you want a little smoky flavor, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika as well.

6. Stir everything together until all the florets are nicely coated.

7. Spread the cauliflower out on a baking sheet in a single layer; this helps them get crispy on the edges.

8. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, and give them a stir halfway through the cooking time so they brown evenly.

9. Check that the cauliflower is tender and has browned nicely, if not, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

10. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a minute or two then serve and enjoy your awesome roasted cauliflower!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven for preheating and roasting the cauliflower
2. Cutting board for chopping the cauliflower evenly
3. Chef’s knife to cut the cauliflower into florets
4. Large mixing bowl to toss the cauliflower with oils and spices
5. Measuring spoons for the olive oil, melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika
6. Baking sheet to spread the cauliflower in a single layer
7. Spatula or tongs to stir the cauliflower during roasting

FAQ

Easy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of olive oil, you can try using avocado oil or even coconut oil if you want a slightly different flavor.
• If you’re out of butter, swapping it for ghee or extra coconut oil can work fine too.
• You can use sea salt or kosher salt in place of regular salt, depending on your taste.
• For garlic powder, using fresh minced garlic is a great option; just adjust the amount to taste.
• If smoked paprika isnt available, try regular paprika mixed with a pinch of cumin for a hint of smokiness.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the cauliflower is as dry as possible before you toss it in the oil and butter because any extra water can keep it from getting that crispy edge you really want.

2. If you have one, use a baking stone or preheat your baking sheet in the oven first so that the cauliflower starts sizzling the moment it hits the pan which helps it roast even better.

3. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your spices. A little squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes after roasting can add a fresh kick to the dish.

4. When you stir the cauliflower halfway through, use a gentle touch so you dont end up breaking the florets; keeping them whole gives you a better texture overall.