1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Rinse the cauliflower and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even roasting.
3. Season the Cauliflower:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss again, making sure the cheese sticks to the cauliflower.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure that the florets are not overcrowded; this allows them to roast evenly and get crispy.
5. Roast the Cauliflower:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, or until the florets are tender and golden brown. Halfway through roasting, toss the cauliflower to ensure even cooking.
6. Serve:
- Once roasted to perfection, remove the cauliflower from the oven. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
- Even Cutting: Make sure to cut the cauliflower florets into even sizes to ensure they roast at the same rate.
- Parmesan Cheese: For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-packaged grated Parmesan can be used in a pinch, but freshly grated offers superior flavor and texture.
- High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature (425°F) helps to achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Toss Midway: Tossing the cauliflower halfway through roasting ensures even browning on all sides.
- Add a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of Parmesan cheese and a blend of herbs gives the cauliflower a savory, rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Crispy Texture: Roasting at high heat ensures that the cauliflower gets crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
- Healthy: Cauliflower is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making this dish a healthy alternative to traditional side dishes.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with a wide range of main courses, from grilled chicken to steak, or can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Garlic Cauliflower: Add fresh minced garlic and a variety of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a more aromatic dish.
- Cheesy Twist: Top the roasted cauliflower with a sprinkle of mozzarella or cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a cheesy, melty finish.
This Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. With its crispy edges, cheesy flavor, and tender interior, it’s bound to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a snack, this recipe is a surefire way to turn cauliflower into a crowd-pleaser!