I'm excited to share this simple and delicious Oven-Roasted Cauliflower Florets recipe. This easy side dish requires minimal prep time and just a few ingredients. If you are looking for an easy side to go with these roasted green beans with garlic or vegan colcannon, these perfectly seasoned cauliflower florets are what you have been looking for!
Cauliflower has never tasted so good! If you don't like this versatile vegetable, this recipe and my quick tips for making the best roasted cauliflower just might change your mind! It's so delicious and perfectly seasoned. For even more flavor, serve it with this Carrot-Top Chimichurri on the side or top it with Coconut Bacon. Another easy side dish you'll enjoy is Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice, Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes, or Air Fryer Shishito Peppers.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cauliflower is a healthy cruciferous vegetable with a high nutritional value, low in calories and is packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
- Prep the cauliflower in ten minutes - the oven will do the rest of the work.
- You need just a handful of pantry staples to make this oven roasted cauliflower recipe.
- This roasted cauliflower is a versatile and delicious side dish, making it a great option to put on weekly rotation. Add it to salads, buddha bowls, or enjoy it as a snack, it's that good! Another tasty snack you're sure to enjoy is this Vegan Cheesy Kale Chips recipe.
- Meal prep: Prepare the cauliflower ahead of time, refrigerate the cut florets for up to five days, and make the best cauliflower throughout the week!
I love the spice blend; it's so savory with just a hint of smokiness. Together with the crispy and caramelized cauliflower, it's the perfect side dish all year round!
- Adri
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients found at any grocery store that you need to make this oven- roasted cauliflower florets recipe:
- Cauliflower - Cut a fresh head of cauliflower into bite-sized, evenly-sized florets to ensure uniform roasting. If the florets are large, cut them in half.
- Extra-virgin olive oil - Olive oil helps achieve that perfect crispy texture while adding a rich flavor. Use a high-quality olive oil that can withstand baking temperatures. I use an everyday Spanish olive oil that works quite well.
- Smoked paprika enhances the flavor of the cauliflower along with the punch of the onion and garlic powders. Note that the spice and salt amounts in the recipe are for a large cauliflower. If your cauliflower is smaller, adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Freshly chopped parsley (not pictured, optional) adds color and freshness to the finished dish.
A complete ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
You can try a few variations on this oven-roasted cauliflower recipe. Switch up the flavors with your favorite seasonings!
- Cheesy - Sprinkle grated vegan Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower before roasting for a cheesy twist.
- Deluxe - Add crispy onions or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
- Dried Herbs - Toss the raw cauliflower florets with dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
- Garlic - Add a tablespoon of minced garlic to the olive oil.
- Olive oil - Use avocado oil, refined coconut oil, or melted vegan butter instead.
- Spices - Add red pepper flakes, turmeric, ground cumin, or curry powder.
- Toppings - Sprinkle the roasted cauliflower with chopped fresh cilantro instead of parsley, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of lemon juice.
- Vegetables - Add carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or potato.
How to Make Oven Roasted Cauliflower Florets
It's easy to make these oven-roasted cauliflower florets.
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. A hot oven ensures that your cauliflower gets crispy and golden brown. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the dry cauliflower florets in a medium-large bowl and toss with the extra-virgin olive oil.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the salt and spices.
- Step 3: Add the spice mixture to the cauliflower and toss. Make sure each floret is evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
- Step 4: Place the cauliflower florets in an even layer on the prepared sheet pan, leaving space between the florets. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
- Step 5: Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until the cauliflower edges are browning. At the halfway point, turn the baking sheet around. If you have small florets, check them at 15-20 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the roasted cauliflower florets to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
How To Tell If the Cauliflower is Done
The baking time will vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the cut florets. The roasted cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can also test for tenderness by piercing a floret with a fork.
Expert Tips
- Dry the cauliflower - Roll the cauliflower florets in a clean kitchen towel to ensure they are as dry as possible before tossing them with olive oil and spices to achieve the desired caramelized and crispy edges.
- Size - Cut the cauliflower florets in a uniform size.
- Avoid overcrowding - Spread the florets in a single layer and give them space. Overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to soggy cauliflower due to steaming.
- Use high heat - Roasting at a high temperature ensures that the cauliflower gets a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy edges.
How to Store Oven Roasted Cauliflower Florets
Leftover cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a 400°F oven until warmed through and crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Ensure your oven is hot enough; check with an oven thermometer. When roasting cauliflower florets, space between them is essential for the best texture. If they're touching, they'll likely steam instead of roast.
Yes, you can. Slice the cauliflower stem into pieces the size of the cauliflower and roast them. You can also add it to smoothies, soups, stews, or stir-fries.
Yes, cook the cauliflower in a preheated air fryer at 390˚ for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 3 minutes, until golden and tender.
Yes, you can. Thaw the cauliflower and pat it dry before roasting it. It may get less crispy, however.
Yes - broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes would be great additions.
Related Recipes
If you try this recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Oven Roasted Cauliflower Florets
EQUIPMENT
- colander
INGREDIENTS
- ½ large cauliflower cut into large florets and dried with a clean kitchen towel
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pink salt or sea salt, adjust amount to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cauliflower florets in a medium-large bowl and toss with the extra-virgin olive oil.½ large cauliflower, 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper.½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon pink salt, ¼ teaspoon ground smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Add the spice mixture to the cauliflower and toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
- Place the cauliflower florets, evenly spaced, on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the cauliflower edges are browning. Serve while hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
NOTES
- The roasting time will slightly vary depending on the size of the cauliflower florets and your oven. If the cauliflower florets are smaller, check them at 15-20 minutes.
- Make sure the cauliflower florets are dry (with a clean kitchen towel) before tossing them with olive oil and spices to get the caramelized edges.
- Give the cauliflower florets some space and leave room between them so they roast rather than steam.
- If doubling the recipe (using 1 large head cauliflower), use 2 baking sheets. Dry the cauliflower florets in a towel before seasoning. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until the cauliflower edges are browning.
- Note the spice and salt amounts are for a large cauliflower. If your cauliflower is smaller, adjust the seasoning accordingly.
NUTRITION
Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.
Adri says
I love the spice blend; it's so savory with just a hint of smokiness. Together with the crispy and caramelized cauliflower, it's the perfect side dish all year round!
Emily Miller says
Thank you so much, Adri, I am glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Harriet says
Loved these, especially with the smoked paprika. They were really savoury and delicious. Thank you!
Emily Miller says
Thanks so much, Harriet! I appreciate your taking the time to leave a review!
Monique says
This oven-roasted cauliflower recipe is a total winner! The florets turned out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Such a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect as a side or a main course. Definitely a new favorite!
Emily Miller says
Thank you so much, I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Heather says
These Oven Roasted Cauliflower Florets are a delicious and healthy side. The roasting brings out a great flavor and crispiness. Easy to make and always a hit. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
Emily Miller says
Thanks so much for leaving a review, Heather! I'm glad you enjoyed this roasted cauliflower recipe!
Emily Miller says
We love this versatile side dish, we hope you do as well. Let us know in the comments below!