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Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Whole Roasted Cauliflower That Will Wow Your Guests

Enjoy a stunning Whole Roasted Cauliflower that is visually impressive and deliciously flavorful, perfect for any dinner setting.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower
  • 1 medium head Cauliflower Opt for a medium head for optimal roasting and visual impact.
For the Seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds moisture and aids in achieving that golden roast; avocado oil works well as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Creates a savory crust for added flavor; alternatively, use Romano or Asiago cheese.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (melted) Enhances richness; for a dairy-free version, swap it with more olive oil.
  • 4 cloves Garlic (grated) Infuses aromatic flavor; freshly grated garlic is preferred, but powdered can do in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Delivers a subtle smoky taste; regular paprika is a good backup if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Adds pleasant herbal notes; you can easily replace it with oregano or Italian seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing flavor; adjust according to your taste preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adds the right amount of heat; white pepper is a nice alternative if desired.

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Whole Roasted Cauliflower
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Gently wash the cauliflower under cold water, ensuring it’s clean. Trim the stem and leaves while being careful not to cut off the florets.
  3. Place the prepared cauliflower in the center of your Dutch oven or large pot, making sure the stem side is facing up.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, grated garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Using a brush or spoon, apply half of the seasoning mixture under the cauliflower, working it between the florets where possible.
  6. Carefully flip the cauliflower so the stem side is facing down and use the remaining seasoning to coat the top and sides generously.
  7. Cover the Dutch oven or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes.
  8. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the lid and raise the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Return the uncovered cauliflower to the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
  9. Once cooked to perfection, remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into wedges and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1whole cauliflowerCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.7mg

Notes

Select a medium head with tight florets for the best texture and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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