Description

Whole roasted cauliflower is a stunning and delicious centerpiece that can elevate any meal. With its golden garlic butter crust, this dish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a perfect addition to holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this versatile vegetable can serve as an impressive side dish or even a satisfying vegetarian main course.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head cauliflower (about 2–3 pounds)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
4 large garlic cloves (finely minced)
1.5 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives)
Flaky sea salt for finishing
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Remove leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem flat.
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, sea salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
Coat the cauliflower with the garlic butter mixture thoroughly.
Place in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish and cover loosely with foil.
Roast for 40-45 minutes. Remove foil, baste with pan drippings, reduce temperature to 375°F, and continue roasting uncovered for another 20-25 minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking until golden brown.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Vegetarian Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of the whole cauliflower (approximately 150g)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg