Achieve perfectly caramelized and crispy roasted cauliflower florets with this simple and flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower and break it into florets. Ensure the florets are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Season the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the cauliflower is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent browning and crisping.
- Roast: Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cauliflower cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Tips for Extra Crispy Cauliflower:
- Ensure the cauliflower florets are dry before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Flip the florets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- For an even more intense carmelization, you can raise the oven temperature to 425F for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- For an added layer of flavor, a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking is wonderful.
Enjoy your delicious crispy roasted cauliflower!