This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, caramelized cauliflower florets with a flavorful blend of seasonings. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with almost anything.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower and cut it into even-sized florets. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Season the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the florets are well coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent them from getting crispy.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can flip the florets halfway through the cooking time. If your oven has a broil setting, you can broil for the last few minutes to get extra browning, but watch closely so they don’t burn.
- Serve: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and let it cool slightly. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cauliflower, if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.
Tips for Extra Crispiness:
- Dry the Cauliflower: Ensure the cauliflower florets are as dry as possible before seasoning. Excess moisture will steam the cauliflower instead of roasting it.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give the cauliflower plenty of space on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp the florets.
- High Heat: Roasting at a higher temperature helps to caramelize the cauliflower and create crispy edges.
- Flip Halfway: Flipping the florets halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides.
Enjoy your delicious crispy roasted cauliflower!