This Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower is a tasty side dish that’s super easy to make! It’s loaded with buttery goodness and a burst of garlic flavor that everyone will love.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of this crunchy and golden veggie! Pair it with dinner, or just munch on it as a snack. You’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears! 🥦✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star ingredient! Look for fresh, firm heads without brown spots. If cauliflower isn’t available, you can use broccoli or Brussels sprouts as a tasty alternative.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. You can swap it for olive oil for a dairy-free version or use vegan butter to make it plant-based.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you could use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Minced garlic, however, really gives this dish that punch.
Paprika: While it’s optional, I love the hint of smokiness it provides. If you don’t have paprika, try using cayenne for heat or leave it out entirely if you prefer a simpler flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely salty touch, but you can leave it out. Nutritional yeast makes a great dairy-free substitute and has a cheesy flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Roast Cauliflower for Perfect Flavor and Texture?
Roasting cauliflower is an easy way to bring out its natural sweetness and achieve a nice crispness. Here are tips to make it perfectly!
- Make sure to cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Coat the cauliflower thoroughly in the garlic butter mixture to get every piece flavored. It’s the secret to that delicious taste!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the florets enough space to breathe. This allows for that lovely browning effect.
- Stirring halfway through the roasting time helps with even cooking and avoids burning any spots.
Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven. Total time is around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe that packs a lot of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will help your cauliflower roast perfectly and get that lovely golden brown color.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Give them a good stir together to make sure the garlic is evenly mixed into the butter.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the garlic butter mixture. Toss them gently to ensure every piece is coated well with the buttery goodness.
4. Season the Cauliflower:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using) over the cauliflower. Toss everything again to make sure the seasonings are spread evenly.
5. Arrange for Roasting:
Spread the cauliflower out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure there’s some space between the florets to help them roast evenly.
6. Roast the Cauliflower:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Stir the cauliflower halfway through to ensure it cooks uniformly. You want them to be golden brown and tender!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once roasted, remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and, if you like, add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower warm as a delicious side dish or a tasty snack. Everyone will love it!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before roasting to avoid extra moisture, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
What If I Don’t Have Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have paprika, you can skip it or replace it with a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat, or even smoked paprika if you have it. The dish will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain some crispiness, or gently in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil. You can skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to stay dairy-free.
