Oven Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Introduction
Oven roasted cauliflower is an easy and flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness and nuttiness of this versatile vegetable. With a simple blend of spices and a perfect roast, it crisps up beautifully without any fuss.

Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower (sliced into small florets or 1/2″ thick steaks)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground paprika
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Slice the cauliflower into 1/2″ thick steaks or break wedges into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Place the cauliflower in the center of the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and melted butter, then toss to combine evenly.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning over the cauliflower and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Step 5: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and crispy to your liking.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, turn the cauliflower halfway through roasting.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan after roasting for added flavor.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky twist.
Storage
Store leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350˚F oven for 5-10 minutes to regain crispness, or warm gently in a skillet.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Fresh cauliflower works best for roasting, but if using frozen, thaw and thoroughly drain it before roasting to avoid sogginess.
How do I know when the cauliflower is done?
The cauliflower is done when it is tender inside and has golden, crispy edges. You can test tenderness by piercing with a fork.
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Oven Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Oven Roasted Cauliflower recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy cauliflower with a crispy, flavorful coating of olive oil, melted butter, and a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Perfect as a healthy side dish or a snack.
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 medium cauliflower, sliced into small florets or 1/2” thick steaks
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp ground paprika
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Slice the cauliflower head into 1/2″ thick steaks or break into evenly sized bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking.
- Coat Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower pieces in the center of the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and melted butter, then toss well to coat each piece evenly.
- Season Cauliflower: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the cauliflower and toss again to distribute the spices thoroughly.
- Roast Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower evenly on the baking sheet, making sure pieces are in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and crispy to your liking.
Notes
- Cut cauliflower into uniform sizes to ensure even roasting.
- You can adjust the seasoning amounts to taste or add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter with more olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- Serve hot as a side dish, or let cool and use it in salads or grain bowls.
- For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower for the last 2-3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Oven roasted cauliflower, roasted cauliflower recipe, healthy side dish, garlic paprika cauliflower, crispy cauliflower

