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Looking for the perfect quick and easy side dish? Try this delicious 4-ingredient roasted cauliflower recipe. Yup, just FOUR ingredients! Not only is it simple to make, but it's also super healthy and packed with flavor. Plus, it's a great way to get kiddos to eat their veggies!
Cauliflower is a staple in our household. My husband hates the smell of roasting broccoli so a lot of the time I swap it out with it's lighter colored "equivalent". I have quite a few cauliflower based recipes but this is the simplest, quickest and easiest! With just four pantry staples and 25 minutes of your time, you can transform a boring head of cauliflower into a delicious, easy peezy side dish.
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Ingredients
It's all in the title: just four ingredients! Apart from the cauliflower itself, they are super pantry friendly ones too:
- Fresh cauliflower, sliced
- Coarse salt
- Ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
That's literally it! Of course, feel free to add other spices (see the Tips and Tricks section), and garnishes as you desire. I used a little sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.
Roasted Cauliflower Variations
Try experimenting with different spices! A half a teaspoon or so of smoked paprika or cumin adds a little smoky depth, while some curry powder gives this 4-ingredient roasted cauliflower a delicious Indian flair. If you're looking for a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes should do the trick. For a more herbaceous flavor, try some roughly chopped fresh thyme or rosemary.
Another trick to enhance the flavor is to roast the cauliflower with some garlic cloves and onions. The caramelized sweetness of the onions and the savory flavor of garlic will elevate the dish to new heights. You can also add some Parmesan cheese or extra yums or breadcrumbs for more crunch and texture.
Don't forget to use a high-quality olive oil for roasting. It not only adds flavor but also helps the cauliflower caramelize and crisp up.
FAQs About This Recipe
Yes, roasted cauliflower can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for a few minutes until heated through. You can also prep the dish in its entirety up to 4 days in advance. Complete step 2 of the recipe and cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap to store in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.
Absolutely! Roasting vegetables together is a great way to save time and add variety to your meal. Some good options to consider are broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
The cauliflower should be tender and lightly browned when it's done. You can test it by piercing it with a fork or knife. If it's easily pierced, it's ready to eat.
More Cauliflower Ideas
Looking for something a little more involved? Check out the options below. But if you're ready to give this 4-ingredient roasted cauliflower a go, scroll down for the recipe!
- Healthy Winter Green Salad
- Cauliflower Sweet Potato Coconut Curry
- Ligthened Up Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower Mash
- Roasted Parmesan Broccoli and Cauliflower
4-Ingredient Roasted Cauliflower
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Looking for the perfect quick and easy side dish? Try this deliciously roasted cauliflower recipe with just FOUR ingredients! Not only is it simple to make, but it's also super healthy and packed with flavor. Plus, it's a great way to get kiddos to eat their veggies!
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cored and sliced (about 1 ½ lbs) OR 1 ½ lbs fresh cauliflower florets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes, if desired
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F. Grease or prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss sliced cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper, until coated. Tip onto the baking sheet and arrange in an even layer.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until cauliflower is fork tender and the edges have begun to brown.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chili flakes if using and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
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