Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Delight

$- Large head of cauliflower - Garlic cloves - Extra virgin olive oil - Onion powder - Smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish The main ingredients start with a large head of cauliflower. Choose one that feels heavy and firm. Next, you need garlic cloves. The more you use, the stronger the flavor. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps everything stick. For seasoning, use onion powder and smoked paprika. They bring depth to the dish. Always add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These simple spices make a big difference. Finally, the toppings. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives a savory kick. Don't forget about fresh parsley for garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. This dish is all about simple, bold flavors that come together beautifully. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. - In a bowl, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. - Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to blend the flavors. - Take 1 large head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets. - Add the florets to the bowl with the marinade. Toss them gently until they are well coated. - Spread the marinated cauliflower on the baking sheet in a single layer. - Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes. Stir halfway through for even cooking. - Once the cauliflower is golden and tender, take it out of the oven. - Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. - Return the baking sheet to the oven for 5 more minutes, letting the cheese melt. - After baking, remove the tray and add fresh parsley for a pop of color. Even roasting is key to a great dish. Spread your cauliflower florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly. Stir the florets halfway through for even browning. To achieve maximum flavor, coat all florets well with the marinade. Use your hands for better coverage. The garlic and spices really infuse into the cauliflower this way. Serve the roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower on a large, colorful platter. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for shine. This adds a nice touch and enhances flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley for visual appeal. The green color brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish. To prevent sogginess, make sure your cauliflower is dry before marinating. If you wash it, let it air dry or pat it with a towel. For cheese melting tips, add Parmesan right before the final cooking time. This way, it melts perfectly and gets bubbly without burning. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will provide a more vibrant and robust flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred garlic. Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste the marinade before adding the cauliflower. Adjust the salt and spices to suit your personal preference. Choose the Right Cauliflower: Select a cauliflower head that is firm and tightly packed with florets for the best texture when roasted. Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan adds great flavor, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or feta for a unique twist on the dish. {{image_4}} You can add different spices to change the taste. Try cayenne pepper for heat. Use Italian herbs for a fresh twist. You can also mix in some cumin for a warm flavor. Adding nuts or seeds can give a nice crunch. Pine nuts or sunflower seeds work well. They add texture and healthy fats. If you want a vegan option, swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. For gluten-free adjustments, check your spices. They should be certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Roast garlic Parmesan cauliflower pairs well with many dishes. Try it alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also works great with a fresh salad. For a creative serving idea, use it as a topping for baked potatoes. You can also serve it in tacos for a fun twist. To store your roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh in the fridge. You can keep it for about 3 to 4 days. For best quality, avoid stacking too high, as this can cause sogginess. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It will last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The best way to reheat roasted cauliflower is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed. This method helps keep the texture crispy. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check and stir between bursts. However, the oven is better for keeping that great crunch. Roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If it looks dry or has an off smell, it's best to toss it. Signs of spoilage include discoloration or a mushy texture. Always check carefully before eating leftovers. To make roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower, follow these steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. In a bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. 4. Add cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss well to coat. 5. Spread the coated florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. 6. Roast for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. 7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. 8. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts. 9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Frozen cauliflower is convenient and saves time. Just thaw it first, then pat it dry. This helps avoid sogginess. Fresh cauliflower gives a better texture but frozen works well. Roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower pairs great with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken or fish - Quinoa or rice dishes - A fresh green salad - Pasta for a hearty meal - As a topping for baked potatoes These pairings add variety and balance to your meal. Enjoy! Roasted garlic Parmesan cauliflower is an easy and tasty dish. We explored the main ingredients—cauliflower, garlic, and cheese—along with seasoning and cooking tips. You learned how to prepare, roast, and garnish your meal for great flavor and visual appeal. Don't forget to try variations for different tastes and dietary needs. Proper storage and reheating keep your dish fresh. With these steps, you can enjoy delicious cauliflower anytime. Now it's time to cook and savor each bite!$

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Delight

A delicious roasted cauliflower dish with garlic and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Vegetarian

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, onion powder, smoked paprika, along with a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
Introduce the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss them with your hands or a spatula until each floret is generously coated with the mixture, ensuring maximum flavor.
Carefully distribute the marinated cauliflower in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet for even roasting.
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25 minutes. Halfway through, take a moment to stir the cauliflower to promote even browning and tenderness.
Once the cauliflower has become tender and beautifully golden, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot cauliflower, allowing it to melt perfectly into the dish.
Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and has turned delightfully bubbly.
After baking, remove the tray once more and garnish the roasted cauliflower with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch and fresh flavor just before serving.

Notes

Serve on a large platter with extra olive oil and parsley for presentation.

Keyword cauliflower, garlic, Parmesan, roasted, vegetarian