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This Parmesan Oven Roasted Cauliflower is one of my favorite easy ways to make cauliflower. The florets are tossed with olive oil, garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika, then roasted until tender and golden before being finished with Parmesan cheese. It takes just 5 minutes to prep and makes an easy side dish for just about any dinner.
With five kids, I’m always looking for simple ways to get more vegetables on the dinner table, and this is one cauliflower recipe my family actually enjoys. My nutrition coaching background also makes me appreciate how easy it is to put together with a handful of simple ingredients, and it pairs well with chicken, fish, beef, or just about any main dish.
You may also like my air fryer BBQ cauliflower wings or my air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites. If you want something cheesier and more casserole-like, try my Baked Cauliflower Parmesan.
Recipe Overview
Ingredients needed
Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make this recipe. Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.
- Cauliflower: Use one large head of cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they roast evenly.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the cauliflower brown and gives the seasonings something to stick to. Avocado oil also works well.
- Garlic Powder: I prefer garlic powder in this recipe because it coats the cauliflower evenly and is less likely to burn than fresh garlic at high heat.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and gives the cauliflower a beautiful golden color.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan is added halfway through roasting so it has time to melt and brown without burning. Freshly grated Parmesan works especially well.
- Fresh Parsley: Parsley is optional, but I like adding it at the end for a little freshness and color.
Do You Need to Wash Cauliflower Before Roasting?
Yes. I recommend rinsing the cauliflower under cool water, then drying it thoroughly before roasting.
This is especially important for roasted cauliflower because excess water can create steam, preventing the florets from browning properly.
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower?
Yes, but fresh cauliflower will give you the best texture. If using frozen cauliflower, don’t thaw it first. Spread the frozen florets directly onto a hot baking sheet and expect them to need a little extra roasting time.
You may not get quite the same crispy edges as you would with fresh cauliflower, but it’s still a convenient option.
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower
Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cauliflower florets into a large bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with all the seasonings. Using clean hands, toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet and arrange in a single layer.
Roast for 15 minutes, then sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes more, or until crisp-tender. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!
How to Get Crispy Roasted Cauliflower
The biggest trick is not overcrowding the baking sheet.
Spread the cauliflower in a single layer, leaving a little space between the florets. If they’re packed too closely together, the cauliflower will steam instead of roast.
Also, make sure the cauliflower is dry before tossing it with the oil and seasonings. Too much moisture can prevent those golden, crispy edges from forming. For even more browning, roast the cauliflower on a preheated baking sheet.
What’s the Difference Between Roasting and Baking Cauliflower?
For this recipe, the terms are often used interchangeably because the cauliflower is cooked in a hot oven.
The key is the 400°F temperature and how you spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet. Giving the florets enough room helps them brown and develop those crispy edges.
Easy Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.
- Add More Garlic: For a stronger garlic flavor, add a little extra garlic powder.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Add Lemon: Finish the roasted cauliflower with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Try Different Cheese: A little crumbled feta or shredded Pecorino Romano would also be delicious.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Parsley is great, but fresh dill, basil, or chives can also work.
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Add the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer. Work in batches if needed so the basket isn’t overcrowded.
Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. Add the Parmesan during the last few minutes of cooking and continue air frying until the cauliflower is tender and golden. Every air fryer is a little different, so start checking around 15 minutes.
Common Questions
The most common reasons are overcrowding the baking sheet, not drying the cauliflower well, or adding too much moisture. Give the florets plenty of space and roast them in a single layer.
The quick answer is yes, you can. Make sure the cauliflower is fresh, with no brown spots or funky smell. Cut the cauliflower into florets, wash, and pat dry. Place into freezer bags and freeze for 6-8 months.
Yes. You can roast frozen cauliflower directly from frozen, though fresh cauliflower usually gives you crispier edges.
Absolutely. The cauliflower is still delicious with just the olive oil and seasonings. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan if preferred.
I recommend garlic powder for this recipe because fresh garlic can burn during the longer roasting time. If you want to use fresh garlic, add it later in the cooking process. If you prefer a stronger fresh garlic flavor, try my Roasted Garlic Cauliflower.
More Cauliflower Recipes
- Baked Cauliflower Parmesan
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Pizza Crust
- Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Cauliflower Potato Salad
How to Store them
Store leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cauliflower will soften slightly in the refrigerator, but you can crisp it back up when you reheat it.
How to Reheat Roasted Cauliflower
For the best texture, reheat the cauliflower in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.
Air fry at 375°F for 4-6 minutes, or roast in a 400°F oven until heated through and crisp around the edges.
You may also like
- Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- Balsamic Chicken Caprese
- Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
- Greek Chicken Bowl
- Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
- Easy Honey Garlic Chicken
- Chicken Scampi with zoodles
If you try a recipe and like it, leave me feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate it! I would love it if you shared it with friends and family.
Parmesan Oven-Roasted Cauliflower
Video
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oi
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Place the 1 large head of cauliflower into florets into a large bowl.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oi, and sprinkle with all the seasonings (Kosher salt and black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika). Using your clean hands toss well to get all pieces evenly coated.
- Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet and arrange in a single layer.
- Roast for 15 minutes, then sprinkle with the ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes more, or until crisp and tender.
- Garnish with chopped Fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cut the cauliflower into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly.
- Pat the cauliflower dry after washing for better browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, or the cauliflower may steam instead of roast.
- Add the Parmesan halfway through roasting so it doesn’t burn.
- Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic to prevent burning.
- Add extra roasting time if you prefer your cauliflower more crispy.
- Avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil.
- Skip the Parmesan or use dairy-free Parmesan to make it vegan.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If I could give this 6 stars, I would. Fabulous flavor, delicious and easy way to spruce up cauliflower. If you don’t want to add the cheese, it is still really good. Thank you! !
Thanks for such nice feedback Lisa. Appreciate it
I think there’s a typo in this. “If you prefer to bake these cauliflowers instead of roasting, you can set the oven temperate on Bake at 400 F. Halfway through add the cauliflower and follow the same directions.?” I assume you mean to add the cheese halfway through. Otherwise, what would be in the pan in the first half of the time? Also, not sure what the difference is between roasting and baking in the oven. Thanks for your clarifications.
Yes, it would be add the cheese not cauliflower, I will fix that. As foe baking or roasting, if roasting it will char and crisp mush quicker. I honetsly just prefer convection baking.
Thank you for this outstanding
recipe! I’ve been eyeballing it for a couple of weeks and finally made it . It is amazing! I can’t praise it enough!
so glad you guys loved it
I made this yesterday and it was delicious! I added curry to the spice mix.
Glad you liked it
what is the difference between roasting and baking???
Per Instructions: “If you prefer to bake these cauliflowers instead of roasting, you can set the oven temperate on Bake at 400 F. Halfway through add the cauliflower and follow the same directions.”
I have the same question. I put these on the top rack of the oven, which I think gets a more concentrated heat. At any rate, this recipe has become a favorite for friends and family!
These look great! How is “roast” different than “bake” if the temperature and instructions are all the same?
Hi Jane. If your oven doesn’t have the roast option just bake it. Should be almost the same.