Description

Whole roasted cauliflower is a stunning and delicious centerpiece that will elevate any meal. This recipe transforms a simple head of cauliflower into a crispy, golden dish infused with rich garlic butter and topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or cozy family dinners, this whole roasted cauliflower is not only visually impressive but also easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create an elegant vegetable dish that will wow your guests. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh herbs for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head cauliflower (about 2–3 pounds)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1.5 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives) for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the cauliflower by trimming the stem flat and removing leaves to ensure even cooking.
In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, sea salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Coat the entire cauliflower with the garlic butter mixture.
Place in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and roast for 40-45 minutes.
Remove foil, baste with pan drippings, reduce heat to 375°F, and roast uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and return to the oven until golden brown (about 5-10 minutes).
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of the cauliflower (approximately 200g)
Calories: 170
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg