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Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower is the ultimate side dish that’s both simple and irresistible! The nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower pairs perfectly with the tangy Parmesan cheese, creating a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional sides or just a new way to enjoy veggies, this recipe is a must-try!

Grated Parmesan cheese is baked into the cauliflower in this amazing oven roasted Parmesan cauliflower recipe! Even though you can’t SEE the white Parmesan on white cauliflower, you can certainly TASTE it!

Why You’ll Love Oven Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower

Flavor-packed and irresistible: The combination of roasted cauliflower and Parmesan cheese creates a nutty, savory taste that’s hard to beat. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Super easy to make: With just three ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or effortless meal planning.
Low-carb and nutritious: This dish fits seamlessly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle, offering a healthy alternative to carb-heavy sides like mashed potatoes or rice.
Perfect for any meal: Whether you’re serving it alongside chicken, fish, or beef, this cauliflower dish complements any main course beautifully.
Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters will love this recipe. The melted Parmesan cheese adds a subtle richness that makes cauliflower so much more appealing!

For some reason, Parmesan cheese and the cauliflower together taste like they were made for each other. If you never tried this combo, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. This recipe brings the best flavor out of cauliflower for 2 reasons: (1) tangy Parmesan cheese (2) the roasting process. The high oven temperature lightly chars the cauliflower and draws out the deep roasted cauliflower taste that people love. It’s so good!

With this yummy oven roasted Parmesan cauliflower, it will be really easy to get all your servings of veggies in! Eating vegetables has never been so delicious!

Ingredients For Oven Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower

Cauliflower – The star of the dish! Use a fresh head of cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets for even roasting.
Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps the cauliflower roast to perfection while enhancing its natural flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese – The secret ingredient that melts into the cauliflower, adding a savory, tangy bite to every piece.

For the exact measurements of these ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

This recipe has virtually no carbs, so it’s a perfect fit into a low-carb diet. If you are looking for a low-carb side dish to replace the usual grains and starches, this Parmesan cauliflower is perfect for that! Move over, mashed potatoes :) Parmesan cauliflower is an awesome accompaniment to chicken, meat and fish.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Oven Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower

Baking Sheet – Provides a flat surface for the cauliflower to roast evenly.
Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mixing Bowl – Used to toss the cauliflower with olive oil for even coating.
Measuring Spoons – Ensures accurate measurements for the olive oil.

Before roasting in the oven, the cauliflower is tossed with olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. If you are watching your calories, feel free to cut down on the amount of olive oil, but I wouldn’t worry about it – olive oil has good healthy fats AND it actually helps to absorb vitamins from the cauliflower! And the Parmesan cheese has the least fat of all the cheeses ;)

How To Make Oven Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the florets with olive oil and toss thoroughly to coat every piece.
Arrange the cauliflower on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over each floret for even coverage.
Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and tender.
Remove from the oven, serve immediately, and enjoy this flavorful side dish!

Making roasted Parmesan cauliflower is super easy. All you need to do is toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and bake in the oven. While the cauliflower is in the oven, you can do other stuff, like prepare the main dish!

The Parmesan cheese somehow just melts into the cauliflower and disappears from sight. If you are serving it to people who don’t know that it has Parmesan cheese, they will wonder what is that secret ingredient that makes the cauliflower taste so good! Once you bite into this deliciousness, it tastes so complete thanks to the cheese HERO!

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside Juicy Roasted Split Chicken Breast or Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon for a hearty and healthy dinner.
Add it as a topping to Healthy Quinoa and Kale Salad or Vegan Protein Bowl with Quinoa, Avocado, and Beans for an extra boost of flavor.
Pair it with Fresh Arugula Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette or risotto for a comforting and well-rounded meal.
Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top before serving for a cheesy finish.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

Tips For Success

Cut the cauliflower evenly: To ensure even roasting, try to cut the cauliflower florets into similar-sized pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster, while larger ones may remain undercooked.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer with space between each piece. Crowding the pan will result in steaming instead of roasting, preventing that golden-brown finish.
Use fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, freshly grated Parmesan is a must. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as evenly.
Toss well with oil: Be sure to coat each floret with olive oil to help the Parmesan stick and to achieve that crispy, roasted texture.
Check for doneness: Cauliflower should be fork-tender and slightly caramelized when done. If you prefer a deeper roast, leave it in the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Experiment with seasonings: For added flavor, try sprinkling garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Parmesan.
Serve immediately: Oven-roasted cauliflower tastes best when it’s hot and fresh out of the oven. Reheating can make it lose some of its crispiness.

Variations And Substitutions

Add spices: Enhance the flavor by adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning before roasting. These will complement the Parmesan and cauliflower beautifully.
Make it spicy: If you love a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the cauliflower before baking.
Use a cheese blend: Swap out Parmesan for a blend of cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Make it dairy-free: Replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor that’s vegan-friendly. It’s a great option for those avoiding dairy.
Try breadcrumbs: For added crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top of the cauliflower before roasting.
Add lemon zest: Brighten the dish with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest after baking to enhance its flavor.
Switch up the veggies: Substitute or mix cauliflower with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even zucchini for variety. The roasting process and flavors will work just as well!

Storage And Reheating

Storage: Store leftover roasted Parmesan cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the cauliflower has cooled completely before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation.
Reheating in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet, and warm it for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy texture.
Reheating in the microwave: For a quicker option, microwave the cauliflower on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Keep in mind that it may lose some of its crispiness.
Freezing: While not ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze roasted cauliflower in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with a paper towel. This step removes excess moisture, ensuring the cauliflower roasts properly instead of steaming.

What’s the best way to cut cauliflower into florets?

Start by removing the green leaves and cutting the cauliflower in half. Cut out the core, then break or cut the cauliflower into even bite-sized florets.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy, nutty flavor without any dairy.

Why isn’t my cauliflower crispy?

If your cauliflower isn’t crisping up, it might be due to overcrowding the pan or not enough olive oil. Ensure the florets are in a single layer and spaced apart on the baking sheet for proper roasting.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can mix in vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini. Just make sure all the veggies are cut to a similar size to cook evenly.

Other Easy Cauliflower Recipes

Fluffy Steamed Cauliflower – Easy and Healthy Side Dish – Perfectly steamed cauliflower that’s light, tender, and a nutritious addition to any meal.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Salad Recipe – Gluten-Free Tabbouleh Alternative – A refreshing and grain-free twist on traditional tabbouleh made with riced cauliflower.

Crispy Air Fryer Orange Cauliflower Recipe – Sweet, tangy, and crispy cauliflower bites coated in an orange-flavored glaze.

Air Fryer Purple Cauliflower – Quick and Easy Side Dish – Vibrant roasted purple cauliflower with a tender texture and mild, nutty flavor.

Creamy Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Recipe – A rich and creamy salad loaded with fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and a zesty dressing.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi from Trader Joe’s – Quick and Delicious – Perfectly crispy and golden gnocchi made effortlessly in the air fryer.

Roasted Cauliflower with Curry Spices – Boldly flavored roasted cauliflower coated with fragrant curry seasonings for a deliciously spiced side dish.

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