Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Cajun Spices is the side dish recipe for any occasion. It’s quick and easy to prepare, it’s simple to cook, and it’s absolutely delicious. And, of course, there is a phenomenal sauce. Make it once and I promise you’ll have it on the table all the time!
Let’s get started!
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let’s chat about cauliflower!
Whole Roasted Cauliflower is such a wonderful recipe when you need an easy side dish – for literally anything. It’s great with beef, chicken, or fish. And, if it’s just me, I could eat this as my meal.
This roasted cauliflower is also a show-stopper. It’s gorgeous to look at when it comes out of the oven. The cajun spice, the parmesan cream and caramelized lemon make this dish a perfect side to present to guests, but it’s easy enough for a casual weeknight dinner.
This recipe is also so incredibly simple to prepare. The spice mix comes together in less than a minute, the cauliflower is brushed with the spices and melted butter, and into the oven it goes. There’s no chopping required. To finish the sauce is to just mix a little cream, parmesan, and caramelized lemon together and pour over the top of the hot cauliflower. Easy peasy caramelized lemon squeezy.
whole roasted cauliflower ingredients
- whole cauliflower
- cajun seasoning
- butter
- lemon
- heavy cream
- parmesan cheese
- avocado oil
how to make whole roasted cauliflower
Time needed: 1 hour and 15 minutes
For the best whole roasted cauliflower, simply:
- Preheat the oven.
Preheat the oven to 375°. Grab a skillet or sheet pan and drizzle it with a little bit of avocado oil.
- Prep the cauliflower.
Make the spice mix and combine with the melted butter. Place the whole cauliflower onto the skillet or sheet pan. Drizzle the spice/butter mixture over the cauliflower. Using a pastry brush, evenly spread the mixture all over the cauliflower. Place the lemon halves flesh side down into the skillet.
- Roast the cauliflower.
Roast the cauliflower and lemon for about 55 minutes. You can go longer if you like yours a little more done.
- Mix the sauce.
Once the cauliflower is roasted to your desired doneness, remove from the oven. Mix the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and the juice from the roasted lemons together. Pour over the top of the cauliflower and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce is warmed through.
- Serving.
To serve, carefully cut the florets away from the core of the cauliflower. Toss florets together making sure to coat them with the parmesan cream. Enjoy!
- Optional Step.
If you like your cauliflower more soft, before roasting, boil the whole cauliflower in a large pot of salted water for 10-15 minutes. I like my cauliflower a little more “al dente” so I don’t do this.
frequently asked questions
Roasted Cauliflower is the perfect side dish for so many things. Everything from beef to chicken to seafood. I’ve got plenty of ideas for you!
Simple Oven Baked Salmon – Easy and buttery.
Roasted Chicken – A true classic and perfect family dinner option.
Pork Tenderloin – A sheet pan meal with a great sauce.
French Onion Pot Roast – A true comfort food meal that everyone loves.
Yes! This recipe is 100% gluten-free. No need to worry about that pesky little dietary concern!
You could! I would use avocado oil instead of butter for roasting and for the spice mixture. Instead of parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast is an awesome swap. And, for the heavy cream, use unsweetened coconut milk or cream. You’ll have a wonderful result!
No, you don’t. But, you should. It takes zero time and very little effort. I’ve got a great recipe below.
I am not a big fan of the cauliflower core either. However, it is easier to remove it once the roasted cauliflower is done. After roasting, carefully cut the florets away from the core and discard it.
More than likely, the brown spots on your cauliflower are nothing more than oxidation stains and are completely harmless.
However, if the dark spots are soft and smell moldy or off, then you need to discard the cauliflower.
other great side dish recipes
shop the essentials
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cleaned and leaves removed
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup heavy cream
- avocado oil, to coat the bottom of the skillet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°. Grab a skillet or sheet pan and drizzle with a little bit of avocado oil.
- Make the spice mix and combine with the melted butter. Place the whole cauliflower onto the skillet or sheet pan. Drizzle the spice/butter mixture over the cauliflower. Using a pastry brush, evenly spread the mixture all over the cauliflower. Place the lemon halves flesh side down into the skillet.
- Roast the cauliflower and lemon for about 55 minutes. You can go longer if you like yours a little more done.
- Once the cauliflower is roasted to your desired doneness, remove from the oven. Mix the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and the juice from the roasted lemons together. Pour over the top of the cauliflower and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce is warmed through.
- To serve, carefully cut the florets away from the core of the cauliflower. Toss florets together making sure to coat them with the parmesan cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp granulated onion
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne, optional
Nutrition
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
–Rufus
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other great recipe ideas
Try my Deviled Eggs With Bacon and Jalapeños for a wonderful appetizer!
If you guys make this Whole Roasted Cauliflower, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
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