Whole Roasted Cauliflower is the simple side dish recipe for any occasion. It's quick and easy to prepare, it's a breeze 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!
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And, should you be in the market for more side dish ideas, you've come to the right place!
Try my Roasted Asparagus, Mashed Cauliflower, or Roasted Green Beans! They are all simple and beyond delicious!
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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 whole 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. It's like a Cajun Alfredo dream.
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.
What You'll Need
Whole Cauliflower - Naturally. To pick a good cauliflower, look for a firm, heavy head with a creamy white color, tightly packed florets, and crisp, fresh leaves, free of blemishes or wet spots. If you see a few small dark spots, it's ok. That's only oxidation and is perfectly safe as long as those spots aren't mushy.
Cajun Seasoning - Because it's tasty. I have a simple recipe that's delicious or use you're favorite.
Lemon and Butter - For roasting the cauliflower. I cannot adequately put into words how delicious a caramelized, butter-roasted lemon becomes. It's out-of-this-world delicious.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese - The base for the creamy sauce that is the gild to our lily. It's incredible. I get excited just thinking about it.
A Word About Simplicity and Your Spice Collection
This Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe is simple. Just as most recipes should be. You want a good whole cauliflower, some basic seasonings, and just a few things for a to create a sauce that will knock your socks off.
When I develop recipes, this is the sort of thing I strive for. Great food, simple ingredients, and an easy method. Purchase good quality ingredients, keep a decent collection of spices in the pantry, and you'll always be able to put fantastic food on the table without much thought at all.
When it comes to this Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe, make your own cajun spice blend. You control what goes in it, how much salt you prefer, it takes mere minutes, and it's almost always more budget friendly. Start with little things like this and pretty soon you'll see a change in the way you approach food. Your people and your wallet will thank you.
How To Do It: A Basic Rundown and Some Tips
As I said, this whole roasted cauliflower recipe is simple, simple. I'll give you a brief rundown, but the specifics and measurements will live in the recipe card below. Here's the gist of it.
- Roast the cauliflower and lemon with the butter and cajun spices.
- Mix the sauce.
- Pour said sauce on top of cauliflower and finish roasting.
- Dive in and devour. Write your senator to tell her how amazing this is.
See?! Easy. Side dish done.
Optional Step: For Cauliflower Doneness
I love my cauliflower being a bit more al dente. Roasting it whole for the time I've set in the recipe card will give you a cooked cauliflower with plenty of texture in it. This is my preference.
However, if you like your cauliflower more done, before roasting, boil the whole cauliflower in a large pot of salted water for 10-15 minutes. Remove it from the hot water (carefully) and dry it off. Keep calm and carry on with the recipe as written.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Whole roasted cauliflower leftovers will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don't recommend freezing any leftovers, because it doesn't do well upon thawing.
To reheat, simply cover with a damp paper towel and heat in the microwave in small increments until warmed through. I'll give you a high five if you add a fresh dusting of parmesan and cracked pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I serve with whole roasted cauliflower?
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.
Herb 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.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is 100% gluten-free. No need to worry about that pesky little dietary concern!
Could I make this cauliflower recipe dairy-free?
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!
What about that cauliflower core?
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.
What are the brown spots on my cauliflower?
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.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole head of cauliflower, cleaned and leaves removed
- 3 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoon 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.
- Combine the cajun seasoning with the melted butter.
- Place the whole cauliflower onto a cast iron skillet. 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.
- 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 and thickened.
- 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 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne, optional
Nutrition
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!
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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Michael C says
This is our new favorite side dish! The sauce is so good, too! We love it!
Rufus says
I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you for letting me know!
Coley S says
great way to cook cauliflower, sauce is great!