Roasted Cauliflower Florets (Printer-friendly)

Golden cauliflower florets tossed in olive oil and spices, roasted until tender and caramelized for a tasty side or snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower (approximately 1.76 lbs), cut into bite-sized florets

→ Oils

02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil

→ Spices & Seasonings

03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
09 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until florets are evenly coated.
03 - Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until florets are golden brown and tender.
05 - Remove from oven and, if desired, drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's the easiest way to make people forget they're eating vegetables, especially when those caramelized edges are involved.
  • You can throw it together in ten minutes and have something that tastes like you actually planned dinner.
  • It works as a side, a snack straight from the pan, or tossed into salads when you're feeling inventive.
02 -
  • Flipping halfway through matters more than you'd think—it ensures even browning on both sides and prevents burnt bottoms.
  • Don't crowd the pan; cauliflower needs air circulation to caramelize instead of steaming in its own moisture.
03 -
  • If you want it extra crispy, increase the heat to 230°C (450°F) and watch carefully so it doesn't burn—the line between caramelized and charred is thinner than you'd expect.
  • Toss in grated Parmesan about five minutes before it finishes roasting if you want a cheesy version that still feels light and fresh.
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