Delicious Cauliflower Recipes and Healthy Vegetable Sides for Easy Meal Ideas

Quick note

This page gives a simple cauliflower recipe and easy ideas for vegetable sides. Read the short steps and tips to cook fast and eat healthy.

Introduction

This recipe is simple and tasty. It uses cauliflower, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan. You can make it for dinner or as a side with meat or grains. If you like easy slow-cooked meals for other nights, see a quick guide to slow cooker seafood for more ideas: slow cooker shrimp recipes guide.

Why make this recipe

This dish is easy, fast, and healthy. It cooks in one pan. The cauliflower gets tender and a little brown. Parmesan and garlic add good flavor. It is a good way to eat more vegetables.

How to make Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

This section shows how to roast the cauliflower step by step.

Ingredients :

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Put the cauliflower florets in a large bowl.
3. Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Toss to coat well.
4. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Stir or turn the pieces once at 10 minutes.
6. After 20 minutes, sprinkle the Parmesan over the cauliflower. Roast 5 more minutes until cheese melts and edges are golden.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. Serve warm.

How to serve Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Serve this roasted cauliflower as a side with protein like chicken, fish, or tofu. It also goes well over rice, quinoa, or with a green salad. You can add a squeeze of lemon before serving for bright flavor. For other gluten-free side ideas and meal plans, check a simple guide to gluten-free recipes here: easy gluten-free recipes guide.

How to store Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

• Cool the cauliflower to room temperature.
• Put in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to keep edges crisp. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Tips to make Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

• Cut florets to similar size so they cook evenly.
• Do not crowd the pan; use two pans if needed.
• Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
• Add Parmesan near the end so it browns but does not burn.

Variation

• Add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Mix in lemon zest for a bright taste.
• Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan option.
• Toss roasted cauliflower with cooked pasta and extra olive oil for a quick main dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A: Yes. Thaw and pat dry first, then roast. It may need less time and may not brown as much.

Q: Can I make this without cheese?
A: Yes. Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheese-like taste.

Q: What if I want softer cauliflower?
A: Roast at a lower temperature (400°F / 200°C) for longer, about 25–30 minutes, until tender.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead?
A: You can cut florets and mix with oil and spices a few hours before roasting. Keep in the fridge until ready to roast.

Conclusion

If you want another version with garlic and cheese, try a tested recipe for roasted cauliflower that shows a similar method and flavor: Our Favorite Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower. For more cauliflower ideas and different ways to cook this vegetable, see a large collection of cauliflower recipes: 30 Best Cauliflower Recipes – Love and Lemons.

Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

A simple and delicious roasted cauliflower recipe with garlic and Parmesan, perfect as a side dish or a light main meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add near the end to avoid burning.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional) For garnish.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional) For added flavor.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Put the cauliflower florets in a large bowl.
• Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Toss to coat well.
• Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Cooking

• Roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Stir or turn the pieces once at 10 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, sprinkle the Parmesan over the cauliflower. Roast for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts and edges are golden.

Serving

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. Serve warm.

Notes

Cut florets to similar size for even cooking. Do not crowd the pan; use two pans if needed. You can add red pepper flakes for heat or lemon zest for brightness. To store, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Keyword Garlic-Parmesan, Healthy Side Dish, Quick Recipe, roasted cauliflower, Vegetable Recipe