🥦 Crispy Roasted Cauliflower — The Golden, Crunchy Side Dish That Steals Every Meal

Cauliflower has long been considered a humble vegetable, often relegated to side salads or steamed medleys. But when roasted to golden perfection, it transforms into a crunchy, flavorful delight that even skeptics adore. The key to irresistible crispy roasted cauliflower lies in the right seasoning, high-heat roasting, and a little culinary magic that turns soft florets into crispy bites full of flavor. Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating this golden wonder.

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a subtle smoky flavor)
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crispiness and flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower

Start by washing the cauliflower thoroughly and cutting it into uniform florets. Uniformity is crucial to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel—removing excess moisture is essential for that crisp texture.

Step 2: Season Generously

Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently with your hands or a spatula until every floret is evenly coated. This seasoning layer will infuse flavor while helping the cauliflower crisp up in the oven.