Description
This Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe features a beautifully roasted cauliflower head basted with a flavorful blend of butter, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Finished with a golden Parmesan cheese crust and fresh parsley, this dish is a perfect vegetarian side or centerpiece that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower (leaves removed)
- 2 Tbsp. butter (melted, or dairy-free butter alternative)
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 2-3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese (dairy-free if needed)
- Parsley (fresh, finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting the cauliflower.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Remove the leaves and the thick white stalk at the base of the cauliflower head to ensure even cooking and better presentation.
- Make Butter Herb Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed garlic until well combined.
- Coat Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower head in a Dutch oven or baking dish. Use a basting brush to coat it with three-quarters of the butter and herb sauce, reserving the rest for later.
- Cover and Roast: Cover the cauliflower with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow it to cook through.
- Uncover and Continue Roasting: Remove the foil and roast the cauliflower for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, until it is tender and begins to brown.
- Baste and Add Cheese: Brush the remaining butter-herb sauce over the cauliflower and sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Broil for Finish: Turn the oven setting to high broil and place the cauliflower under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, add extra Parmesan if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy this flavorful vegetarian dish as a side or main.
Notes
- You can substitute dairy-free butter and Parmesan cheese to make this recipe vegan and dairy-free.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference.
- Using a Dutch oven helps retain moisture, but a baking dish with foil cover works equally well.
- Watch the broiler carefully during the final step to avoid burning the cheese.
- This recipe can be served as a hearty vegetarian main or a flavorful side dish.
