Make baked cauliflower that is crispy on the outside and tender inside. Easy to prepare and perfect for healthy meals.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
- Optional: fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven: First, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Meanwhile, line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Season cauliflower: Next, place cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Then, add olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange and bake: After that, spread the florets in a single layer on the tray. Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
- Finish and serve: Finally, remove from the oven once golden and tender. Garnish if desired and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Baked Cauliflower
- First, dry the florets well so they roast instead of steam.
- Additionally, avoid overcrowding the tray for crisp edges.
- Moreover, add cheese during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
- Finally, serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Cheesy Version: Additionally, sprinkle Parmesan or cheddar before finishing.
- Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
- Asian Twist: Furthermore, toss with soy sauce and sesame seeds.
Health Benefits
- Since cauliflower is rich in fiber, it supports digestion.
- Additionally, it provides vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Moreover, baking uses less oil than frying, making it lighter.
- Therefore, this dish is ideal for healthy eating.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Kid-Friendly Version
- First, cut florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Additionally, reduce spices for a milder taste.
- Moreover, add light cheese to make it more appealing.
- Finally, serve with ketchup or yogurt dip.
