Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower

Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower is a flavorful and comforting side dish that elevates the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the richness of garlic butter and a touch of seasoning. Roasting the cauliflower enhances its flavor and texture, creating a perfectly caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender interior. This dish is incredibly simple to prepare and makes for a versatile side to pair with just about any main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery and savory: The garlic butter adds a rich, savory flavor to the cauliflower, making it irresistible.

• Crispy and tender: Roasting the cauliflower in the oven gives it a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and soft.

• Quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is perfect for a last-minute side or weeknight dinner.

• Healthy and satisfying: Cauliflower is a nutrient-packed vegetable, and the garlic butter adds flavor without overwhelming the dish.

• Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste or add extra toppings like Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of color and smokiness)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent roasting.

3. Make the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Toss the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Toss the florets to coat them evenly in the garlic butter.

5. Roast the cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges, tossing halfway through for even roasting.

6. Serve: Once roasted, remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings as a side dish.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Add cheese: Top the roasted cauliflower with freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a cheesy, crispy topping.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture for a spicy version.

• Herb variations: You can also experiment with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.

• Add lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted cauliflower before serving for a burst of freshness and acidity.

• Vegan option: Use plant-based butter to make this dish dairy-free and vegan.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover garlic butter roasted cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp it up again. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, though the texture may be slightly softer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be tasty.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh for the best texture, you can prepare the cauliflower and garlic butter ahead of time, store them separately, and roast the cauliflower when you’re ready to serve.

How do I know when the cauliflower is done roasting?

The cauliflower is done when it’s golden brown and crispy on the edges, with a tender interior. You can test the tenderness by piercing a floret with a fork.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes to the baking sheet, adjusting the cooking time as needed based on the size of the vegetables.

Can I make this without butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil as a substitute for butter. It will provide a slightly different flavor but still give you a delicious roasted cauliflower.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, you can use fresh garlic, but be sure to mince it finely. You can also sauté the garlic in the butter for a few seconds before adding it to the cauliflower to avoid burning it.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower is a simple, flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of cauliflower while infusing it with the savory richness of garlic butter. The crispy edges and tender interior make it a satisfying dish, while the flexibility of the recipe allows you to tailor the flavor to your preference. Whether served alongside a main course or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!