Are you tired of bland, mushy vegetables that make your taste buds yawn? Get ready to revolutionize your side dish game with this mind-blowing Oven Roasted Crunchy Cauliflower recipe! In just 35 minutes, you'll transform a humble head of cauliflower into a crispy, golden masterpiece that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. Whether you're a veggie skeptic or a health-conscious foodie, this recipe is about to change everything you thought you knew about cauliflower.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help create a crispy exterior on the cauliflower.
- Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Cut the cauliflower into uniform-sized florets, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in size. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a uniform seasoning mixture.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows each piece to roast and crisp up properly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning the florets halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check the cauliflower at the 20-minute mark. The edges should be golden brown and crispy, with a slight char for added flavor.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while hot and crunchy.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Make sure to thoroughly pat your cauliflower dry before seasoning to achieve that perfect crunch.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each floret some breathing room to ensure even roasting and maximum crispiness.
- For extra flavor variations, experiment with different spice blends like curry powder, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Use a high-temperature oven (425°F) to guarantee that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Turning the florets halfway through cooking ensures even browning and prevents any soggy spots.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the maximum crunch factor – these roasted cauliflower bites are best enjoyed piping hot!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg