Simply Seasoned, Sheet Pan Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower is a humble vegetable dish that tastes flavorful and scrumptious. It can be served alongside chicken or fish, folded into rice bowls, tossed with pasta, or turned into a healthy salad. It fits effortlessly into cold weather meals while still feeling light enough for everyday eating. Roasted Cauliflower can even replace meats and potatoes in many meals, and it does not rely on bread or cheese to feel complete or satisfying.
Roasting brings out the very best in cruciferous vegetables, and cauliflower is no exception. High heat allows the natural sugars in the florets to brown, creating a nutty, almost sweet flavor that never develops when cauliflower is boiled or microwaved. The outside becomes golden and lightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and tender. That contrast is what makes roasted cauliflower so irresistible.
They key to getting cauliflower that is crisp on the outside and soft starts with how you cut it. Slice the cauliflower head into large, evenly sized florets so they roast instead of steam. Toss them generously with oil and your seasonings of choice, then bake at 400°F in a single layer. Depending on your oven, the cauliflower should be perfectly roasted in 20 to 30 minutes.
If your roasted cauliflower keeps turning out mushy, a few adjustments can make all the difference. Make sure the florets are large and consistent in size. Use enough oil liberally to fully coat each piece. Preheat the sheet pan in the oven, then carefully add the seasoned cauliflower to the hot pan so it starts browning immediately. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and never roast below 400°F if you want that crisp, caramelized texture.
Olive oil, salt, and pepper are essential when roasting cauliflower. From there, I like adding garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a savory base. A slightly tangy finish comes from either lemon pepper seasoning or a combination of lemon juice, lemon zest, and freshly cracked black pepper. My secret ingredient is annatto powder, which has a mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted cauliflower and gives it an appetizing golden orange color.
