Description
A delicious and easy recipe for crispy roasted cauliflower seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. Perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack with a flavorful, crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
Seasoning Mix
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional; for vegans, use nutritional yeast)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Seasoning: In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to form a flavorful coating for the cauliflower.
- Coat Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in the seasoned olive oil mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the spices and oil for maximum flavor.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping for even roasting and crispiness.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crisping.
- Add Cheese or Nutritional Yeast: If desired, sprinkle the roasted cauliflower with Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast and return it to the oven for an additional 2 minutes to melt or lightly toast the topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To make this dish vegan, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate properly around the cauliflower.
- Use fresh parsley as a garnish for a burst of color and freshness.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
