Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Garlicky Lemon Herb Crust

Alright, let's dive into this baked full cauliflower recipe. Fancy a super easy, seriously tasty, way to make cauliflower the star of your dinner table? Well, grab your oven gloves, because we're about to roast up something truly special.

Get Your Cauliflower Cheese Baked On!

Have you ever wondered what to do with a whole head of cauliflower? This whole roasted cauliflower recipe is your answer.

Originating from the simple desire to elevate a humble veggie, it's now a global favorite. Ready in about an hour, it’s easy as pie.

Serves four to six, perfect for a family meal or a veggie-packed dinner party.

Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Garlicky Lemon Herb Crust Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower (approximately 2 lbs / 900g), outer leaves removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil (60 ml)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (15g)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (6g)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g) (optional - can be omitted for vegan)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Rinse the cauliflower and pat it completely dry. Place it on the baking sheet.
• Drizzle the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Brush or spoon the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cauliflower, making sure to get into all the crevices.
• Roast in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the crust is golden brown and slightly crispy. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the stem; it should be easily pierced.
• Let the cauliflower rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:150-200

Fat:10g

Fiber:5-7g

Recipe Info

Category:Vegetable Dish

Cuisine:Mediterranean

So, Why This Cauliflower Cheese Recipe?

Honestly? This isn't just another side dish. Did you know Cauliflower is packed with vitamin C and fiber? Perfect for a healthier lifestyle.

This dish is great for any occasion and what makes this recipe shine is the garlicky lemon herb crust. Trust me, it's a game-changer.

Rockin' Roasted Cauliflower With Lemon Herb Crust: Ingredients

For this adventure, you'll need one big head of cauliflower, a splash of olive oil, and some salt and pepper for the base.

We want to make sure we season it well. The crust is the star, so grab some garlic, lemons, fresh parsley and thyme.

Oh, and a bit of parmesan if you're feeling cheesy, or skip it for a completely vegan roasted cauliflower . Don't forget a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Are you ready for the best Cauliflower Ideas For Dinner ?

Getting Your Baked Cauliflower And Cheese Ready

First, preheat your oven. Prep the cauliflower by removing the outer leaves and rinsing it. Pat it dry. That’s really important.

Then, mix up that glorious garlic, lemon, and herb crust. Don’t be shy with the garlic, okay? Brush or spoon it all over that cauliflower.

Really get in there.

It's Roasting Time! The Cauliflower Cheese Side Dish

Now, into the oven it goes! We are aiming for that garlic parmesan roasted cauliflower . Roast that cauliflower until it's tender and golden brown.

I'm talking about roughly 45- 55 minutes, but keep an eye on it. Let it rest before slicing it up.

Serve it with a squeeze of extra lemon, because why not? The aroma in your kitchen will make you want to give that Cauliflower Cheese Baked a try right away! And just like that, you've got a restaurant-quality roasted cauliflower with lemon herb crust at home.

Isn't that bonzer?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazing baked full cauliflower dish! Honestly, it's pretty simple, but quality ingredients make all the difference. You know?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Gather Our Goodies!

Getting everything together before you start makes life SO much easier. Trust me, I've been there, scrambling for garlic halfway through. Not fun! It is very common to see Cheese Cauliflower Recipes

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Cauliflower: 1 large head (about 2 lbs / 900g ). Make sure it's firm and white with tight florets. A fresh cauliflower is key.

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) for the base, plus 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ) for the crust. Use good quality, extra virgin if you can.

• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is a must, not that pre-minced stuff.

• Lemon: 1 for zest and juice ( 2 tablespoons / 30 ml ). Go for a bright yellow one with a smooth skin.

• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped ( 15g ). Flat-leaf parsley is my favourite.

• Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons chopped ( 6g ). Fresh is best, but dried works too.

• Parmesan Cheese (optional): 1/4 cup grated ( 25g ). Skip it for a vegan vegan roasted cauliflower masterpiece.

Seasoning Notes: Upping the Flavor Factor

This combo of garlic, lemon, and herbs? It's pure magic. It is one of the best Cauliflower Ideas For Dinner , in my honest opinion.

Don't be scared to play around with other herbs. Rosemary or oregano would be fab too. Garlic parmesan roasted cauliflower is also great.

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely little kick. No fresh thyme? No worries. Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.

Don't have lemon juice? White wine vinegar can be used. The Cheese Cauliflower Baked is really wonderful.

Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for whole roasted cauliflower recipe . A baking sheet is your best friend. A pastry brush or spoon to spread the herb crust is useful.

If you don't have those, just use your hands! I use my hands a lot. The key here is to make a Cauliflower Cheese Side Dish .

Honestly, sometimes the best tools are the simplest ones. This easy cauliflower dinner ideas works wonders in simple terms. For a real treat try Roasted cauliflower with lemon herb crust .

Cooking Method: Roasting a Whole Cauliflower – Let's Do This!

Honestly, roasting a whole cauliflower is easier than getting a decent cup of tea at Euston Station. I used to be intimidated, you know? Thought it was some fancy chef thing.

But trust me, it's dead simple, and the result? Chef's kiss . The secret is all in the technique, and a killer marinade.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row, Darling

• Essential mise en place: First things first, grab that cauliflower. We're talking one big head, about 2 lbs. Give it a rinse and lose those outer leaves. Next, get your olive oil, garlic, lemon, herbs, and optional parmesan at the ready. Organisation is key, my loves!
• Time-saving organization tips: Mince your garlic before you even turn on the oven. Zest and juice that lemon too. Chop those herbs like you mean it. Prepping now saves stress later.
• Safety reminders: Watch your fingers when mincing garlic. Oven mitts are your best friend. Hot baking sheets are not fun to touch, trust me on this one!

Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

1. Preheat Oven: Get that oven cranked up to 400° F ( 200° C) . Hot hot hot!
2. Prepare Cauliflower: Rinse the cauliflower and pat it dry, dry, dry. Place it on a baking sheet.
3. Season Base: Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season like you mean it with salt and pepper.
4. Make the Crust: Whisk the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, optional red pepper flakes and parmesan.
5. Apply the Crust: Brush that flavour bomb all over the cauliflower. Get into every nook and cranny.
6. Roast: Roast for 45- 55 minutes . You're aiming for tender and golden. A fork should slip in easily.
7. Rest and Serve: Let it chill for 5- 10 minutes before slicing.

You know, the aroma while this is roasting? Utter bliss. I honestly think baked full cauliflower is the new Sunday roast! This whole roasted cauliflower recipe is great for a quick dinner, or even just to enjoy as part of Cheese Cauliflower Recipes .

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen (to Yours!)

• Dry is key, darling: A dry cauliflower is a crispy cauliflower. Pat it down like you're comforting it after a rough day. Honestly, Cauliflower Ideas For Dinner are limited only by your imagination. Roasted cauliflower with lemon herb crust is one of them.
• Basting is besting: Baste with the pan juices halfway through. This ensures extra flavor. This is such an Easy cauliflower dinner ideas .
• Don't be afraid to get crispy: If it's not quite golden enough, crank up the heat for the last few minutes.

Now you’ve got a knockout Cauliflower Cheese Baked side dish. You can even adapt this to a delicious vegan roasted cauliflower recipe! Or, if you're feeling fancy, try the Garlic parmesan roasted cauliflower version.

This Cauliflower Cheese Side Dish is brilliant with grilled chicken or fish. Honestly, you can't go wrong. Enjoy, my love!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Baked Full Cauliflower

Honestly, this baked full cauliflower recipe is pretty forgiving. But here are a few extra pointers. They'll help you make it shine.

It will seriously level up your cauliflower ideas for dinner .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Perfection

Presentation is key, right? Once the whole roasted cauliflower recipe is cooked, place it on a nice platter. Drizzle some of the pan juices over it.

Garnish with extra fresh herbs. A squeeze of fresh lemon will brighten everything up.

Pair this cauliflower cheese side dish with some simply roasted chickpeas. Perhaps a lemony quinoa salad. Or a dollop of creamy tzatziki.

If you like it to be more of a classic "pub grub" then try pairing it with cauliflower cheese baked , which is super easy!.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries. Pop the cooked cauliflower into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't ideal for the texture. It will lose it's original texture but, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in cling film then foil before freezing.

Reheat straight from frozen. When reheating, I suggest using the oven to keep crispness.

To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C). Warm it until heated through. That's about 15- 20 minutes.

It's perfect as a re-heated baked cauliflower and cheese .

Variations: Get Creative!

Want to mix things up? Try a vegan roasted cauliflower by skipping the Parmesan. Adding nutritional yeast gives that cheesy flavor.

For a seasonal twist, swap parsley and thyme for rosemary and sage in autumn. Alternatively you could try some garlic parmesan roasted cauliflower .

A 150-200 calorie piece of this cheese cauliflower recipes makes a healthy addition to any dinner.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

This dish is packed with nutrients. Cauliflower is a great source of fiber and vitamins. It also helps with digestion.

It's good for your immune system too. Roasting the cauliflower enhances its natural sweetness. It unlocks even more goodness. Plus, it's low-carb so you can tuck in without the guilt.

So there you have it! Don't be scared to experiment. Most of all, enjoy the process. You'll have an easy cauliflower dinner idea on the table in no time!