Description
Mediterranean-inspired whole roasted cauliflower with herb butter delights palates with its golden-brown exterior and rich, aromatic profile. Garlic, parsley, and lemon elevate this simple vegetable into a centerpiece side dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head cauliflower (2–3 lbs / 907-1,361 g)
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsps fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and heat to 400°F (204°C). Trim cauliflower’s outer leaves and stem base to ensure stable placement.
- Herb Butter Creation: Blend softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, sea salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth and uniform.
- Initial Roasting: Place cauliflower in cast-iron skillet, thoroughly massaging herb butter across entire surface. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and roast for 40-45 minutes to steam and soften internally.
- Caramelization Phase: Remove foil, baste with pan drippings, and reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting uncovered, basting every 8-10 minutes to develop rich, golden exterior.
- Cheese Finishing: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over cauliflower and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Serving Preparation: Remove from oven and rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavor integration. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs, flaky sea salt, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before presenting.
Notes
- Butter Massage Technique: Thoroughly coat every surface of the cauliflower, including hidden crevices, to ensure maximum flavor penetration and even seasoning.
- Foil Tenting Strategy: Initially cover the cauliflower loosely to create steam and ensure tender interior cooking before exposing to direct heat for caramelization.
- Basting Frequency: Consistently baste every 8-10 minutes to maintain moisture, develop rich caramelized edges, and prevent the cauliflower from drying out.
- Cheese Melting Precision: Add Parmesan in the final cooking stage to create a golden, crispy exterior without burning the delicate herb butter coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg