Description
Parmesan pesto roasted cauliflower delivers Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with minimal effort. Rich parmesan and zesty pesto elevate simple cauliflower into a side dish that invites comfort and flavor to complement any main course you serve.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3–4 tablespoons (45–60 milliliters) pesto
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Juice from ½ lemon
Garnish:
(None)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Break the cauliflower into evenly sized florets, ensuring they will roast uniformly and cook at the same rate.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly coat the cauliflower florets with pesto, making sure each piece is generously covered with the herbal sauce.
- Season the pesto-coated cauliflower with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, gently tossing to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing space between pieces for proper roasting and caramelization.
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges begin to turn golden brown and crisp.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet and flip the cauliflower pieces to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the roasted florets, creating a savory and crispy top layer.
- Return the cauliflower to the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are deeply caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted cauliflower to add brightness and enhance the flavors.
- Optional: Garnish with an extra dollop of pesto and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Transforming boring cauliflower into a restaurant-worthy side dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- Pesto adds vibrant herbal notes while Parmesan creates a crispy, golden crust that elevates this humble vegetable.
- Roasting concentrates the cauliflower’s natural sweetness and creates irresistible caramelized edges.
- Perfectly balanced dish combining fresh herbs, tangy cheese, and tender-crisp texture.
- Versatile recipe adaptable for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or impressive party appetizers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg