This Easy Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower is a tasty side dish that’s super simple to make. Just toss cauliflower with butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of seasoning, then roast until golden!
You won’t be able to resist the smell as it cooks! I love enjoying it with dinner or even as a snack—seriously, it’s that good. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! 🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Use a fresh, firm head of cauliflower for the best texture. If you’re in a pinch, frozen cauliflower can work too, but it may be softer after roasting.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control of seasoning. You can substitute with olive oil or vegan butter to keep it dairy-free.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives amazing flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use garlic powder (1 teaspoon) instead, but it may not be as fragrant.
Parsley: This optional garnish adds a fresh touch. Feel free to replace it with other herbs like thyme or basil if that’s what you have on hand!
How Do I Get the Best Roasting Results?
Roasting cauliflower to perfection takes some attention to detail. The goal is tender, browned edges that bring out the natural flavors. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Spread the florets in a single layer on the baking sheet—this helps them roast evenly and avoids steaming.
- Flipping halfway through ensures all sides get that lovely golden color.
- Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
Using parchment paper also makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent sticking!
Easy Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to roast. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish. That’s pretty quick for a delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps to get the cauliflower nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Mix them well so the garlic is evenly distributed in the butter. This blend is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl. Toss them around gently to make sure each piece is thoroughly coated in the garlic butter. It’s like giving them a little spa treatment!
4. Seasoning Time:
Now, sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Toss the cauliflower again until the seasoning is evenly mixed in. This will add the perfect touch of flavor.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This is important because you want them to roast instead of steam!
6. Roast to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they are tender and have nice golden brown edges.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take them out of the oven and, if you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely pop of color. Serve them warm and enjoy your tasty garlic butter roasted cauliflower!
Enjoy your delicious and easy garlic butter roasted cauliflower! It’s perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Vegetable?
Absolutely! This garlic butter mixture works well with other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. Just adjust the roasting time depending on the vegetable you choose; some may need a bit more or less time to become tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to replace the 3 cloves of fresh garlic. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the unsalted butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just keep the same quantity, and you’re all set!
