Oven-Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic: A Crispy, Flavorful Side Dish
This Oven-Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic is a crispy, cheesy, and garlicky side dish that will transform your ordinary cauliflower into something extraordinary. The cauliflower florets are roasted to perfection, coated in garlic butter, and topped with melty cheese, making it the ultimate savory addition to any meal. This dish is ideal for those who want a low-carb, gluten-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or as a healthy appetizer!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Wash and dry them thoroughly to ensure they roast evenly and become crispy.
- Make the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Toss the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the cauliflower and toss well to coat all the florets evenly.
- Roast the cauliflower: Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Add the cheese: After the cauliflower is roasted, remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and grated Parmesan over the cauliflower. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy as a side dish or light appetizer!
Notes:
- Cheese options: You can use any cheese you prefer, but sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère work especially well. For a more intense flavor, try adding some blue cheese or feta as a topping.
- Garlic flavor: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic or even use garlic powder in addition to the fresh garlic.
- Add-ins: For a more complex flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking.
- For extra crispiness: If you want your cauliflower extra crispy, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking (keep a close eye to prevent burning).
- Vegetarian and Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Tips:
- Drying the cauliflower: Make sure the cauliflower is completely dry before roasting to avoid sogginess. Moisture can prevent it from becoming crispy.
- Even roasting: For even cooking, try to space out the florets on the baking sheet. Crowding them may lead to steaming rather than roasting, which can prevent crispiness.
- Customize the flavor: You can customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, or basil can be excellent additions if you’re looking to change up the flavor profile.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 as a side dish. You can adjust the ingredients proportionally if you want to serve more people.
Nutritional Info (per serving):
(Nutritional values are approximate and based on using cheddar cheese and regular butter.)
- Calories: ~150-180 calories
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Vitamin A: 10% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 80% of daily value
- Calcium: 15% of daily value
- Iron: 4% of daily value
Benefits:
- Rich in fiber: Cauliflower is a great source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps to maintain a healthy gut.
- Low in calories: This dish is low in calories but high in flavor, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
- High in antioxidants: Cauliflower is packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- Supports heart health: The olive oil and butter provide healthy fats, which can support heart health when eaten in moderation.
- Great for weight management: The fiber in cauliflower, combined with the protein from the cheese, makes this dish filling and satisfying, which can help with weight control.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but keep in mind that it may release more moisture when roasting, which could affect the crispiness. Make sure to thaw and thoroughly dry the cauliflower before roasting.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the cauliflower and toss it in the garlic butter mixture ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast. Add the cheese right before baking.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy cheese option like vegan mozzarella or cheddar. This will make the recipe completely dairy-free and still delicious.
Q: How do I make this dish spicier?
A: You can add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture or use a spicier cheese like pepper jack. For extra heat, add finely chopped jalapeños to the cauliflower before baking.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! You can combine cauliflower with other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. Just make sure the cooking times for the other vegetables are similar to cauliflower so everything roasts evenly.
This Oven-Baked Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic is a perfect side dish that is both flavorful and healthy! Its crispy texture, savory cheese, and garlic make it a fantastic choice to complement any meal.