This whole roasted cauliflower is a spectacular keto and low carb side dish. Learn how to roast an entire head of cauliflower with just 5 minutes of prep that tastes incredible, and it’s super easy to make.
Roasted Cauliflower? Been there and done that. But cooking an entire cauliflower head? We’ve got your attention now.
This whole roasted cauliflower is a delicious side dish that is quick and easy to prepare. This Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe can be made in your air fryer, instant pot, or oven, and while each technique is somewhat different, they all taste amazing.
The end product is a delicious dish that is as spectacular in presentation as simple to make.
When I am making dinner and need a fantastic veggie side that doesn’t require much effort, this recipe is one of my go-to side dishes.
Watch our quick video to see exactly how to make the whole roasted cauliflower.
Why We Love Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a delicious, healthy vegetable that doesn’t seem to see too much mainstream attention in the culinary world. Not only that it tastes incredible, but a delicious and well-prepared head of cauliflower looks and taste so good! It’s sure to impress anyone from your family to your dinner guests.
Ingredients For This Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
The ingredients for this whole oven roasted cauliflower are simple and easy to find. I’m sure you may already have some in your pantry. Don’t skip the garlic!
- Cauliflower – A medium-sized cauliflower head with no blemishes or brown patches. Depending on the size of your cauliflower, adjust the baking time to make sure it’s cooked properly.
- Butter – use unsalted one. If you choose to use a salted one, then you need to reduce the amount of salt.
- Olive Oil – This is a flavorful oil. However, if you don’t have this kind of oil in your kitchen, you may substitute it with avocado oil.
- Italian Seasoning
- Garlic – If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as well.
- Parmesan Cheese – you can skip this ingredient if you want, but trust me, it’s your loss.
- Fresh Parsley
- Salt and Pepper – to taste.
How To Make Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
- First, you have to prepare the cauliflower. You will need a sharp knife to carefully cut off all of the green leaves and the white stalk at the bottom of the head of cauliflower.
- Then you can start making the garlic butter sauce by combining the butter, oil, salt, pepper, seasonings, and minced garlic.
- Brush the cauliflower head with your sauce, then cover it with aluminum foil or with baking sheet paper.
- Roast covered for about 35 minutes.
- Then take out the aluminum foil, brush the cauliflower with the remaining sauce and cook for another 20 minutes.
Is Cauliflower Keto?
Yes, cauliflower is keto-friendly. It is used to substitute high carbohydrate meals such as rice and potatoes. And that is because it’s low in carbs and makes an excellent alternative for starchy foods.
Tips For Making The Best Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
- The spices in this recipe can be replaced with your favorite ones. It all comes down to personal choice. Remember that experimenting yields the most extraordinary outcomes! The next time will always taste better.
- Bake for the first 35 minutes and then roast for 15-20 minutes for a crispier result.
- To check if the cauliflower is ready, I recommend using a knife to check for doneness, gently piercing the cauliflower.
Can I Make This in An Air Fryer?
Sure! Air fryers have become far more popular recently and for a good reason. It helps you cook quick and delicious recipes with an incredible crispy finish every time and eliminate recipes that require frying in a lot of oil.
Air Fryer Whole Roasted Cauliflower
If you want to make this on-air fryer, there is not a problem.
- All you have to do is grease an Air Fryer Basket, then place the whole cauliflower head into it.
- Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and set a timer for 30 minutes.
- While it’s in the air fryer, keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- When the time is up, remove the cauliflower. You will end up with a beautiful warm golden brown head of cauliflower that tastes incredible.
How To Store This Whole Roasted Cauliflower
- You can store it in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 3 minutes. Personally, I like to eat it cold, because it’s good anyway. Awesome, right?
- After baking, you can choose to freeze the whole roasted cauliflower head. Simply cut it into slices or pieces, set it aside to cool thoroughly, and store it in an airtight container.
Or, if you have any leftovers of this recipe, the great idea is to make some mac and cheese with it.
What To Serve With This Whole Roasted Cauliflower
You will be happy to know that this recipe pairs perfectly with the type of meat you like. So even if you prefer chicken, pork, beef, or turkey, this Whole Roasted Cauliflower will be the perfect side dish that you will ever try.
So if you have any cauliflower in your kitchen, just turn on the oven and choose one of the following recipes to enjoy with.
- Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Crispy Keto Chicken Parmesan
- Turkey Breast With Garlic Herb Butter
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Keto Pork Chops with Super Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Garlic Butter Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 medium-large head of cauliflower
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- ½ tsp salt to taste
- ¼ tsp pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F/ 200C.
- Prepare the Cauliflower – Use a sharp knife to carefully cut and remove the bottom leaves of the cauliflower. Remove as much of the thick white stalk as possible, as shown in the video below.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, oil, minced garlic, Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place cauliflower core side down in a dutch oven or on a baking dish. Pour the butter sauce all over the cauliflower using a basting brush.
- Cover cauliflower head with aluminum foil or parchment paper and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-20 minutes more.
- Sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons of parmesan.
- Turn the oven to a high broil and roast for 3-5 minutes or until the cauliflower begins to brown.
- Top with more fresh parsley and serve with your favorite protein. Enjoy!
- If you prefer a little spice replace Italian Seasoning with a Taco Seasoning Blend or sprinkle a few red pepper flakes.
- For a vegan whole roasted cauliflower, omit the butter and add olive oil instead. Parmesan can easily be replaced with two tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
Video
Notes
- If you prefer a little spice replace Italian Seasoning with a Taco Seasoning Blend or sprinkle a few red pepper flakes.
- For a vegan whole roasted cauliflower, omit the butter and add olive oil instead. Parmesan can easily be replaced with two tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
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