This recipe will give you flavorful, crispy Cajun roasted cauliflower that’s perfect as a side dish or even a main course!
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade – see recipe below)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower florets and pat them dry. You want them as dry as possible to ensure they roast and not steam.
- Season Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure the florets are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Roast Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the cauliflower to steam instead of roast.
- Bake: Roast the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s tender and the edges are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Optional Additions: If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting. Garnish and Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal.
Tips for Success:
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Use a large enough baking sheet or divide the cauliflower into two batches to ensure even roasting.
Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less seasoning.
Roast until tender-crisp: The cauliflower should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. You can test doneness by piercing a floret with a fork.
Add some heat: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Get creative with toppings: You can add other toppings like chopped nuts, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Cajun roasted cauliflower!
