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Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Easy Zesty Lemon Flavor

crispy parmesan roasted cauliflower - featured image

This recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a crispy, flavorful side dish with a zesty lemon kick and a golden parmesan crust. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams), cut into bite-sized florets
  • ½ cup (50 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (about 1 gram) freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Rinse the cauliflower and pat dry thoroughly. Cut into even, bite-sized florets.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
  4. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly with the mixture.
  5. Spread the florets out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to ensure even browning. The cauliflower should be tender with golden, crispy edges.
  7. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with lemon juice. Toss lightly to combine.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Dry cauliflower thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent sogginess. Use finely grated Parmesan for the best crust. If Parmesan isn’t crisping enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. Reheat leftovers in a hot oven to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, parmesan, lemon, crispy, easy side dish, vegetarian, gluten-free