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Whole Roasted Cauliflower

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Transform a humble head of cauliflower into something spectacular with this whole roasted cauliflower recipe. The magic starts with a generous coating of garlic-infused butter that seeps into every nook and cranny as it roasts. The two-stage cooking process is key - first, we roast it covered to ensure the center becomes perfectly tender, then uncovered to achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior. Regular basting with the melted butter keeps everything moist and flavorful. The finishing touch of parmesan cheese and fresh chives adds both visual appeal and a savory punch. Perfect as a side dish or vegetarian main course, this cauliflower is tender enough to cut with a fork, with crispy edges and a rich, buttery flavor throughout. It's surprisingly simple to make but looks stunning when brought to the table whole.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:55 GMT
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Whole Roasted Cauliflower | myhomemaderecipe.com

A whole roasted cauliflower transforms this humble vegetable into a stunning centerpiece that's as visually impressive as it is delicious. The garlic butter coating creates a golden exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender, making every bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

I discovered this method during a dinner party where I needed a show-stopping vegetable dish. The way the butter slowly melts into the cauliflower while roasting creates an almost nutty flavor that converted even the most ardent cauliflower skeptics.

Essential Ingredients & Selection Tips

  • Cauliflower: Look for tight, white florets with no brown spots
  • Butter: European-style with higher fat content creates better browning
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves without any green sprouts
  • Paprika: Sweet or smoked varieties work beautifully
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated melts more evenly than pre-grated

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Cauliflower
Remove outer leaves completely. Trim stem flat for stable positioning. Clean thoroughly between florets. Pat completely dry to encourage browning.
Step 2: Create Your Butter Base
Let butter soften naturally at room temperature. Mince garlic into a fine paste. Mix spices thoroughly into butter. Taste and adjust seasonings before applying.
Step 3: Master the Coating
Start from the bottom and work up. Get butter mixture between all florets. Use hands for best coverage. Create an even layer all around.
Step 4: Perfect the Roast
Place in preheated oven. Rotate pan halfway through cooking. Baste with pan drippings every 20 minutes. Check tenderness in thickest part.
Step 5: Finish with Flair
Add cheese in final 10 minutes. Broil carefully for golden top. Let rest before cutting. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower pin it
Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower | myhomemaderecipe.com

My family's favorite variation includes adding a pinch of crushed red pepper to the butter mixture, creating an unexpected heat that complements the nutty roasted flavors.

Temperature Mastery

Understanding your oven's hot spots helps achieve even browning. Rotating the pan ensures no side gets too dark while another remains pale.

The Butter Effect

Using room temperature butter allows it to seep into the crevices between florets, ensuring flavor penetrates throughout the vegetable.

Tender Whole Roasted Cauliflower in Garlic Butter pin it
Tender Whole Roasted Cauliflower in Garlic Butter | myhomemaderecipe.com

Through countless preparations, I've learned that patience is key with this dish. Taking time to properly coat every crevice and allowing the cauliflower to roast slowly results in a dish that's truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when the cauliflower is done?
You should be able to easily pierce the center with a knife - it should feel tender throughout. The outside should be golden brown with crispy edges.
→ Can I use different seasonings?
Absolutely! Try Italian herbs, curry powder, or your favorite spice blend. Just mix them into the butter before rubbing on the cauliflower.
→ Do I need to wash the cauliflower first?
Yes, rinse the cauliflower head and pat it completely dry before seasoning. This helps the butter mixture stick better.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can reheat leftovers in the oven until warmed through. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
→ Why cover with foil at first?
Covering helps steam the cauliflower so it cooks evenly throughout. Uncovering later allows it to brown and crisp up.

Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower

Golden-brown whole cauliflower roasted with garlic butter until tender and topped with parmesan - an impressive yet simple side dish.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
65 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main ingredients

01 1 head cauliflower, rinsed and patted dry
02 ⅓ cup Danish Creamery salted butter, softened
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 ¼ teaspoon paprika

→ For garnish

06 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
07 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped, plus extra for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Trim the bottom stem of the cauliflower and place it in an oven-safe skillet or baking pan with sides at least two inches high.

Step 03

Mix the softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub this seasoned butter all over the cauliflower head, making sure to coat the top and sides well.

Step 04

Cover the cauliflower loosely with foil and bake for 40-50 minutes, until the center becomes tender.

Step 05

Lower oven temperature to 375°F. Uncover the cauliflower, baste with the melted butter from the pan, and sprinkle with parmesan and chives. Roast uncovered for 15 more minutes until golden brown, basting every 5 minutes.

Notes

  1. Baste the cauliflower regularly during the final roasting for the best golden-brown finish
  2. Make sure to dry the cauliflower well after washing so the butter coating sticks better
  3. The cauliflower should be tender enough to easily pierce with a knife when done

Tools You'll Need

  • 10-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking pan
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, parmesan cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 3 g