Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Herb Butter

Description

This savory Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Herb Butter recipe transforms a simple vegetable into a mouthwatering dish that can stand as a centerpiece on any dining table. The cauliflower is lovingly coated in a richly flavored garlic and herb-infused butter, then roasted to perfection with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust. Topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds a touch of elegance to your meal presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 large head cauliflower (about 2-3 pounds)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives)
• Flaky sea salt for finishing
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preparing for Roasting

Preheat oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Prepare the cauliflower by removing its leaves and trimming the stem to help it sit flat. Ensure not to cut into the florets.

2. Making Herb Butter

In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, sea salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and if using, the crushed red pepper until the mixture is well combined.

3. Coating the Cauliflower

Place the cauliflower into a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish. Use your hands to evenly spread the herb butter mixture over the entire surface of the cauliflower, making sure to reach into all the crevices.

4. Roasting Covered

Cover the cauliflower loosely with foil and roast it in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.

5. Roasting Uncovered

Remove the foil and baste the cauliflower with the pan drippings. Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and continue roasting uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, basting every 8-10 minutes to enhance flavor and moisture.

6. Adding the Topping

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower and return it to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown.

7. Finishing Touches

After removing from the oven, let the cauliflower rest for 5-10 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with fresh herbs, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.

Servings & Preparation/Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and cook.

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, typically about 15-20 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the cauliflower soggy.

Conclusion

The Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Herb Butter is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavours and textures. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy elegant vegetarian options or simply wish to introduce more vegetables into their diet in a delightful way. Easy to prepare and visually impressive, it guarantees to please both the palate and the eyes at any dining occasion.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Herb Butter

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

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Description

This savory Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Herb Butter recipe transforms a simple vegetable into a mouthwatering dish that can stand as a centerpiece on any dining table. The cauliflower is lovingly coated in a richly flavored garlic and herb-infused butter, then roasted to perfection with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust. Topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds a touch of elegance to your meal presentation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head cauliflower (about 2–3 pounds)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives)
• Flaky sea salt for finishing
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Preparing for Roasting Preheat oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Prepare the cauliflower by removing its leaves and trimming the stem to help it sit flat. Ensure not to cut into the florets.
2. Making Herb Butter In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, sea salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and if using, the crushed red pepper until the mixture is well combined.
3. Coating the Cauliflower Place the cauliflower into a cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe baking dish. Use your hands to evenly spread the herb butter mixture over the entire surface of the cauliflower, making sure to reach into all the crevices.
4. Roasting Covered Cover the cauliflower loosely with foil and roast it in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
5. Roasting Uncovered Remove the foil and baste the cauliflower with the pan drippings. Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and continue roasting uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, basting every 8-10 minutes to enhance flavor and moisture.
6. Adding the Topping Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower and return it to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown.
7. Finishing Touches After removing from the oven, let the cauliflower rest for 5-10 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with fresh herbs, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.