Ina Garten’s Savory Garlic-Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Garlic-roasted cauliflower transforms a humble vegetable into a culinary sensation that sizzles with remarkable potential.

White, compact florets absorb intense flavors like a delicate sponge, creating magic in your kitchen.

Robust seasonings elevate this cruciferous wonder from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort.

Nutritional powerhouses rarely taste this incredible when prepared with such simplicity and care.

Crispy edges and tender centers promise a textural experience that delights the palate.

Home cooks appreciate techniques that maximize taste while minimizing complicated preparation steps.

Sophisticated yet accessible, this method turns ordinary ingredients into something truly memorable: prepare to be amazed.

Close the Oven Door on a Perfect Side

Ina Garten’s garlic-roasted cauliflower transforms ordinary vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that delights palates.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each golden-brown floret, promising a sensory adventure for discerning diners.

Roasted garlic mellows into buttery sweetness, complementing crisp cauliflower edges with luxurious depth.

Parsley and pine nuts add unexpected texture and nutty complexity to this simple yet sophisticated side dish.

Mediterranean inspirations shine through each carefully crafted bite, inviting culinary exploration and sensory pleasure.

Savor this recipe’s magic – you’ll want to share its deliciousness, spark conversations about its remarkable taste, and inspire fellow home chefs to embrace Mediterranean cooking with passion and creativity.

Why Garlic-Roasted Cauliflower Never Gets Old

• Elevate Cauliflower's Flavor: This recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a gourmet side dish by roasting it at high heat, which caramelizes the edges and intensifies the natural sweetness of cauliflower.
• Simplify Garlic Preparation: Blanching garlic cloves before roasting softens their sharp bite and creates a mellow, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the golden-brown cauliflower florets.
• Create Textural Excitement: The combination of crispy roasted edges, tender cauliflower centers, crunchy pine nuts, and bright parsley creates a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and delightful.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques that even novice cooks can confidently execute.

Get These Staples for Golden Brown Bliss

Main Ingredients:

• Cauliflower: Fresh, crisp vegetable with a mild flavor that transforms beautifully when roasted, providing a perfect base for this dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful ingredient that adds depth and richness when roasted, softening its sharp taste.

• Kosher Salt: Crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the cauliflower and balancing the overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the roasted vegetables.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil that helps roast the vegetables and provides a smooth, rich flavor throughout the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean flavor and vibrant green color to the finished dish.
• Pine Nuts: Nutty, buttery ingredient that provides a delightful crunch and rich texture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the roasted vegetables.

Roast Cauliflower That Smells Like Heaven

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 450°F / 230°C. Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center.

Step 2: Blanch The Garlic

Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop garlic cloves into the water and cook for 15 seconds. Quickly drain and rinse with cold water. Peel the garlic, removing any discolored or brown sections. Slice larger cloves in half lengthwise.

Step 3: Prepare The Cauliflower

• Cauliflower florets
• Blanched garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Toss all ingredients together on a large sheet pan, ensuring everything is evenly coated and spread in a single layer.

Step 4: Roast To Perfection

Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, gently stirring the mixture twice during cooking. Look for a golden-brown color and tender texture.

Step 5: Create The Final Dish

• Additional olive oil
• Chopped parsley
• Toasted pine nuts
• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra salt

Gently toss everything together. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, caramelized flavors.

Tips for Avoiding Soggy Roasted Veggies

• Maximize Garlic Flavor: Crush whole garlic cloves gently before roasting to release more intense aromatics and create deeper caramelization.
• Prevent Soggy Cauliflower: Pat the cauliflower completely dry after washing to ensure crispy, golden edges during roasting.
• Balance Seasoning Technique: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper generously, allowing the spices to cling to each floret for robust taste.
• Create Perfect Roasting Texture: Space cauliflower pieces evenly on the baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to help them brown beautifully and cook uniformly.
• Enhance Pine Nut Crunch: Watch pine nuts carefully while toasting, as they can burn quickly; remove from heat the moment they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma.

Store It Without Losing That Edge

• Meal Prep Magic: Chop and roast extra cauliflower during your weekly cooking session. Store pre-roasted florets in glass containers with tight-fitting lids, creating instant side dish options for quick weeknight meals. Label containers with date to track freshness.
• Freezer Preservation: Spread cooled roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and store up to 3 months. Perfect for future recipe additions or unexpected dinner rushes.
• Extended Storage Strategy: Place completely cooled cauliflower in ceramic or glass containers with breathable lids. Position in the coldest part of refrigerator, typically back bottom shelf. Consume within 4-5 days for maximum flavor and nutritional integrity.

Flavor Ideas You Didn’t Know You Needed

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Replace parsley with fresh oregano and thyme, adding a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile while keeping the roasting technique identical.
• Spicy Chili Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and smoked paprika over cauliflower before roasting, introducing a bold and warming heat that complements the garlic's richness.
• Parmesan Cheese Crunch: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the roasted cauliflower during the last 5 minutes of cooking, creating a crispy, golden cheese crust that adds depth and texture.
• Nutty Almond Alternative: Swap pine nuts with sliced almonds for a different crunch and subtle nutty undertone, maintaining the recipe's original roasting method and seasoning balance.

Ina Garten Garlic-roasted Cauliflower Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s garlic-roasted cauliflower delivers Mediterranean flavors with exceptional simplicity. Herb-kissed florets caramelize to golden perfection, promising a delightful side dish that makes roasted vegetables irresistible for dinner companions.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into large florets
• 1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated but not peeled

Nuts and Herbs:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) pine nuts, toasted
• ¼ cup (60 ml) minced fresh parsley

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4.5 tablespoons (67.5 ml) good olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Elevate your oven temperature to a scorching 450°F (230°C), ensuring a perfectly heated cooking environment.
2. Prepare the garlic by immersing cloves in boiling water for a brief 15-second bath. Quickly drain, then carefully peel away the skin, meticulously trimming any discolored sections. For larger cloves, slice them lengthwise to promote even roasting.
3. Create a flavor-packed roasting base by combining cauliflower florets and prepared garlic on a spacious sheet pan. Generously coat with of olive oil, massaging in of kosher salt and of freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the ingredients in a single, uncrowded layer to ensure optimal caramelization.
4. Roast the cauliflower mixture for 20-25 minutes, pausing twice to gently toss and promote uniform browning, until the edges turn golden and the vegetable becomes tender.
5. Transfer the roasted medley to a generous mixing bowl. Drizzle with an additional 1½ tablespoons () of olive oil, then gently fold in fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, and a bright splash of lemon juice. Sprinkle with a final ½ teaspoon () of salt, tossing delicately to distribute flavors evenly. Serve immediately while the dish radiates warmth and aromatic intensity.

Notes

• Select peak-season cauliflower with crisp, white florets to ensure maximum sweetness and nutritional value.
• Gentler garlic preparation involves brief boiling, which reduces sharpness and creates smoother roasting results.
• Carefully toast pine nuts in a dry skillet, watching closely to prevent burning and enhance their nutty complexity.
• Warm serving temperatures help release aromatic oils and maintain the ideal texture of roasted vegetables.
• Fresh herbs sprinkled just before plating will elevate the overall flavor profile and add vibrant color to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 87
• Sugar: 1.8g
• Sodium: 462mg
• Fat: 6.53g
• Saturated Fat: 1.21g
• Carbohydrates: 6.57g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Protein: 2.77g
• Cholesterol: 0mg