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    MeghanItUp » Recipes » Italian Recipes

    Italian Roasted Cauliflower

    Published: Mar 27, 2025 · Modified: Jun 27, 2025 by Meghan Birnbaum · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    Italian roasted cauliflower hidden pin.

    My Italian Roasted Cauliflower is a quick, flavorful vegetable side made with a fresh cauliflower head, garlic cloves, and parmesan cheese.

    Italian Roasted Cauliflower served.

    Italian roasted cauliflower is a simple, flavorful side dish made by tossing cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning or spices like sweet paprika and red pepper flakes, then roasting at high temperatures until golden brown with crispy edges.

    Looking for more roasted veggie recipes? Try my Roasted Baby Broccoli. Try this as a side with Beef Stew, Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing or Italian Turkey Meatloaf.

    👩🏼‍🍳 Chef's Tips

    • For the crispiest edges, make sure the cauliflower is completely dry before tossing with oil and seasonings. The moisture can cause steaming instead of roasting. Use a paper towel to pat the florets dry after washing before roasting.

    📋 Recipe

    Italian roasted cauliflower featured image.

    Italian Roasted Cauliflower

    Meghan Birnbaum
    Crispy, cheesy, and full of bold Italian flavor, this roasted cauliflower is the perfect easy side dish. Tossed with garlic, paprika, and parmesan, it’s golden and irresistible straight from the oven.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Italian American
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 228 kcal

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    Equipment

    • Baking sheet (half-sheet pan)
    • Parchment paper or foil
    • Large mixing bowl
    • Tongs or spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 large head cauliflower washed, trimmed, and cut into bite-size florets
    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
    • 1 teaspoon chili flakes optional, to taste
    • ½ cup Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice optional
    • Additional grated cheese and chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish (optional)
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    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Place a baking sheet in the oven while it preheats—this helps the cauliflower develop crispy, caramelized edges.
    • Prepare the pan: Once hot, carefully remove the baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil.
    • Toss the cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Toss until all the florets are evenly coated.
    • Arrange on the pan: Spread the cauliflower on the hot baking sheet in a single layer, flat sides down when possible. Leave space between pieces to help them roast, not steam.
    • Roast: Bake for 25–30 minutes, without stirring, until the cauliflower is fork-tender with deep golden, crispy edges.
    • Add cheese: In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the grated cheese over the cauliflower and return to the oven to finish.
    • Finish and serve: Remove from the oven. Drizzle with lemon juice and top with parsley and more cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Using a hot pan helps jumpstart caramelization—don't skip it!
    • For best texture, make sure the florets are spaced out and not overlapping.
    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 513mgPotassium: 674mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 447IUVitamin C: 102mgCalcium: 188mgIron: 1mg

    The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and tag @MeghanItUp on social!

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    Can I make this Italian roasted cauliflower ahead of time?

    Yes! You can roast the cauliflower up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then reheat on a parchment paper–lined baking pan at 400ºF until warmed through and crispy again. It's just as delicious the next day!

    🌡️ Food safety

    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Alexis C.

      June 27, 2025 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      The best and simplest roasted cauliflower recipe we've found yet!

      Reply
      • Meghan Birnbaum

        June 27, 2025 at 1:55 pm

        5 stars
        I'm so glad you love it!

        Reply

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    Meet Meghan

    Hi, I'm Meghan!

    Come join me in my culinary adventures where we'll be using simple, fresh ingredients and transforming them into delicious and easy meals for the everyday home cook. I am a mom, wife, foodie, wino, recipe developer, food photographer, and blogger. My goal is to make your life more delicious from food, wine, everyday, and travel. I'm so happy you're here!

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