Looking for a mouthwatering, healthy dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Say hello to Vegan Baked Cauliflower! This flavorful recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a crispy, golden delight that will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 35 minutes of your time, you can whip up a scrumptious side dish or snack that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to achieve a nice, crispy texture on the cauliflower.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the cauliflower. Rinse the head of cauliflower under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets, ensuring they are not too large or too small. This will help them cook evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss the florets until they are well-coated with the oil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste into the bowl. Mix well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed over the cauliflower.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will help them roast rather than steam.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the cauliflower a gentle toss to ensure even roasting.
- After 25 minutes, check the cauliflower for doneness. It should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork. If you prefer it to be crispier, you can leave it in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cauliflower cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the baked cauliflower warm as a side dish or a healthy snack. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious vegan baked cauliflower!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cauliflower: Look for a fresh head of cauliflower with tightly packed florets and no brown spots. This will ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Uniform Florets: Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets to ensure they cook uniformly. This way, you won’t have some pieces overcooked while others are still crunchy.
- Don’t Skip the Preheat: Preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. A hot oven helps to roast the cauliflower instead of steaming it.
- Experiment with Spices: While garlic powder and paprika are delicious, feel free to get creative! Try adding cumin, chili powder, or nutritional yeast for an extra flavor boost.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps prevent the cauliflower from sticking.
- Toss for Even Cooking: Halfway through baking, give the cauliflower a gentle toss. This ensures that all sides get that beautiful golden color and crispiness.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your oven and how crispy you like your cauliflower, you can adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
- Serve Immediately: Baked cauliflower is best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. Serve it as a side dish, toss it into salads, or enjoy it as a healthy snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 101kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
