Master the Basics and Make it YOUR Own
Watch our base recipe video to learn the basic skills, and discover how you can customize roasted cauliflower to your taste!
This is a variation of our oven roasted cauliflower base recipe. If you think you don’t like cauliflower, you have to try this roasted spiced cauliflower recipe. If you already like cauliflower, get ready to like it even more! We love roasting vegetables in general, but there is something almost magical about cauliflower when it is roasted. Try it out for yourself!
Must-Know Cooking Skills to Level Up your Kitchen Game
To make this recipe even easier, check out these videos to master the basics:
Culinary Tips for the Best Seasoned Roasted Cauliflower
Whisking the oil and spices together first ensures even flavor distribution.
If using a whole head of cauliflower, be sure to cut it into uniform, bite-sized pieces. If using bagged florets, break large pieces into smaller pieces.
Should you steam cauliflower before roasting? Nope! The cauliflower will cook all the way through in the oven.
Be sure to not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding causes steaming which will lead to mushy cauliflower – not what you want when trying to make crispy spiced cauliflower!
Due to the roasting caramelization process and the combination of seasonings, this is a sweet and spicy roasted cauliflower recipe.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Canola Oil: Substitute with a non-expensive extra virgin olive oil. We’ve found that the cheaper bottles from your local grocery store can withstand high heat.
- Cauliflower: Feeling adventurous? Try colored cauliflower! Yellow and purple varieties add a fun pop.
- Spices: substitute cumin for either spice for great flavor!
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is always best, but bottled works in a pinch.
We like to buy our spices from the Spice House. They have great quality, variety, and flavor!
Recipe Variations: Make it Your Own!
Want some extra heat? Make spicy roasted cauliflower by adding ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
If desired, sprinkle with fresh, chopped parsley or cilantro after cooking for herb roasted cauliflower.
No lemon? No problem! Roasted cauliflower without lemon still tastes great.
Want some roasted cauliflower recipe inspiration?
Use our oven roasted cauliflower base recipe and variations for inspiration, then have fun exploring other flavors and ingredients to YOUR taste!
Equipment Recommendations: The Essentials
You just need a few basic tools for this recipe. Here’s your shopping list:
- Nested mixing bowls – great for mixing, great for storing!
- Measuring spoons – precision makes a difference
- Spatula – for scraping up every last drop of flavor
- 13 x 18 Baking Sheet – no overcrowding, please!
- Citrus juicer – for game changing real lemon juice
- Cutting board & Chef’s knife – to cook like a chef, of course!
Want to level up your kitchen game? Check out our Essential Equipment Guide for all the must-have tools!
Health Benefits of Roasted Cauliflower with Spices
Roasted cauliflower has far more flavor than raw or steamed, so if you’re working to get picky eaters to eat their veggies, this is an easy recipe to add to your rotation! Chef V’s kids eat this recipe weekly with no complaints! The nutrition powerhouses in this recipe are cauliflower, healthy cooking oil, and spices.
Cauliflower
Eating a variety of non-starchy vegetables is important for your health. Eating a variety of colors, including white, is key! Cauliflower contains many vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. These nutrients improve health by decreasing inflammation in your body.
Canola or Avocado Oil
Both canola and avocado oil contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. They also have high smoke points, making them ideal for high-heat cooking methods, such as roasting.
Spices
Spices add flavor and nutrition to this recipe. Using spices decreases the need for salt, which may help reduce hypertension risk and therefore promote heart health. Additionally, most spices contain powerful antioxidants which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Learn more about the health benefits of spices in this article!
Dive into our ingredient guide to discover the freshest, tastiest picks for all your recipes—because great ingredients make all the difference!
Serving Suggestions for Roasted Spiced Cauliflower
Serve this easy roasted cauliflower as a side to roasted fish, beef and bean burgers, or turkey meatballs to create a balanced plate. Or combine with whole grains, beans, and vinaigrette for a balanced grain bowl. Combine with cooked quinoa, roasted chickpeas, massaged kale, and this vegan tahini dressing to make a beautiful and filling salad!
Storage & Reheat Tips
Got leftovers? No worries! Parmesan roasted cauliflower will last up to a week in the fridge, but we’ll be honest – it’s not quite as crispy the next day. To bring back that crunch, reheat it in the oven!
Want more healthy vegetable recipes? We got you!
Check out these favorites, and as always, adjust to YOUR taste!
Share the Love – Leave us a Review!
Unlike many other recipe blogs, we actually encourage you to tweak our recipes. Not because they’re in need of change, haha, but because we believe one of the secrets to success in the kitchen is cooking to YOUR taste. Make the recipe, leave us a review, and tell us if you made any changes! We love hearing how you’ve made it your own.
Roasted Spiced Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Tablespoons canola or avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika , regular or smoked
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 ounces cauliflower florets (~1 large head)
- 1 small lemon, cut in half or quarters
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425° F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oil, chili powder, paprika, and salt.
- Break larger cauliflower florets into smaller pieces and add to the bowl. Using a spatula, toss to evenly coat with oil mixture.
- Spread spiced cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Roast 16-18 minutes or until edges are brown and florets are easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and squeeze lemon juice on top. Enjoy!
This Post Has 2 Comments
Great flavors that go with almost anything. I love finding veggie recipes that don’t lean on say cheese or butter to taste delicious!
Yes! And agreed!