Creamy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Crisp-tender cauliflower florets coated in a rich Parmesan-herb sauce, baked until golden with a velvety texture. This french-inspired vegetarian (low-carb, vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs head cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut 1 head cauliflower into 1-inch florets, discarding the core, and toss with 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/4 tsp salt on a baking sheet.
- Step 2: Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the cauliflower edges are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 3: While roasting, mince 2 garlic cloves and combine with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp water in a small bowl to form a paste.
- Step 4: Remove cauliflower from oven, drizzle with the Parmesan-garlic paste, and toss gently until evenly coated, then return to oven for 3 more minutes to melt the cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep head cauliflower from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Creamy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
