Description
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Herb Butter offers Mediterranean magic on a plate, bringing simple ingredients together in a remarkable culinary experience. Fragrant herbs and golden-brown edges make this dish a show-stopping centerpiece that beckons diners to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2–3 pounds / 907-1,361 grams)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Herbs and Spices:
- 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives)
Finishing Ingredients:
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning the rack in the center for even cooking.
- Prepare the whole cauliflower by gently removing outer leaves and carefully trimming the stem base, ensuring the cauliflower can sit flat without damaging the floret structure.
- Create a fragrant herb butter by thoroughly blending softened unsalted butter with finely minced garlic, sea salt, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes until ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a cast-iron skillet or deep oven-safe baking dish, using clean hands to massage the herb butter mixture comprehensively across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage including hidden crevices.
- Loosely tent the cauliflower with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, allowing the vegetable to steam and soften internally.
- Carefully remove the foil and baste the cauliflower with accumulated pan drippings, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Continue roasting uncovered, basting every 8-10 minutes to enhance moisture and develop deep, caramelized flavors.
- Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow the cauliflower to rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and temperature to moderate.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped herbs, sprinkling flaky sea salt, and drizzling extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Notes
- Prepare the cauliflower by removing leaves and trimming the stem to sit flat, ensuring the florets remain intact for a beautiful whole roasted presentation.
- Create a flavorful herb butter mixture using softened butter, minced garlic, and spices to infuse the cauliflower with rich, aromatic flavors throughout roasting.
- Evenly coat the entire cauliflower surface with herb butter, carefully working the mixture into all crevices to guarantee maximum flavor penetration and even cooking.
- Roast covered first to steam and soften the cauliflower, then uncover to develop a golden-brown exterior and concentrate the delicious herb butter flavors.
- Baste frequently during the uncovered roasting stage to maintain moisture and enhance the caramelization process, creating a stunning and delectable final dish.
- Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for an elegant, restaurant-quality presentation that adds both visual appeal and additional layers of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg