This savory, golden-brown Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower makes for a richly flavorful and perfectly tender side dish. Infused with a zesty garlic butter blend and a touch of smoked paprika, it offers both bold flavor and satisfying texture—an ideal accompaniment to any main course.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower is simple to prepare, yet delivers deep, complex flavors with minimal ingredients. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cauliflower while the garlic, butter, and spices infuse every bite with warmth and richness. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, incorporating it into a grain bowl, or enjoying it as a low-carb snack, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and full of character.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cauliflower, cut into florets
- Garlic, minced
- Butter, melted
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Black pepper
- Salt
directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the seasoned garlic butter mixture.
- Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown, tender, and crisp around the edges.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 135 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy Finish: Top with grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter for a more aromatic flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for an extra pop of citrus brightness.
- Mild Version: Omit red pepper flakes for a less spicy result.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower is best for roasting, but frozen can be used if thawed and thoroughly dried to avoid sogginess.
What’s the best way to cut cauliflower for roasting?
Cut into evenly sized florets to ensure uniform roasting and crispness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can roast the cauliflower a few hours ahead and reheat in the oven before serving.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them according to your preference.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli can be added—just adjust roasting time based on their density.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and suitable for ketogenic and low-carb diets.
Can I roast this without parchment paper?
Yes, just ensure the baking sheet is well-oiled to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
What herbs pair well with this dish?
Parsley, thyme, and chives all complement the roasted garlic and butter flavors well.
Can I use ghee instead of butter?
Yes, ghee is a great alternative and adds a slightly nuttier depth of flavor.
How do I keep the cauliflower crispy?
Make sure not to overcrowd the pan and roast at high heat. Spread the florets in a single layer with space between them.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower is a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed side dish that delivers on both texture and taste. Whether served as a standalone appetizer or paired with your favorite entrée, this recipe transforms a humble vegetable into something truly memorable. With its ease of preparation and adaptable flavor profile, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
PrintGarlic Butter Roasted Cauliflower
Tender cauliflower florets roasted to golden perfection in a rich garlic butter and olive oil blend, finished with lemon juice and a hint of smoky paprika for the perfect savory side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cauliflower florets and toss until evenly coated with the garlic butter mixture.
- Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the florets are golden brown and tender with crispy edges.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with additional olive oil.
- Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley makes a great garnish.
- Try adding a pinch of cumin or curry powder for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg