🛒 Ingredients
1 large cauliflower, cut into even-sized florets (about 6 cups)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika (smoked paprika for extra depth!)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (add in last 5 mins of baking)
🔥 Pro Tip: Dry the florets well after washing — wet = steam = no crisp!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat (for easy cleanup).
2️⃣ Cut Even Florets
Remove leaves and stem.
Cut cauliflower into uniform pieces — about 1.5 inches.
✂️ Smaller = crispier; too big = soft centers.
3️⃣ Dry Thoroughly
Pat florets dry with a clean towel.
💧 Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
4️⃣ Season Generously
In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with:
Olive oil
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
Salt & pepper
Mix until every piece is evenly coated.
5️⃣ Spread & Roast
Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
No crowding — leave space between florets for air flow!
Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply golden and crispy at the edges.
6️⃣ Add Cheese (Optional)
If using Parmesan, sprinkle over cauliflower in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Let melt slightly and turn golden.
7️⃣ Serve Immediately
Enjoy hot for maximum crunch!
Serve as a side, on salads, or even as a snack.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
With tahini drizzle or lemon aioli
Over grain bowls or quinoa
As a topping for pizza or tacos
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning
🍋 Bright Finish: Toss with fresh lemon juice and parsley after roasting
🍯 Sweet & Savory: Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Roast ahead — re-crisp in oven or air fryer at 400°F for 5 mins
❄️ Freeze It? Not recommended — texture suffers when thawed
🌾 Dairy-Free? Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
🧠 Why This Works So Well
High heat + oil = Maillard reaction → deep browning & crispness
Even cuts + dry surface = uniform cooking & crunch
Paprika + garlic powder = bold flavor without overpowering
Single layer roasting = steam escapes → crispy, not soggy
It’s not luck — it’s roasting science made simple. ✨