Oven-roasted cauliflower is a wonderful side dish that pairs well with many meals. It is a staple in our household. For my daughter’s 4th birthday, we asked her what she would like for dinner, and her response blew our minds. “Lamb lollipops, artichokes, and roasted cauliflower. Chocolate mousse for dessert.” She’s so cool! What four-year-old comes up with such a sophisticated menu on the fly? Needless to say, it was a killer meal, and she was one happy birthday girl. I was thrilled to be roasting cauliflower for her birthday .
My Roasted Cauliflower Recipe is easy and quick. Prepping it is such a breeze. All you need to do is cut the cauliflower, mix it with oil and spice, and then pop it in the oven while you prepare other dinner dishes. Let’s look at what it takes to roast cauliflower perfectly for a satisfying dinner.
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Paleo
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
l love this spicy oven roasted cauliflower for valid reasons. It is:
- Perfect for those following low-carb or keto diet.
- Suitable for gluten and dairy intolerances.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Heat can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
- Enjoyable as a perfect side dish or main course.
Is Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Low Carb?
Yes, spicy roasted cauliflower is low-carb. Cauliflower is a healthy vegetable as compared to other starchy vegetables like potatoes. This recipe is perfect for those on a low-carb diet, with just 5 g net carbs per serving. For a lower carb count, skip the red onion altogether.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Ingredient List
You’ll need the following ingredients to make spicy oven-roasted cauliflower:
- 4 dried red chili peppers, chopped
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin
- ¼ cup Cotija cheese (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
If you see something missing in your pantry for this spicy baked cauliflower recipe, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some keto-friendly substitutions!
- Garlic: Use roasted garlic for a delicious twist in flavor.
- Red onion: Substitute with sliced shallots for a similar taste.
- Chipotle powder: Chili powder can be used as an alternative spice.
- Dried red chili peppers: Swap with red pepper flakes (about 1 teaspoon).
- Cayenne powder: Try Ancho or Chipotle powder, or use regular chili powder.
- Virgin olive oil: Avocado or MCT oil (coconut oil) are excellent substitutes.
- Cotija cheese: Feta or crumbled goat cheese are great replacements.
- Cilantro: Fresh chopped parsley can be used in place of cilantro.
Additional Ingredients
Enhance your savory roasted cauliflower dish with simple additional ingredients that pair beautifully with the main flavors:
- Butter: Cauliflower loves the richness of butter—add a pat for extra flavor.
- Fresh herbs: If you’re looking for the best seasoning for cauliflower, try fresh basil, scallions, tarragon, thyme, or sage. These herbs add depth and freshness to cauliflower pieces.
- Sour cream: Add a dollop of sour cream to cool things off and bring creamy goodness to each serving.
- Onions: Roast some yellow or sweet onions alongside the cauliflower for a delicious combination of flavors.
Note: Additional ingredients are only for improving the flavor; they are not part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
To prepare this spicy whole-roasted cauliflower recipe, you’ll need the following cooking tools:
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Spatula
How to Make Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Methods
- Roasting
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C)
- Remove the leaves and stems from fresh cauliflower. Cut cauliflower florets into quarters.
- Mix all the dried spices (chipotle powder, coarse salt, ground cumin, black pepper, and cayenne powder) in a small bowl and the chopped chili peppers.
- In a large bowl, add the cauliflower, onion, and garlic. Top with the mixed spices.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower mixture and coat well.
Cooking Instructions
- Evenly distribute the cauliflower mixture on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove from the oven. Use a spatula to rotate the ingredients. If using, add the Cotija cheese now.
- Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the total cooking time reaches 35-40 minutes. Transfer carefully to a bowl and top with chopped cilantro and a squirt of lime juice.
💡 My Pro Tip
If you cannot tolerate the recipe’s heat, tone it down by substituting the spicy ingredients. Replace the cayenne powder with a milder spice option. Next, swap the dried red chili peppers for something cooler, like dried Guajillo or Arbol chili peppers (just be sure to remove them before serving). Finally, top your dish with a cooling element like sour cream or a dollop of full-fat Greek yogurt. This will balance the heat and add a creamy touch to your meal.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- This dish reheats well, so make it ahead of time for quick meals during the week.
- Chop garlic, slice onions, and measure out spices before cooking.
- Marinate cauliflower with spices and olive oil the night before cooking for enhanced flavor and quicker assembly on cooking day.
- Pre-cut cauliflower in advance to save time on meal prep.
What to Serve With Spicy Roasted Cauliflower?
Wondering what to serve with roasted spicy cauliflower? Here are some delicious food pairings:
- Beef stroganoff: Are you craving something creamy with this healthy side dish? Pair it with beef stroganoff! The rich flavors of this beef complement the spiciness of the roasted vegetable.
- Crispy golden rotisserie chicken: Rotisserie chicken adds protein to the meal and pairs well with the crispy cauliflower.
- Cream cheese dip: Cream cheese dip provides a creamy contrast and enhances the flavor of cauliflower with its cheese flavors.
- Homemade chicken soup: Enjoy the spicy cauliflower alongside a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. The comforting flavors complement each other perfectly for a satisfying meal.
- Grilled pork chops: Grilled pork chops are a flavorful main dish that pairs beautifully with the spicy cauliflower. Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a complete, low-carb feast.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- Store leftover spicy roasted cauliflower in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Freezing Tips
- You can freeze spicy roasted cauliflower, but the texture may change upon thawing. Freeze in freezer bags for up to three months.
- Thaw frozen cauliflower florets in the fridge overnight and reheat according to stovetop instructions for best results.
Reheating Tips
- For best results, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water and cover with a lid until heated through (approximately 5-7 minutes). Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the cauliflower mushy.
Recipe Conclusion
Spicy roasted cauliflower is sure to be a hit at your next feast. Whether you’re a spice lover or looking to shake up your veggie routine, this dish delivers big flavors. Experiment with different spice levels and pairings to give your twist to this recipe.
Go ahead and give this roasted cauliflower recipe a try. Spice up your dinner table with the mouthwatering creation, and share your photos and experiences with me. Don’t hesitate—let’s get roasting and enjoy one of the best roasted cauliflower recipes. You can find us on Facebook or Instagram.
More Side Dish Recipes
If you are looking to try more healthy side dish recipes with cauliflower, check out these delicious options:
FAQs
All colors of cauliflower (white, purple, orange, etc.) offer similar health benefits.
Roasting cauliflower can help reduce its gassiness compared to eating it raw.
Yes, cauliflower absorbs flavors well from spices, herbs, and seasonings.
Cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, and chili powder are great spices to use with cauliflower.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower 🌶️
Ingredients
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Ingredients List
- 4 dried red chili peppers chopped
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ cup red onion sliced thin
- ¼ cup Cotija cheese optional
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C)
- Remove the leaves and stems from fresh cauliflower. Cut cauliflower florets into quarters.
- Mix all the dried spices (chipotle powder, coarse salt, ground cumin, black pepper, and cayenne powder) in a small bowl and the chopped chili peppers.
- In a large bowl, add the cauliflower, onion, and garlic. Top with the mixed spices.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower mixture and coat well.
Cooking Instructions
- Evenly distribute the cauliflower mixture on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove from the oven. Use a spatula to rotate the ingredients. If using, add the Cotija cheese now.
- Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the total cooking time reaches 35-40 minutes. Transfer carefully to a bowl and top with chopped cilantro and a squirt of lime juice.
Notes
If this Spicy Roasted Cauliflower recipe hits the spot for you, let me know! If you have ways to tweak it to be even lower in carbs, I’d love to hear your ideas. Drop a comment below! Enjoy your cooking adventures!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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