Looking for an easy, show-stopping side dish that’s both comforting and delicious? This Buttery Garlic Parmesan Roasted Whole Cauliflower is a simple recipe that brings bold, savory flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s the perfect centerpiece for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even holiday meals!
Whole roasted cauliflower looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make. In this recipe, we slather a fresh head of cauliflower with a rich mixture of butter, mayonnaise, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. As it roasts, it becomes golden, tender, and packed with mouthwatering flavor. With just a few basic ingredients, you can turn a humble vegetable into something truly special.
How to Make Buttery Garlic Parmesan Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Serve: Slice into wedges and serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired!
Prep the Cauliflower: Clean the cauliflower, remove any leaves, and trim the stem so it can sit flat.
Make the Buttery Garlic Parmesan Coating: Mix softened butter, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl until creamy.
Coat the Cauliflower: Generously spread the buttery mixture all over the cauliflower, making sure to get into all the crevices.
Roast: Place the cauliflower in a baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Cover loosely with foil and roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and roast for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden brown and tender.
Fun Tips and Facts
- Mayonnaise Magic: Mayo helps lock in moisture and creates a beautiful crust when roasted!
- Cheese Choices: You can swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different twist.
- Impressive Yet Easy: Whole roasted cauliflower makes a great vegetarian “main course” or a hearty side dish with almost no hands-on time.
This Buttery Garlic Parmesan Roasted Whole Cauliflower is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, beautiful flavors. It’s a low-effort, high-reward dish that adds rustic elegance to your table — perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a stunning holiday side!
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Buttery Garlic Parmesan Whole Roasted Cauliflower
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 – servings 1x
Description
Easy and delicious! This buttery garlic Parmesan roasted whole cauliflower recipe turns a simple veggie into a golden, savory showstopper perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the cauliflower and pat dry. Trim the base so it sits flat but keep the head intact.
- In a small bowl, mix the butter, mayonnaise, garlic, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Place the cauliflower in a baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Spread the mixture all over the cauliflower, covering it completely.
- Cover loosely with foil and roast for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue roasting for 15–20 minutes more, until golden and fork-tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roast
- Cuisine: American
FAQ’s for Buttery Garlic Parmesan Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Yes! You can prep the cauliflower and coating a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, then roast when ready.
This cauliflower pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even as a hearty vegetarian main with a green salad.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy!
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