Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Parmesan, and Chives Recipe
This Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe features a tender, flavorful cauliflower head coated with a savory garlic butter mixture, baked to perfection, then topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh chives for a deliciously golden finish. Perfect as an impressive vegetarian side dish or a main course for those seeking a wholesome, satisfying vegetable dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
Seasoned Butter
- ⅓ cup Danish Creamery salted butter (softened)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped, plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for roasting the cauliflower to a tender state.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Use a sharp knife to trim off the bottom of the cauliflower stem so it can sit flat. Place the cauliflower head upright inside an oven-safe skillet or baking pan with sides at least two inches high to catch the butter and juices.
- Season with butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened salted butter, minced garlic, salt, and paprika. Rub this seasoned butter mixture thoroughly over the top and all sides of the cauliflower to infuse flavor throughout.
- Bake covered: Loosely cover the cauliflower with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. This step slowly cooks the cauliflower until it becomes tender at the core.
- Adjust oven and baste: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Uncover the cauliflower and baste it with the melted butter collected in the pan to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Add toppings and roast uncovered: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped chives evenly over the cauliflower. Return it to the oven uncovered and roast for an additional 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is golden brown, basting with melted butter every five minutes to enhance browning and flavor.
- Serve: Once roasted to a golden finish, sprinkle with extra fresh chives and serve hot as a delicious, visually striking side or main vegetarian dish.
Notes
- Using Danish Creamery salted butter enhances the flavor due to its high-quality taste.
- Ensure the cauliflower sits firmly upright in the pan for even roasting.
- The basting every 5 minutes in the final roasting stage helps achieve a golden, caramelized exterior.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty umami kick, but can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese for a vegan version.