Whole Roasted Cauliflower

This whole roasted cauliflower recipe is an easy and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. Tender, golden, and basted with a rich butter sauce, it’s a simple yet elegant side dish that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • Fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

4 cups (1L) vegetable or chicken stock (adjust based on cauliflower size)

  • 1/3 cup (70g) melted butter
  • Fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to prepare for roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Trim the bottom of the cauliflower to remove leaves and stem, but keep the head intact. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Step 3: Simmer in Stock

Place the whole cauliflower in a pot and cover it with vegetable or chicken stock. Add fresh thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 12 minutes to infuse flavor.

Step 4: Transfer to a Roasting Pan

Drain the cauliflower and transfer it to a cast-iron skillet or any ovenproof pan. Ladle a bit of the cooking stock over the cauliflower and drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and cracked pepper.

Step 5: Roast in the Oven

Place in the preheated oven and roast for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Baste with cooking juices occasionally. Check doneness by inserting a knife—if it slides in easily, it’s ready.

Step 6: Optional Broiling

If you want a more golden crust, broil for an extra 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional fresh thyme, and slice before serving. Drizzle with buttery cooking juices for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and Elegant: Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals.
  • Healthy and Flavorful: A delicious way to enjoy cauliflower with minimal ingredients.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with roasted meats, fish, or served as a vegetarian main course.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
  • Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal.
  • Drizzle with extra melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan for added richness.

Final Thoughts

This whole roasted cauliflower with butter sauce is an easy, flavorful, and visually stunning dish. Whether you’re serving it as a side or main course, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a simple yet delicious way to elevate your meals!