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.