Best Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipes

MUSTARD-PARMESAN WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the bottom of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Remove the leaves from the cauliflower, then trim the stem flush with the bottom of the head so the cauliflower sits flat on the prepared baking sheet. Rub the outside of each head with the cut garlic.
• Whisk together the oil, 3 tablespoons mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a small bowl.
• Put the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet and brush the entire outside and inside with the mustard-oil mixture. Roast the cauliflower until nicely charred and tender (a long skewer inserted in the center of the cauliflower should pass through easily), 50 minutes to 1 hour. Let rest for a few minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the parsley and Parmesan in a small bowl. Brush the outside of the roasted cauliflower heads all over with the remaining 1 tablespoon mustard and generously sprinkle with the Parmesan mixture.
• Cut the cauliflower into thick wedges and serve on plates with a sprinkle of salt, lemon wedges and any extra Parmesan mixture.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• For roasted cauliflower:
• Preheat oven to 475°F. Bring wine, oil, kosher salt, juice, butter, red pepper flakes, sugar, bay leaf, and 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add cauliflower, reduce heat, and simmer, turning occasionally, until a knife easily inserts into center, 15-20 minutes.
• Using 2 slotted spoons or a mesh spider, transfer cauliflower to a rimmed baking sheet, draining well. Roast, rotating sheet halfway through, until brown all over, 30-40 minutes.
• For whipped goat cheese and assembly:
• While cauliflower is roasting, blend goat cheese, cream cheese, feta, cream, and 2 tablespoons oil in a food processor until smooth; season with sea salt. Transfer whipped goat cheese to a serving bowl and drizzle with oil.
• Transfer cauliflower to a plate. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with whipped goat cheese.
• DO AHEAD: Whipped goat cheese can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Trim large leaves off the cauliflower. Trim stalk so cauliflower can sit flat in a Dutch oven.
• Grind fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle. Mix in smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk in olive oil to form a paste. Rub the paste all over the cauliflower. Drizzle lemon juice all over.
• Bake in the preheated oven, covered, until tender, about 30 minutes. Uncover and baste with any juices that have pooled at the base. Continue baking, uncovered, until top is browned and center feels completely tender when pierced with a paring knife, about 15 minutes.

WHOLE POT-ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH TOMATOES AND ANCHOVIES

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 450 degrees.
• Trim any wilted leaves and brown bits off the cauliflower, but leave healthy leaves. Put the cauliflower on its side on a cutting board. As if coring a tomato, core the base of the cauliflower: insert a small sharp knife about 1 inch into the base of the stem, make a circular cut to loosen the cone-shaped core, then pry it out and discard.
• In a deep, heavy ovenproof pot (with a lid), large enough to hold the whole cauliflower, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower cored side up; it should sizzle. Brown the exterior, turning it occasionally with tongs for even browning. This should take about 5 minutes; reduce the heat as needed to prevent scorching. Carefully turn over and brown the other side lightly, about 2 minutes.
• Remove the cauliflower to a plate and add garlic, anchovies and rosemary to the pot. Stir until garlic is golden, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, white wine, chiles and salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Return cauliflower to pot, cored side down. Baste with the tomato liquid and pile some of the solids on top. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes to thicken the tomatoes.
• Cover the pot, place in the oven and roast until tender, 30 to 45 minutes; a knife will go into the thick stems with almost no resistance. Check on the tomato sauce every 10 minutes or so; it should be punchy and intense but not too thick, so add a glug of wine if it seems to be getting too dry.
• Transfer the cauliflower head to a serving plate or shallow bowl and cut in half, quarters or thick slices. Spoon on all the tasty stuff left in the pot. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs. Serve immediately or at room temperature, passing salt and red pepper flakes at the table.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH OLIVE OIL AND CAPERS

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F Lightly oil a 9-inch pie plate or square baking dish.
• Core cauliflower, leaving head intact, then discard core and put cauliflower head in pan.
• Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over top of cauliflower and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bake until tender, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Transfer to a serving dish.
• Whisk together lemon juice, capers, pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl, then whisk in remaining 1/4 cup oil.
• Surround cauliflower with parsley sprigs and drizzle cauliflower and parsley with dressing.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH ANCHOVY SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C/gas 6. Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and set aside to use later. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and blanch the cauliflower for 4-5 mins. Drain well.
• Put the cauliflower in a roasting tin and drizzle all over with olive oil. Season well and roast for 40-50 mins until tender and golden.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce. Drizzle a little oil in a pan and gently fry the shallots for 10 mins until softened. Add half the garlic and the chilli flakes and cook for a minute more. Add the anchovies and let them dissolve, then add the tomatoes and stock.
• Season and cook for 10-15 mins until the tomatoes have broken down. Add the cream and bubble for another minute.
• Heat the butter in a separate pan with the rest of the garlic and fry the cauliflower leaves with plenty of seasoning. Serve the cauliflower on the buttery leaves, with the anchovy sauce spooned over the top.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH BLACK-GARLIC CRUMBLE AND PARSLEY-ANCHOVY BUTTER

Steps:

• Make the black-garlic crumble: place the butter, powdered milk and black garlic cloves in a medium saucepan over low heat and cook until the powdered milk is golden brown and nutty, 20 minutes. Strain the butter from the solids and reserve. Dry the solids on paper towels. Place the solids and garlic cloves in a food processor and pulse to combine until the garlic is evenly distributed. Dry on paper towels.
• Prepare the parsley-anchovy butter: Heat half the reserved brown butter with the fresh butter and mash in the anchovies. Season with salt, zest and juice. Fold in the parsley. Refrigerate until moldable. Using plastic wrap, form the butter into a log. Chill.
• Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Remove the leaves from the cauliflower, leaving 1 inch of stem intact. Place a ring mold or cookie cutter around the stem to keep the cauliflower upright. Place the cauliflower, oil and butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Season the cauliflower with salt. With a large spoon, continually pour the hot oil-butter mixture over the cauliflower, lowering the heat to medium-low if the fat begins to smoke. After about 20 minutes, once the outside is golden brown, place the pan in the oven and bake until just tender in the middle, 15 to 20 minutes. Keep warm.
• To serve: cut the warm cauliflower into 4 sections. Cut the butter log into 1/4-inch disks and place three slices on each section of cauliflower. Sprinkle with black-garlic crumble.

WHOLE ROASTED STUFFED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Arrange the bacon on the prepared baking sheet and roast until the bacon is browned and the fat has rendered, 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle, finely chop and transfer to a medium bowl. Reserve the baking sheet.
• Meanwhile, bring a heavily salted pot of water to a boil over high heat (the water should be very salty, even more than the sea). Carefully remove as much of the cauliflower stem as you can without cutting any of the stalks of the florets. Remove any small inner leaves. (You want to be able to freely pipe filling into the nooks of the cauliflower.)
• Boil the cauliflower until just beginning to get tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Do not overcook, or it will break apart as you stuff it. Carefully remove the head from the water and allow to drain and cool.
• Add the kale to the same pot and cook bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze dry. When cool enough to handle, finely chop and transfer to the bowl with the bacon.
• Add the eggs, scallions, garlic, Muenster, cream, 1/2 cup panko, 1/4 cup Parmesan and 2 tablespoons oregano to the kale mixture and stir to combined. Transfer to a large piping bag (or 1-gallon freezer bag) and cut a 3/4-inch opening at the tip. Turn the cauliflower stem-side up, and start piping the filling in between the stalks of the florets until you've used about half of the filling. (The bottom of the head will start to expand, and you will see the filling start to push out from the top in between the florets. Turn the cauliflower right-side up and use your finger to push between the florets to separate them slightly and pipe filling in the gaps. Use all the filling, even if it looks like the cauliflower is going to explode -- it won't. It will just be full of flavor!
• Mix together the butter with the remaining 2 tablespoons panko, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and 1 tablespoon oregano in a small bowl. Put the cauliflower right-side up in the center of the reserved baking sheet and smear with the butter mixture to coat the entire head. Bake until deep golden brown, 45 to 55 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.

GARLIC WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Trim the cauliflower: Cut the stem flush with the bottom. Cut a few slits into the core extending into the thick branches of the cauliflower (keep the florets intact). Put 3 thyme sprigs, the smashed garlic, bay leaves, coriander seeds and peppercorns on a square of cheesecloth and tie into a bundle. Combine 12 cups water, the celery, shallot, lemon zest, wine, sugar, 1/3 cup salt and the cheesecloth bundle in a pot large enough to submerge the cauliflower. Bring to a boil, whisking to dissolve the salt and sugar. Carefully add the cauliflower core-side down and cook until there is a slight resistance when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes. (It's OK if the top of the cauliflower pops up during cooking.) Remove the cauliflower to a baking sheet.
• Meanwhile, make the garlic oil: Combine the remaining 3 thyme sprigs, the sliced garlic, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the garlic starts browning, 3 to 5 minutes. Discard the thyme. Brush the cauliflower with half of the oil, leaving the sliced garlic behind.
• Roast the cauliflower until browned and tender, 30 to 40 minutes, brushing halfway through with the remaining garlic oil; reserve 1 teaspoon garlic oil and the sliced garlic.
• Transfer the cauliflower to a cutting board or platter using a spatula. Add the parsley to the reserved garlic oil and spoon over the cauliflower. Cut into wedges.

CURRY SPICED WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• For the cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Heat the butter and olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the garlic and curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Make a small foil ring wide enough to hold up the base of the cauliflower a little. Put the foil ring in a large saute pan and place the cauliflower on top. Season the cauliflower with salt and pepper. Pour all but 1/4 cup of the curry butter over the cauliflower. Roast the cauliflower for 10 minutes, then baste with some of the curry butter on the bottom of the pan. Continue to roast and baste until the cauliflower is tender, about 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the almonds and raisins to the remaining curry butter in the saucepan and cook over medium heat until the nuts are toasted and the raisins are plump, about 3 minutes. Stir in the lime juice.
• Remove the cauliflower to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining butter from the saute pan. Top with the nut, raisin and curry butter mixture and sprinkle with the lime zest.
• For the yogurt-tahini sauce: Whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, tahini, dill, cumin, garlic and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Drizzle the cauliflower with the yogurt-tahini sauce and garnish with the cilantro, mint and chiles.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Prep cauliflower by removing leaves and stem with a knife, then place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, turmeric, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and garlic.
• Pour tahini mixture over cauliflower, using your hands to make sure entire head is covered.
• Bake cauliflower for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Make a tent with aluminum foil and cover halfway through.
• Cut cauliflower into pieces and then separate florets.
• Serve on warm pita with tzatziki sauce and cilantro.
• Enjoy!

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH ROMESCO

Steps:

• Fill a large pot 2/3 of the way with water, and set to boil; turn on the broiler, and put the rack about 4 inches from the heat source. Put the peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet, and broil, turning as each side browns, until they have darkened and collapsed, 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap the peppers in the same foil that lined the pan; when they are cool enough to handle, remove the skins, seeds and stems (this is easiest under running water). Set aside.
• Move oven rack to the lowest setting. Heat the oven to 450. Remove the leaves from the cauliflower. When the water boils, salt it generously. Submerge the head of cauliflower in the water, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until you can easily insert a knife into the center, 15 minutes or more. Don't overcook.
• Using two spoons or a shallow strainer, transfer the cauliflower to a rimmed baking sheet, and pat dry with paper towels. Drizzle all over with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and roast until it's nicely browned all over, 40 to 50 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, vinegar and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a food processor. Turn the machine on and stream in 1/4 cup olive oil; purée into a thick paste. Taste, and adjust the seasoning.
• When the cauliflower is browned, transfer it to a serving platter. Cut it into slices or wedges, and serve the romesco on the side for dipping.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH POMEGRANATE AND TAHINI

Steps:

• For the cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Remove the leaves from the cauliflower, then trim the stem flush with the bottom of the head so the cauliflower sits flat and upright. Transfer to a medium ovenproof skillet. Rub the outside of the cauliflower with the olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with the cumin, coriander, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and several grinds of pepper. Pour 1 cup water into the bottom of skillet, then wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake until the cauliflower is crisp-tender, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cauliflower is very tender and golden brown, 30 minutes more. (The core of the cauliflower should be tender but the whole head should hold its shape and not fall apart.)
• For the tahini sauce: Meanwhile, stir together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and several grinds of pepper until combined. Whisk in 3 to 4 tablespoons of water until the sauce is very smooth and creamy. The sauce may look lumpy at first, but will come together once the water is incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the cauliflower to a serving platter, then top with the parsley, pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Drizzle with some of the tahini sauce, then cut into wedges and serve with more tahini sauce on the side.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH CHEDDAR BEER SAUCE

Steps:

• To make the cauliflower, pour water into a large pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the salt, olive oil, lemon juice, butter, sugar, red pepper flakes, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Stir until butter has melted.
• Gently lower the cauliflower into the simmering water. The cauliflower should simmer top down in the liquid. No need to stir much. Just let it simmer away for 15 minutes or until very soft. To test the softness, insert a thin knife into the cauliflower. The knife should meet no resistance.
• While the cauliflower simmers, place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Carefully lift the cauliflower from the water and place in a colander to drain.
• Place warm cauliflower in a pie plate. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with smoked paprika.
• Roast for 30 minutes, rotating the pan two or three times during baking.
• To extra brown the cauliflower, turn the oven to broil and roast for 3 to 5 more minutes. Keep an eye on the cauliflower to ensure it doesn't burn too much.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you make the cheese sauce. The cauliflower will be piping hot.
• To make the Cheddar Beer Sauce, heat butter in a small sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk together to form a paste and cook for a few seconds to develop a nutty aroma.
• Slowly stream in the milk and whisk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the beer and Worcestershire sauce and whisk until smooth, well incorporated and thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the mustard and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and add the cheese. Stir with a wooden spoon until melted and smooth.
• To serve, place warm cauliflower in a serving dish. Pour the warm cheddar beer sauce around the cauliflower and serve. Enjoy!
• recipe inspired by, and adapted from Domenica Restaurant in New Orleans.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH CHEDDAR

Steps:

• Remove leaves and a little of the cauliflower stem so it will stay together but sit flat when upright.
• Place cauliflower, upside-down, into a large pot; cover with water and add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer until cauliflower stems are tender but not falling apart, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove from the heat and carefully remove cauliflower with a large slotted spoon. Place right-side up in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper and spread condensed soup all over the entire head. Top with Cheddar cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, 20 to 30 minutes.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH PISTACHIO PESTO

Steps:

• Make the cauliflower: Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat oven to 400 degrees. Trim the cauliflower, making sure the stem is cut flush with the head so it sits flat. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron or other heavy ovenproof skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, the onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until translucent and turning golden on the edges, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup water and remove from the heat.
• Rub the cauliflower with the remaining tablespoon oil then with the pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Clear the center of the skillet and place the cauliflower in it. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place in the center of the oven. Bake until a paring knife meets no resistance when inserted into the cauliflower, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto: Reserve a bit of lemon zest for garnish. Place the rest in a food processor, along with the herbs, oil, pistachios, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined.
• Turn oven to 450 degrees on the regular setting or, if you have a convection option, 425 degrees. Uncover the cauliflower and baste with some of the pan juices. Cook, basting occasionally and adding 1/4 cup of water to the pan if it threatens to dry out, until nicely browned, 20 to 30 minutes more. Spoon the pesto over top, sprinkle with reserved lemon zest and more herbs, and serve.

GARLIC BUTTER WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven 400 degrees. In a small bowl mix olive oil with salt, garlic and spices. Peel the green bottoms off the cauliflower but leave the core intact. Wash the cauliflower and place in a dutch oven suited for the oven.
• 2. Brush the olive oil mixture all over the cauliflower. Place in pan and pour the chicken stock around the cauliflower. Place a lid on the pan and roast for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and roast another 15 minutes.
• 3. Remove the cauliflower from the pan and brush the butter over the cauliflower letting it melt over the hot veg. Cut into pieces and serve with some of the chicken stock drizzled over top.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH GREEN HERB SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place cauliflower on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Brush with 1/4 cup oil; season with salt and pepper. Pull short sides of parchment over cauliflower and fold one end over other a few times to seal. Fold long ends of parchment under cauliflower to create a packet. Roast until knife-tender, about 40 minutes. Tear open parchment at top; roast until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes more.
• Stir together parsley, cilantro, garlic, mustard, vinegar, and remaining 1/2 cup oil in a small bowl to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve cauliflower warm, with sauce alongside.

SPICY WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400° and lightly grease a small baking sheet with vegetable oil. Set aside.
• Trim the base of the cauliflower to remove any green leaves and the woody stem.
• In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt with the lime zest and juice, chile powder, cumin, garlic powder, curry powder, salt and pepper.
• Dunk the cauliflower into the bowl and use a brush or your hands to smear the marinade evenly over its surface. (Excess marinade can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days and used with meat, fish or other veggies.).
• Place the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet and roast until the surface is dry and lightly browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Test with a skewer to check interior doneness and cook longer if necessary, being careful not to scorch the marinade. The marinade will make a crust on the surface of the cauliflower.
• Let the cauliflower cool for 10 minutes before cutting it into wedges and serving alongside a big green salad with a lime juice and olive oil dressing.

WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH HERB-MUSTARD GLAZE

Steps:

• Make the roasted garlic: Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Cut the top 1 inch off the garlic heads and place on a large sheet of foil, cut-sides up. Drizzle with the olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Wrap the foil around the garlic heads and bake until the garlic is browned and soft, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and unwrap. When cool enough to handle, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins. You should have about 1 cup roasted garlic.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, make the glaze: Combine the roasted garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, shallot, vegan mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons pepper, the sage and rosemary in a blender and puree until smooth. Transfer the glaze to a bowl and stir in the grainy mustard.
• Working in batches if needed, add the cauliflower to the boiling water and cook until slightly puffed and yellowed, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
• Preheat the oven to 400˚ F (use the convection setting, if available). Transfer the cauliflower to a rimmed baking sheet. Brush with the sunflower oil and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons each salt and pepper. Bake 10 minutes.
• Remove the cauliflower from the oven and pour the mustard glaze evenly over each head. Return to the oven and bake until the glaze turns golden brown, 8 to 12 minutes.