Zesty Lemon Herb Roasted Cauliflower

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to elevate your veggie game with this Zesty Lemon Herb Roasted Cauliflower. It's a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings a burst of citrus and herby goodness to your table. With just a few ingredients and a quick roast in the oven, this dish is a go-to for any meal.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower: The star of the show, it becomes tender and slightly crispy when roasted. It soaks up all the flavorful goodness you add to it.

Olive Oil: Helps to roast the cauliflower to perfection, ensuring it gets that lovely golden brown color.

Lemon Juice and Zest: These bring a zesty punch that brightens up the whole dish. The zest adds an aromatic touch that's hard to beat.

Dried Thyme and Oregano: These herbs provide an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the citrus notes.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors. Don't skip these!

Garlic: Adds a delightful, fragrant background note that blends well with the herbs and lemon.

Parmesan Cheese (optional): A savory addition for those who love a cheesy finish. It melts beautifully over the hot cauliflower.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure the cauliflower florets are similar in size for even cooking.
  • For an extra crispy finish, broil for a minute or two at the end of roasting.
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried if you have them on hand; just increase the quantity since fresh herbs are milder.

Serving Suggestions

This roasted cauliflower pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It's also great tossed into a salad for added texture and flavor. You could even use it as a topping for homemade pizza for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
What if I don't have fresh lemons?
Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

Zesty Lemon Herb Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives the cauliflower a nice, even roast. While the oven heats up, take a medium head of cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.

Next, grab a large mixing bowl. You'll combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. Add the cauliflower florets to this bowl and toss them around until each floret is nicely coated with the lemony herb mixture.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the florets in a single layer on the sheet. This helps them roast evenly and get that lovely golden color. Slide them into your preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give the cauliflower a turn to ensure all sides get that nice, roasted finish.

If you're adding Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the cauliflower in the last 5 minutes of roasting. This allows it to melt and create a delicious, cheesy crust. Once done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the cauliflower cool slightly before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Bright lemon and herb flavors that make cauliflower exciting.
  • Minimal ingredients but maximum taste.
  • Versatile enough to complement a variety of main dishes.
  • Customizable with optional Parmesan for an extra savory touch.

Ingredients

1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
3. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the lemon herb mixture.
4. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender.
6. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

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