Cheesy roasted cauliflower is a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor. The roasted florets become crisp and golden, and a generous sprinkling of cheese brings everything together. This recipe is quick to make with just a few basic ingredients, and you can add as much or as little cheese as you prefer. Even without cheese, roasted cauliflower is a healthy, satisfying side that pairs well with many meals. 
Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
The base of this recipe is perfectly roasted cauliflower—tender inside with crispy, caramelized edges. Seasoned with garlic powder, salt and freshly cracked black pepper, it develops deep, savory notes as it roasts. Add shredded cheese during the last stage of baking so it melts over the florets and forms those irresistible golden, slightly crispy bits. This dish serves well as a side, a low-carb main paired with protein or tossed into a salad for extra texture.
Adjust the oven time depending on the size of your florets: larger pieces need more time, while smaller pieces will cook faster. Aim for florets with browned, crisp edges—those are the tastiest. If you like extra cheesy bites, feel free to add a little more cheese at the end and broil briefly to finish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
For more cauliflower and vegetable ideas, explore other recipes in the collection. You can easily customize this recipe by mixing cheeses—Parmesan adds sharpness, mozzarella brings gooey stretch and cheddar gives a classic savory taste. The result is a versatile dish that suits many palates.
Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
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Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower , cut into 1/2″ thick florets
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder
- Kosher salt , to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper , to taste
- 1 cup (113g) shredded cheese (or a mix of Parmesan, mozzarella or cheddar)
- Minced parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil until evenly coated. Spread the florets in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Season with kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper and garlic powder.
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Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove the pan and sprinkle the cauliflower with the shredded cheese. Return to the oven and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the cheese is melted and golden. If you prefer extra browning, broil briefly while watching closely.
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Garnish with minced parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Information per Serving
More Easy Cauliflower Recipes:
- Grilled Cauliflower with Parmesan
- Low Carb Sriracha Cauliflower
- Skillet Beef and Cauliflower Stir Fry
- Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Romesco
- This recipe was originally published in 2017 and republished in 2019 with an updated video.