Smashed Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese

Smashed Cauliflower with Parmesan

This smashed cauliflower with parmesan cheese recipe is a family favorite. It’s a super simple recipe with bold flavors from zesty garlic, parmesan, and lemon juice. You’re sure to love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elevate your veggie game with our ridiculously easy and delicious Smashed Roasted Cauliflower recipe!

• With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll be enjoying a flavorful and tender side dish that’s sure to impress. These cauliflower recipe is also delicious in our cauliflower babe bowls.

• The combination of lemon juice + zest, garlic, and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will leave you craving more.

• Plus, the smashing step adds a fun textural element for those who love something a little crispy & satisfying.

So, give it a try, and discover a whole new way to love cauliflower!

Or if you already love cauliflower, you may want to try our Spicy Maple Roasted Cauliflower or Sticky Cauliflower Bites next!

Whether you’re a cauliflower lover or just looking for a new side dish or appetizer to impress your friends and family, our Smashed Roasted Cauliflower recipe is sure to become a favorite!

This stuff is SO GOOD & SO EASY! Put the ingredients on your shopping list ASAP and make yourself an incredibly flavorful side dish using one of MY favorite veggies – the amazing (chameleon of vegetables) CAULIFLOWER!

Vegetables should taste AMAZING and be enjoyed!

Health Benefits of Cauliflower

Cauliflower has a lot going for it. Not only is it one of the most versatile veggies, but it also contains some of every vitamin you need, as well as a healthy dose of fiber.

Not bad for a veggie that’s 92% water!

Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants, low in carbs and calories .. PLUS, it has protective qualities to guard against cancer and heart disease! It’s also a good source of choline, which helps your metabolism, cell health, and supports many processes in your body.

Because of its mild taste, it can be added to a number of recipes to replace less nutrient-dense, higher-carb ingredients.

It can be used a ton of different ways in your meals – steamed or roasted, turned into “rice,” mashed like potato, or even shredded and used in bread and pizza crust!

REFERENCE: Health Benefits of Cauliflower

Ingredients:

These are the simple ingredients that come together to make this smashed cauliflower with parmesan recipe perfect for a healthy side dish or snack.

4 servings

• 1 large head cauliflower, broken into larger florets
• 2 Tbsps avocado or olive oil
• 1 fresh lemon, zest and juice
• 2 tsps garlic salt, or to taste
• 2 Tbsps minced fresh parsley, extra to garnish
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Variations and Substitutions

• This recipe will also work with broccoli if you don’t have cauliflower.

• Make it vegan by swapping the parmesan cheese for a dairy free alternative or nutritional yeast if you still want that zesty flavor. However, you can also leave the parmesan off all together.

How to make Smashed Cauliflower with Parmesan:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees f.

Place your large florets in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together your oil of choice, lemon juice & zest, garlic salt, and parsley.

Drizzle this mixture over your florets and thoroughly toss to coat each.

Transfer the coated florets to a large parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Roast for 25-30 minutes in your preheated oven, just until fork tender.

Remove from the oven and carefully smash each floret using the flat side of a small bowl or cup, until it’s flattened to 1/2-inch thickness as shown in the video.

Sprinkle each evenly with parmesan and return to the oven.

Continue to roast for 10 minutes, or until nicely melty and browned.

Sprinkle with a bit more parsley if desired.

Enjoy while hot!

❤️Rachel

Looking for more savory parmesan recipes? Try out our Lemon and Parmesan Summer Squash, Green Beans with Garlic and Parmesan, or Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts.

Storage Suggestions

Roasted smashed cauliflower with parmesan will keep in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 4 days. You can also free this recipe for up to 2 months. To reheat it and keep it crispy, either place it back into the oven until hot and crispy or pop it into the air fryer for 3-4 minutes until hot.

Serving Suggestions

This roasted parmesan cauliflower goes with just about any main dish you can think of. But here are a few of our favorites that are full of protein to help you round out your meal:

• Healthy Turkey Stew Recipe
• High Protein Roasted Tomato Soup
• Loaded Melty Cheeseburger Cups
• One-Pan Protein Packed Pizza Inspired Bake
• Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Stuffed Chicken

FAQ’s

More Roasted Vegetable Recipes You’ll Love

• Rosemary Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts Cheddar Soup
• Roasted Beets and Butternut Squash with Balsamic and Honey
• Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Slices with a Honey Drizzle
• Garlicy Roasted Cauliflower + Mushrooms
• Hot Honey Roasted Carrots