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The BEST spicy roasted cauliflower โ€“ itโ€™s perfectly tender-crisp inside, a little caramelized, with crispy edges, and loaded with aromatic, savory, spicy flavors to elevate any meal!

completed Spicy Roasted Cauliflower on a plate
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Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

In recent years, the versatility of neutral-tasting, nutrient-rich cauliflower has seen it transformed into pizza, vegan mashed cauliflower, cauliflower rice (like in this Spanish cauliflower rice with salsa) , and vegan buffalo cauliflower wings. However, itโ€™s time to get back to the basics with this spicy roasted cauliflower recipe!

Roasting cauliflower is THE perfect way to cook it, caramelizing it to bring out its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and producing satisfying charred edges and tender-crisp middle. This time, Iโ€™ve paired it with a bold, smoky, savory, spicy seasoning โ€“ topped with sesame seeds, fresh herbs, and lime wedges for a moreish appetizer/side dish.

Best of all, crispy roasted cauliflower requires minimal prep, is highly customizable (including spice-adjustable), a nutrient powerhouse, and is high-fiber, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and vegan. You might also enjoy crispy breaded cauliflower, the best cauliflower steaks, and BBQ cauliflower wings.

The Ingredients

Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients, substitutes, and quantities.

ingredients for Spicy Roasted Cauliflower measured out on a white surface

Recipe Variations

There are several ways to adapt this spicy roasted cauliflower recipe.

  • Spices: Add depth with a pinch of cinnamon, onion powder, or coriander.
  • Sweetener: A touch of sugar/sugar alternative or maple syrup boosts caramelization.
  • More heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha/ hot sauce.
  • Breadcrumbs: โ…“ – ยฝ cup of panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch.
  • โ€˜Parmesanโ€™ roasted cauliflower: Omit cumin and add nutritional yeast and/or vegan shredded parmesan.
  • Curry roasted cauliflower: Replace cayenne & Italian seasoning with ยฝ tbsp mild, medium, or hot curry powder. Garnish with cilantro/parsley and lemon.
  • Spanish roasted cauliflower: Use chili instead of cayenne and remove Italian seasoning. Garnish with pepitas, cilantro, and lime zest/wedges. ย 

How to Make Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

process shot showing spices in bowl
process shots howing spices on cauliflower

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450F/200C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Then, trim, core, and separate the cauliflower into similar-sized florets. Next, combine all the seasoning ingredients (paprika, cumin, small seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper) in a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: In a separate, large bowl, toss the cauliflower and oil until evenly coated, then add the spice mixture, one teaspoon at a time, until thoroughly coated.

Alternatively, mix the spices directly into the oil to toss with the cauliflower.

process shot showing cauliflower on baking sheet

Step 3: Spread the spicy cauliflower across the baking sheet in a single layer, with a little space between, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender-crisp with slightly charred edges. Optionally, garnish the roasted spicy cauliflower with sesame seeds, chives/scallions, and lime wedges. Enjoy!

The roasting time may vary based on floret size, preferred texture, and your oven. For more char, broil the cauliflower for a minute or two at the end.

FAQs

Can I make air fryer cauliflower?

Air fry it in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the basket (to avoid steaming the cauliflower). Air fry cauliflower for 10-14 minutes at 375F/190C, shaking the basket halfway.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

You could toss the florets with aquafaba instead of oil.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

I prefer the texture of fresh cauliflower. Though you can technically use frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the roasting time.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can break it into florets and even season it, ready to roast, 2-3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until needed.

Pro Recipe Tips

  • Avoid mushy/soft cauliflower: Make sure itโ€™s thoroughly dry and avoid overcrowding it so it roasts rather than steams.
  • Crispiest cauliflower: Follow the above and optional broil at the end.
  • Use even-sized pieces: That way, theyโ€™ll roast evenly.
completed Spicy Roasted Cauliflower on a plate

What To Serve With Roasted Cauliflower

This roasted spicy cauliflower is a versatile, all-purpose side dish to pair with:

Storage Instructions

This easy roasted cauliflower is a tasty, meal-prep-friendly side. Leave to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

It also freezes for up to 6 months, flash frozen across a tray until solid (to avoid sticking), then transferred to a freezer-safe Ziplock/Stasher container. Then, leave to thaw overnight.

Reheat the cauliflower either in the oven (at 375F/190C) until heated through or in a microwave (in 30-second increments โ€“ this version yields softer results).

completed Spicy Roasted Cauliflower in a storage container

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 to 4
The BEST spicy roasted cauliflower โ€“ itโ€™s perfectly tender-crisp inside, a little caramelized, with crispy edges, and loaded with aromatic, savory, spicy flavors to elevate any meal!

Ingredients 

  • 4 cups of cauliflower florets
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon of cayenne pepper plus more to taste
  • ยผ teaspoon of salt
  • ยผ teaspoon of black pepper
  • Chives thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • 1 lime sliced into wedges (optional)

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. and line a large baking sheet with a silicon mat or parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, mix the paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  • Add the cauliflower florets to a bowl and add the oil. Using your hands, mix well to make sure they are evenly coated with the oil.
  • One teaspoon at a time, sprinkle the spice mixture. Toss well, add one more teaspoon of spice mixture, toss well. Repeat the process until all of the spice mixture is used and the cauliflower florets are evenly coated.
  • Place the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet and spread them evenly.
  • Bake for 10 minutes. Flip them and bake for 15 minutes.
  • Serve hot or at room temperature. Optionally sprinkle chives and sesame seeds for garnish and with some lime wedges.

Notes

  • Avoid mushy/soft cauliflower: Make sure itโ€™s thoroughly dry and avoid overcrowding it so it roasts rather than steams.
  • Crispiest cauliflower: Follow the above and optional broil at the end.
  • Use even-sized pieces: That way, theyโ€™ll roast evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gSodium: 359mgPotassium: 814mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2067IUVitamin C: 108mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 3mg

Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

Additional Info

Author: Toni Okamoto
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Method: Oven
Diet: Vegan
Tried this recipe?Please tag us at @PlantBasedOnABudget! ๐Ÿ™‚

About

Toni Okamoto

“They say you are what you eat, so I strive to be healthy.
My goal in life is not to be rich or wealthy,
‘Cause true wealth comes from good health and wise ways…
we got to start taking better care of ourselves ” – Dead Prez

More about Toni Okamoto
5 from 1 vote

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