Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Balsamic and Parmesan

Ingredients

• 1 Cauliflower (Cut into medium florets; small pieces that break off can be included.)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (For coating the cauliflower.)
• Salt (To taste.)
• Ground black pepper (To taste.)
• 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar (Add after the cauliflower has browned.)
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (Sprinkle generously at the end; it can be substituted with an Italian four-cheese blend.)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 220 °C (425 °F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.

2. 2

   Cut the cauliflower into similarly sized medium florets so they cook evenly. Do not discard the small pieces: they will roast until especially crispy.

3. 3

   Place the florets on the baking sheet and toss them with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated and glossy.

4. 4

   Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer, leaving plenty of space between the florets. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet, as crowding traps steam and prevents the edges from browning.

5. 5

   Roast for about 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the edges are deeply browned and crispy and the centers can be easily pierced with a fork.

6. 6

   Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the browned cauliflower with the balsamic vinegar. Toss gently to distribute it without losing the browned coating.

7. 7

   Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the cauliflower. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese melts, forms a golden crust, and smells toasted.

8. 8

   Serve immediately, while the edges are crispy and the centers are tender.

Notes

The available recipe does not include exact quantities or a temperature in the provided text; the quantities have been estimated for four servings. The source's main recommendation is not to overcrowd the baking sheet and to add the balsamic vinegar and cheese after the initial browning. To reheat, use an oven or an air fryer to restore the crispiness instead of a microwave.

Nutrition per serving

• side dish
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• roasted
• vegetables
• crispy
• quick