Marry Me Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

I am excited to share this Marry Me Cauliflower recipe. Roasted cauliflower with olive oil, garlic, and a dash of red pepper flakes meets a creamy mixture of heavy cream and Parmesan, making one of the best cauliflower recipes side dishes. Simple ingredients unite to create a rich, irresistible flavor profile.

I recently stumbled upon the Marry Me Roasted Cauliflower recipe and I couldnt wait to share it with you! This dish is a game changer for anyone looking for a smart, tasty dinner idea.

I use a large head of cauliflower cut into florets and toss it with olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper before roasting it until its tender and a bit charred. While the cauliflower cooks, I whip up a creamy garlicky sauce with four cloves minced garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes and a dash of dried thyme.

The result is a saucy, savory treat that’s perfect for busy weeknights and fits right in with some of my favorite dinner ideas, whether you’re into vegetarian keto recipes or just looking for a hearty, flavorful side dish. I like to sprinkle fresh basil on top just for that extra pop of color and flavor.

Give it a try and see why its quickly become a favorite in my kitchen.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really love how fast and easy it is to prep – like, I can get it done in about 10 minutes which is perfect when I’m in a rush.
2. The creamy garlic sauce is just out of this world; it totally elevates the roasted cauliflower and makes every bite super flavorful.
3. I also dig the little kick from the red pepper flakes and thyme – it gives the dish a bit of spice without being too harsh.
4. And honestly, it feels fancy without being over the top; even though it’s simple, it makes me feel like I’m cooking something really special every time.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower: This veggie is real low in calories and packs a potent fibre punch.
• Olive oil: Adds smooth richness and essential healthy fats to enhance every dish flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a zesty kick and robust aroma that boost taste and wellness.
• Heavy cream: Lends creaminess and a rich, smooth texture creatin an indulgent mouthfeel.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, savory note that elevates the dish’s overall flavor profile.
• Red pepper flakes: Add gentle heat that balances the dish without overpowering any flavour.
• Fresh basil: Offers a bright herbal note with a pinch of peppery sweetness for garnish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Fresh basil, roughly chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.

2. Toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking tray.

3. Roast the cauliflower in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until it’s tender and a bit browned.

4. While it’s roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until you start to smell its aroma.

5. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic, and mix in the red pepper flakes and dried thyme.

6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

7. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly.

8. Taste the sauce and add a little more salt and pepper if needed.

9. Once the cauliflower is done roasting, take it out of the oven and place it in a serving bowl.

10. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the cauliflower, toss gently to coat, and garnish with some fresh chopped basil if you like. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – Needed for roasting the cauliflower at 425°F, which helps develop its natural sugars and gives it a nice browned finish.
2. Baking tray – To spread out the florets so they roast evenly without overcrowding.
3. Knife and cutting board – Essential for chopping the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
4. Mixing bowl – Helpful for tossing the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper before it goes onto the tray.
5. Skillet – Used for heating the garlic and simmering the cream sauce; a heavy-bottomed one works best.
6. Measuring cups and spoons – Required to accurately measure the heavy cream, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and dried thyme.
7. Grater – Needed if your Parmesan cheese isn’t pre-grated, to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
8. Serving bowl – For transferring the roasted cauliflower and later tossing it with the creamy garlic sauce.
9. Spatula or wooden spoon – Useful for stirring the sauce and gently tossing the cauliflower with it.

FAQ

Marry Me Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil which gives a mild flavor and works just as well
• If heavy cream is too heavy for you, try half and half for a lighter version or coconut cream if you want a slight hint of coconut
• Replace Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano if you’re looking for a different cheesy tang
• Need some extra heat but no red pepper flakes? A pinch of cayenne pepper powder will do the trick
• Dried thyme can be swapped with dried rosemary if you want a stronger herbal note in your dish

Pro Tips

1. Try to spread the cauliflower out evenly on the baking tray so that the pieces get nice and crispy instead of steaming in their own juices.
2. Be really careful when cooking the garlic in the skillet – it melts fast so you really dont want to let it burn or it could become bitter.
3. When you add the Parmesan to the cream, lower the heat and stir constantly because if you rush it the sauce might curdle and not look as good.
4. If you like a little extra heat, don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a touch more red pepper flakes; it really helps bring out the flavors in both the cauliflower and the sauce.