Tangy Garlic Cauliflower: Ina Garten’s Flavor-Packed Recipe

Roasting vegetables reaches new heights with this Ina Garten garlic-roasted cauliflower recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Golden, crispy edges mingle with tender, caramelized centers in this irresistible side dish.

Fragrant garlic and herbs infuse each bite with incredible depth and richness.

The recipe demands nothing more than a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Olive oil helps create that perfect, deep golden-brown color that makes this cauliflower absolutely mouthwatering.

Serve this dish alongside roasted meats or as a stunning vegetable centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so incredibly delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredient Essentials for Ina Garten Garlic-roasted Cauliflower

• Cauliflower: Fresh, firm florets are key for perfect roasting with crispy edges and tender center. Choose bright white heads without brown spots or discoloration.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor and transforms when roasted. Select firm, plump cloves without green sprouts or soft spots.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden crust and enhances overall richness. Extra virgin provides best flavor and nutritional benefits.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances natural vegetable sweetness and balances roasted flavors. Coarse texture ensures even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the roasted vegetables. Freshly ground provides more vibrant taste.

• Parsley: Brings fresh, bright herbal notes and beautiful green color. Choose vibrant, crisp leaves without wilting.
• Pine Nuts: Introduces nutty crunch and luxurious texture. Toast lightly to intensify their rich, buttery flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Provides zingy brightness that cuts through the richness. Fresh-squeezed offers the most vibrant citrus punch.

Tools Needed for Ina Garten Garlic-roasted Cauliflower

• Sheet Pan: Large, flat baking tray essential for roasting cauliflower and garlic evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for final tossing and combining roasted ingredients with additional seasonings.
• Small Pot: Used for boiling and preparing garlic cloves before roasting.
• Cutting Board: Required for trimming garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Necessary for halving larger garlic cloves and chopping parsley.
• Measuring Spoons: Critical for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Measuring Cups: Important for precise olive oil measurements.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helpful for tossing and turning cauliflower during roasting.

Cooking Steps for Ina Garten Garlic-roasted Cauliflower

• Garlic Preparation

Gentle boiling softens garlic cloves, making them mellow and easy to peel. Remove any discolored sections and slice larger cloves lengthwise for even roasting.

• Cauliflower Arrangement

Spread cauliflower florets and prepared garlic on a spacious baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece gets coated evenly.

• Roasting Magic

Place the sheet pan in a blazing hot oven. Let the vegetables transform, developing golden edges and releasing rich, nutty aromas. Rotate the pan midway to guarantee uniform caramelization.

• Flavor Enhancement

Once roasted, transfer the tender vegetables to a serving bowl. Brighten the dish with fresh parsley, crunchy pine nuts, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Toss gently to marry the flavors and create a stunning side dish that will impress everyone at the table.

Ways to Elevate Ina Garten Garlic-roasted Cauliflower

• Blanch garlic cloves briefly to mellow their sharp bite and make peeling easier, creating a sweeter, more delicate flavor profile for the dish.
• Swap pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or pecans for different textures and nutty undertones that complement the roasted cauliflower's richness.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to add aromatic layers and enhance the vegetable's natural earthiness beyond parsley.
• Convert this side dish into a hearty main course by adding crumbled feta cheese, grilled chicken, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein and substance.
• Prep the cauliflower and garlic earlier in the day, store in the refrigerator, and roast just before serving to save time and maintain maximum freshness.

Serving Ina Garten Garlic-roasted Cauliflower to Impress

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the roasted cauliflower to add a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, roasted garlic.
• Pair with Protein Powerhouse: Serve alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or roasted lamb to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the cauliflower's robust taste.
• Create a Mediterranean Platter: Arrange the garlic-roasted cauliflower on a large platter with hummus, olives, and warm pita bread for a delightful shared dining experience that celebrates Mediterranean flavors.
• Elevate with Cheese Topping: Crumble some feta or parmesan cheese over the warm cauliflower just before serving to add a creamy, tangy dimension that enhances the dish's overall complexity.

Storage Tips for Ina Garten Garlic-roasted Cauliflower

• Plan Ahead: Prep cauliflower and garlic the day before roasting to save time during busy cooking hours.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its crispy texture and delicious flavor.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm refrigerated cauliflower in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore its original crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze for Later: Package cooled cauliflower in freezer-safe containers, keeping it fresh for up to 2 months – great for meal prep and quick side dishes.

Spectacular Ina Garten Garlic-roasted Cauliflower Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s garlic-roasted cauliflower elevates this humble vegetable with rich, caramelized flavors from olive oil and fresh garlic. Crisp edges and golden-brown florets make this simple side dish a crowd-pleasing complement to many main courses you’ll want to serve.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large cauliflower head, trimmed and cut into large florets
• 1 whole garlic head, cloves separated but not peeled
• 4.5 tbsps (67.5 ml) good olive oil, divided
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) pine nuts, toasted
• ¼ cup (60 ml) minced fresh parsley
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack in the center and preheat to a searing 450°F (230°C). Place a large rimmed baking sheet nearby for roasting.
2. Garlic Preparation: Briefly blanch garlic cloves in boiling water for 15 seconds. Drain, peel, and slice larger cloves lengthwise to ensure uniform roasting and enhanced flavor distribution.
3. Seasoning and Arrangement: Combine cauliflower florets and prepared garlic on the baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread ingredients in a single, uncrowded layer to maximize caramelization and prevent steaming.
4. Roasting: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan and gently tossing the mixture halfway through cooking. Look for golden-brown edges and tender texture as indicators of perfect doneness.
5. Finishing: Transfer the roasted cauliflower and garlic to a large mixing bowl. Incorporate additional olive oil, freshly chopped parsley, toasted pine nuts, and a bright squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle with a final touch of salt, carefully tossing to ensure even flavor integration. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Blanch Garlic Effectively: Quickly boil garlic cloves for 15 seconds to make peeling easier and reduce intense raw flavor, ensuring a milder roasted taste.
• Maximize Caramelization: Spread cauliflower and garlic in a single layer on the sheet pan, preventing overcrowding to achieve perfect golden-brown edges and enhanced flavor development.
• Control Roasting Precision: Toss the vegetables midway through cooking to guarantee even browning and prevent burning, creating a uniform, tender texture.
• Elevate Final Touches: Add fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, and lemon juice after roasting to introduce bright, complementary flavors and textural contrast to the caramelized cauliflower.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg