Cheesy Whole Roasted Cauliflower for Busy Cooks

Cauliflower with cheese: a recipe for the lazy and the busy.

Cauliflower packs twice the protein and vitamin C compared to its green cabbage cousin, and it contains double the iron found in leafy greens, bell peppers, and green peas. This vegetable contains magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins A, B1, B6, and niacin (vitamin B3). Recognized as a dietary staple, cauliflower can be confidently included in diets for people looking to lose weight. At about 30 calories per 100 grams, cauliflower is low in calories, and its tartaric acid may help prevent fat accumulation. Additionally, this nutritious vegetable may support liver function and help eliminate toxins from the body. Cauliflower may enhance digestion, help lower cholesterol, and support blood vessel health. Garlic and a cheesy crust add a distinctive flavor to any cauliflower dish.

Ingredients: whole cauliflower head, 100 g cheese, 100 ml olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, ½ tsp dried thyme, ⅓ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp salt.

Crush the garlic, then mix it with the oil and spices.

Trim the stem of the cauliflower to provide stability when placing it in the oven. Place the whole head of cauliflower, with the florets intact, in a heatproof dish cut-side up, and drizzle half of the garlic oil over the stem side of the head. Then flip the cauliflower and drizzle the remaining garlic oil and spices over the other side.

Cover the cauliflower with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). After 40 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the cauliflower with grated cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes.

The golden crust and the aroma of garlic and cheese are the stars of this surprisingly simple dish. It’s an easy way to impress anyone you serve it to.

Life Hack

Pre-boil cauliflower before using in salads, freezing, or frying: 3 minutes for freezing while still fresh, 5–10 minutes for a firm texture for salads or for frying in batter, and 10–15 minutes for a puree-like softness.