Whole Roasted Cauliflower
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Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Everything Bagel Spice is a stunning vegetarian side dish packed with savory, garlicky flavor and crispy roasted edges! This easy oven-roasted cauliflower recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday tables, low-carb meals, or healthy entertaining. Finished with everything bagel seasoning for a delicious twist everyone will love!
The inspiration behind this recipe:
Have you noticed how everything is suddenly “everything bagel spice?” This flavorful combination is turning up on everything!
The origin of everything bagel spice is up for debate. It is said to have been created by accident around 1980 when the inventor had a stroke of inspiration while cleaning out the oven in his bagel shop at the end of the day. No one knows the true origin for sure, but we do know this tasty combination of spices works beautifully on almost everything!
I’m a huge fan of Cuisine at Home magazine. Their latest edition has a recipe for Everything Bagel Cauliflower with Herbed Cream Cheese. I didn’t have the ingredients for the cream cheese sauce on hand but after making this, I feel the cauliflower doesn’t need it.
What is in everything bagel spice?
Everything bagel spice is a simple combination you can make yourself. It has:
- Dried granulated garlic
- Dried onion flakes
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Salt
How to make Whole Roasted Cauliflower:
The first time I roasted a whole head of cauliflower, I was sadly disappointed in the flavor. I had seen recipes for this method; however, it was much ado about nothing. The seasoning was all on the outside, and the inside was bland. It didn’t have any of the beautiful, delicious caramelization you get when roasting cauliflower florets or steaks.
After brining a head of cauliflower before roasting it as an experiment, I’m now a believer! Here’s another source for this process from LifeHacker.
- Start with a super fresh head of cauliflower.
- Cut the bottom off to make a fresh cut, then immerse it in generously salted water.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
- Pat dry, then schmear it with a tangy mixture of plain, full-fat Greek yogurt, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Apply the everything bagel spice, then spray with cooking spray to moisten the spice blend.
- Roast for approximately an hour and then be prepared for lots of oohs and aahs when you serve this Whole Roasted Cauliflower!
Delicious! Dramatic! Whole Roasted Cauliflower is over-the-top with flavor!
Enjoy and let’s eat!
More cauliflower recipes you’ll love!
- Cauliflower Parmigiana
- Cauliflower Welsh Rarebit
- Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Mustard Caper Brown Butter
- Cauliflower White Bean Puree
- Roasted Cauliflower with Black Olive Pangrattato
- Roasted Curry Cauliflower
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 2 quarts hot tap water
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat preferred
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for baking dish
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
Everything Spice Blend
- 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Cauliflower
- Combine salt and hot tap water in a bowl. Stir until salt dissolves. Add the cauliflower and refrigerate 24 hours. (You'll need to hold it down with a plate, lid or pan.)
- Pat dry.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil a roasting pan or baking dish with olive oil.
- Combine yogurt, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat the cauliflower with the yogurt mixture. Sprinkle cauliflower with 2 tablespoons spice blend (or as desired). Lightly spray the spices with cooking spray.
- Place cauliflower in prepared pan or baking dish. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until cauliflower can easily be pierced with a knife.
Everything Spice Blend
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are automatically calculated using unbranded products and are estimates only. Actual results may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust as needed for dietary restrictions, allergies, or health concerns.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
I love EBTB seasoning! I have a question about the kosher salt – do you use Morton’s or Diamond? I had a salty disaster a year ago using the opposite kosher salt than intended. I can’t wait to make your recipe.
Hi, Louanne, Thanks so much for your question. I always use Diamond kosher salt which I get in the big boxes at Costco. Thanks again and hope you enjoy!