Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Everything Bagel Spice

4.58 from 7 votes

Total Time: 1 d 1 hr 15 mins

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Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Everything Bagel Spice is an elegant, dramatic and healthful vegetable side dish that’s over-the-top with flavor!

Photo of Everything Bagel Spice Whole Roasted Cauliflower in roasting pan on dark gray towel with everything bagel spice scattered on the surface.

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

Photo of everything bagel spice in glass jar on gray surface.

How to make Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Everything Bagel Spice:

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 and delicious caramelization that you get after roasting cauliflower florets or steaks.

After brining a head of cauliflower before roasting it as an experiement, I’m now a believer!  Here’s another source for this process from LifeHacker.

  • Start with a super fresh head of cauliflower.

Photo of a whole head of white cauliflower.

  • Cut the bottom off so that you have a fresh cut, then immerse into generously salted water.
  • Refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
  • Pat dry then schmear it with a tangy combination of plain, full-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice and salt and black pepper.
  • Apply the everything bagel spice then spray with cooking spray to moisten the spice blend.

Process photo of cauliflower in roasting pan before roasting.

  • Roast for approximately an hour and then be prepared for lots of oohs and aahs when you serve this Everything Bagel Spice Whole Roasted Cauliflower!

Photo of Everything Bagel Spice Whole Roasted Cauliflower in roasting pan after roasting.

Photo of Everything Bagel Spice Whole Roasted Cauliflower in roasting pan on dark gray towel.

Delicious!  Dramatic!  Everything Bagel Spice Whole Roasted Cauliflower is over the top with flavor!

Close-up photo of Everything Bagel Spice Whole Roasted Cauliflower with a wedge removed to expose the interior.

Enjoy and let’s eat!

Photo of Everything Bagel Spice Whole Roasted Cauliflower in roasting pan with a wedge removed to expose the interior.

More cauliflower recipes you’ll love!

4.58 from 7 votes

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Everything Bagel Spice

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Everything Bagel Spice is an elegant, dramatic and healthful vegetable side dish that's over-the-top with flavor!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Additional Time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
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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
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 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, lemon juice, 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

Serving: 1Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 8gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 15410mgPotassium: 713mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 106mgCalcium: 167mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Carol

Carol is a personal chef with 22 years of experience cooking food people want to eat! Here, you'll find expert techniques, time-saving tips, and flavor-packed dishes you'll be proud to serve family and friends.

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2 Comments

  1. Louanne says:

    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.

    1. Carol says:

      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!