Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
A flavorful and easy Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower recipe that combines tender roasted cauliflower florets with vibrant pesto and a cheesy parmesan finish, accented by fresh lemon juice for a bright, savory side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-27 minutes
- Total Time: 32-37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
Pesto Mixture
- 3-4 tablespoons pesto
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 of a lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup if you prefer.
- Coat cauliflower with pesto: Place the cauliflower florets onto the prepared sheet pan and dollop the pesto over them. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use clean hands to toss and coat the florets evenly in the pesto mixture.
- Initial roasting: Spread the coated cauliflower into a single layer on the sheet pan. Roast on the middle rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes until they start becoming tender and slightly browned.
- Add parmesan and continue roasting: Remove the tray from the oven, flip the florets using a spatula, then sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the cauliflower. Place back into the oven and roast for an additional 10-12 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and cheese is melted and golden.
- Finish and serve: Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish to add fresh brightness. Optionally, add extra pesto dollops and sprinkle more parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto for best flavor; store-bought may be used as a convenient substitute.
- Cauliflower florets should be roughly the same size for even roasting.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for desired brightness.
- For a crispier finish, broil for 1-2 minutes after the last roasting step but watch closely to avoid burning.
