Loaded Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is one of my favorite veggie side dishes. If you’ve never roasted cauliflower before, you have to try it! Loaded roasted cauliflower features tender, caramelized florets tossed with bacon grease and roasted until golden, then topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and a sprinkle of green onions. It delivers all the savory, comforting flavors of a loaded potato dish in a lighter, veggie-forward way. It’s a perfect side dish for everyone in the family!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Roasted Cauliflower
Healthy: This light veggie-packed side dish is full of nutrients. It’s an excellent option for those who are looking for something low-carb.
Quick and easy: This simple Loaded Roasted Cauliflower recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. It comes together with just 10 minutes of prep time, and then you can sit back and let the oven do the work.
Questions & Answers
How to cut the cauliflower into florets? First slice the whole head in half. Place one half of the cauliflower head cut-side-up on your cutting board, and then use a sharp knife to cut a “V” shape around the base of the stem to remove it. Repeat with the other half. Then break off or cut the florets, cutting any large ones in half or quarters. To save time, you can use pre-cut cauliflower florets found in the veggie section of your local grocery store. They’re more expensive, but they’ll save you a few minutes of cutting time later on.
Can it be frozen? Yes, however the texture tends to change once it’s been in the freezer. Using fresh cauliflower is the way to go!
How to get roasted and not steamed cauliflower? Don’t crowd the baking pan or the oven, or you’ll get steamed cauliflower instead of roasted.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 heads of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- garlic powder
- fresh ground black pepper
- shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- green onions, sliced thinly
- ranch dressing
- salt to taste
Recipe is adapted from Cassie Johnston at wholefully.com
Loaded Roasted Cauliflower
6
servings10
minutes35
minutes287
kcal45
minutesLoaded roasted cauliflower features tender, caramelized florets tossed with bacon grease and roasted until golden, then topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and a sprinkle of green onions. It delivers all the savory, comforting flavors of a loaded potato dish in a lighter, veggie-forward way. It’s a perfect side dish for everyone in the family!
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Ingredients
6 slices 6 bacon, chopped
2 heads 2 cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 teaspoon 1 garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup 1/3 sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 stalks 4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup 1/3 ranch dressing
salt to taste
Directions
- In a medium skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, and set aside. Reserve 1/4 cup of bacon grease.
- Preheat oven to 425 degree F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets, bacon grease, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss to combine.
- Spread cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Cauliflower should be tender and golden brown when ready.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of cauliflower, and bake an additional 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove from oven, top with crumbled bacon and green onions, and drizzle with ranch dressing. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If your bacon isn’t fatty enough to produce 1/4 cup grease, supplement with a high smoke point oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil. But you will lose some of the flavor that the bacon grease brings to the dish.
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