2-Ingredient Caesar Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

This 2-Ingredient Caesar Roasted Cauliflower is a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms a humble vegetable into a delicious centerpiece. With just cauliflower and Caesar dressing, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower (2 1/2 to 3 pounds)
• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) Caesar dressing, preferably Newman’s Own
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Remove and discard the leaves from the cauliflower and trim the end of the stem without florets. Flip the cauliflower and cut out the tough core in a cone shape, keeping the head intact.
2. Step 2: Place the cauliflower right-side up in a Dutch oven. Add 1 inch of water to the bottom of the pot, cover, and steam in the oven until fork-tender, about 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: Carefully remove the pot from the oven and uncover. Transfer the cauliflower to a plate and pour out any remaining water from the Dutch oven. Return the cauliflower to the pot and coat it completely with the Caesar dressing.
4. Step 4: Roast the cauliflower uncovered until well browned and the dressing is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Halfway through, baste with the dressing again and sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top, if using.
5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Use a large spoon to scoop out portions along with any extra sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier texture, you can roast the cauliflower without steaming first, but steaming helps it cook evenly and stay moist inside.
• Try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
• Use gluten-free Caesar dressing if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free.
• If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and works well as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To retain some crispiness, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes, you can experiment with other creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese, but the classic Caesar flavor is what makes this recipe stand out.

Do I have to steam the cauliflower before roasting?

Steaming ensures the cauliflower cooks evenly and stays tender inside. Skipping this step will result in a crunchier texture but may require longer roasting time to cook through.

2-Ingredient Caesar Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

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4.9 from 98 reviews

This simple and delicious 2-Ingredient Caesar Roasted Cauliflower features a whole head of cauliflower steamed until tender, then generously coated with Caesar dressing and roasted to a golden, bubbling finish. The optional parmesan and fresh parsley add a savory and fresh touch, making it a perfect side dish or vegetarian main for those who enjoy bold, creamy flavors with minimal ingredients and effort.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower (2 1/2 to 3 pounds)
• 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) Caesar dressing, preferably Newman’s Own

Optional Garnishes

• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for steaming and roasting the cauliflower.
2. Prep the Cauliflower: Remove and discard the cauliflower leaves and trim off the end of the stem where no florets are attached. Flip the cauliflower over and carefully cut out the tough core in a cone shape while keeping the head intact.
3. Steam the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower upright in a Dutch oven. Pour 1 inch of water into the bottom of the pot, cover it, and place it into the preheated oven. Steam the cauliflower until it is fork-tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Add Dressing and Roast: Carefully remove the pot from the oven and uncover. Transfer the cauliflower to a plate and pour out any remaining water from the Dutch oven. Return the cauliflower to the pot and pour the Caesar dressing over it, ensuring the entire surface is coated.
5. Roast until Browned: Roast the cauliflower uncovered in the oven until it is well browned and the dressing is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Halfway through roasting, baste the cauliflower with the dressing and sprinkle with parmesan cheese if using.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a large spoon to scoop out portions with extra sauce on the side.
7. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Notes

• You can substitute your favorite Caesar dressing or make a homemade version for a fresher taste.
• Steaming the cauliflower in the oven keeps it moist and tender for roasting.
• Adding parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory depth to the dish.
• Use a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid for the steaming and roasting steps.
• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, making this an excellent make-ahead side.

Keywords: Cauliflower recipe, roasted cauliflower, Caesar dressing cauliflower, easy vegetable side, vegetarian side dish