2-Ingredient Caesar Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for steaming and roasting the cauliflower.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a large spoon to scoop out portions with extra sauce on the side.
- 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
