Cauliflower has a magical way of transforming from a humble vegetable into a bold, crispy, and cheesy delight. With the perfect balance of tangy cheddar and savory homemade ranch seasoning, this Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower is anything but ordinary. It’s a side dish that refuses to be overlooked, delivering robust flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a cauliflower lover or a skeptic, this recipe will have you reaching for seconds—maybe even thirds!
Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness, and when combined with the bold punch of ranch spices and gooey melted cheddar, the result is nothing short of addictive. Say goodbye to boring sides and hello to a low-carb, keto-friendly dish that’s packed with personality. Quick, easy, and endlessly versatile, this recipe is a game-changer for weeknight meals or special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Effortless Yet Flavorful: Minimal ingredients, maximum impact—this is a side dish that doesn’t need fancy techniques to shine.
• Crispy, Cheesy Goodness: Roasting creates crispy edges while the melted cheddar adds a creamy, rich bite.
• Homemade Ranch Magic: No store-bought seasoning here! This custom blend of herbs and spices delivers pure, clean flavor without additives.
• Keto & Low-Carb Friendly: Just 3.5g net carbs per serving, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients needed
• Cauliflower – Fresh florets roast up golden and tender while staying perfectly crisp.
• Olive Oil – Helps achieve that beautiful caramelization and enhances flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese – Sharp, melty, and utterly irresistible.
• Dried Dill & Parsley – Classic ranch flavors that bring an herby freshness.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Adds depth and umami.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances every bite.
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with foil or use it bare for extra crispiness.
2. Make the Ranch Blend: In a small bowl, mix dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Toss & Coat: Spread cauliflower florets evenly on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with the ranch seasoning. Toss until well coated.
4. Roast to Perfection: Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Cheese Time: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cauliflower, then return to the oven for 5 more minutes until melted and bubbly.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Dig in while hot and crispy!
Variations
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Extra Crispy: Toss the florets with a little Parmesan cheese before roasting.
• Bacon Boost: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top before serving.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350ºF for 10 minutes or in the microwave for a quick fix.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cauliflower can become too soft when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why isn’t my cauliflower crispy?
Overcrowding the pan traps moisture, causing steaming instead of roasting. Spread the florets in a single layer and roast directly on the pan for best results.
2. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh is best for crispiness, but if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before roasting.
3. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A sharp cheddar melts beautifully and complements the ranch flavors, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
The Goods
Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower
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Recipes
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into 1-inch florets
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup 113 g shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix Seasoning:
- In a large bowl, combine the dill weed, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Cauliflower:
- Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the seasoning blend, tossing to coat evenly.
Roast:
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown.
Add Cheese:
- Turn off the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the cauliflower, and return to the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy!
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