Whole Baked Cauliflower

This Whole Baked Cauliflower is deliciously spiced for a fresh and fun way to enjoy your veggies. You'll love how the seasoning gets into every tasty part of the cauliflower.

Normally we think of cauliflower as a side dish, but for this recipe, we're making it the main course. It's so satisfying and flavorful, you won't think of this veggie the same again. There's just something so delicious about how each bite is infused with rich buttery flavor and tasty spices with just a hint of heat.

This filling recipe is great for lunches or dinners. Taking only 45 minutes, you can easily prep it and put it in the oven, moving on to the side dishes and other things. It's a convenient, healthy, and satisfying dish that your whole family is bound to love. Let's look at the seasonings and other ingredients you'll need to make this Whole Baked Cauliflower.

Video Tutorial

What you'll need

• Cauliflower. You'll need a small or medium-sized cauliflower head for this recipe.
• Plant butter. Or oil can be used instead, if desired.
• Spices. Garlic powder, oregano, turmeric (optional), paprika, cumin powder, red pepper flakes, and salt.

How to make Whole Baked Cauliflower

1. Carefully, using two forks, submerge the cauliflower in a large pot of boiling, slightly salted water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the head.

2. In the meantime, melt the butter and add all of the spices to it. Mix well.

3. Take the cauliflower out of the water and let cool just enough that you can handle it. Put the cauliflower on a baking sheet with the stem side up. Then take half of your spiced butter mixture and thoroughly cover the cauliflower as best you can. There are a lot of gaps around the stem so pay close attention to those areas so they get buttered, too.

4. Flip the cauliflower over and brush the rest of the spiced butter all over the cauliflower evenly with a pastry brush.

5. Bake the cauliflower for 30 minutes at 400°F. Then serve hot.

Tips for the best Whole Baked Cauliflower

• Trim the cauliflower. Remove any leaves from the cauliflower, as well as excess stem. Only leave enough to connect the florets to the head of cauliflower.
• Boil the cauliflower carefully. Adding the cauliflower too quickly to the pot of boiling water can result in you getting splashed. Be very careful as you slowly add it, using forks to lower it into the water.
• Cover the entire cauliflower with butter. When doing the bottom side of the cauliflower, you'll see that there are lots of nooks and crannies. Make sure you pay close attention and get inside them all for full coverage.
• Use a pastry brush. When you add the butter to the cauliflower, it is easiest to use a pastry brush to rub the spiced butter in. Otherwise, you land up drenching areas unevenly when spooning it on.

Add-ins and Substitutes

• Use oil instead of butter. If you prefer, you can use oil instead of the butter. It will do the same job, though not be as flavorful. Any oil will work, such as olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
• Add lemon. Adding freshly squeezed lemon juice or lemon zest will give this dish a deliciously acidic and citrusy flavor.
• Add herbs. Make this Whole Baked Cauliflower with fresh mint, dill, or parsley.
• Substitute different seasonings. Try this recipe with slightly different seasonings, such as rosemary, thyme, Trader Joe's everything bagel seasoning, curry powder, or black pepper.

How to Store

Store any leftovers of this Whole Baked Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat it, just place it in the microwave for a minute or so to warm. Or you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat so it warms, but doesn't overcook. Add some water in the bottom of the skillet to help.

What to Serve with it

• On its own. This is such a satisfying dish, you can enjoy it all on its own for a meal.
• Protein. Add some protein to the meal with some Quick Maple Sriracha Tofu, Quick & Easy Chipotle Pinto Beans, or Red Lentil Curry.
• Potatoes. Serve this Whole Baked Cauliflower with Baked Baby Potatoes, Garlic Smashed Potatoes, Vegan Scalloped Potatoes, or Paprika Baked Potatoes.
• Soup. Enjoy it with a bowl of Red Lentil Soup, Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup, Cabbage Soup, or Easy Lemon Lentil Soup.

This Whole Baked Cauliflower recipe is so delicious and easy to make. You'll love serving this to family and friends. They'll never look at cauliflower quite the same again.

More tasty vegan cauliflower recipes:

• Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Steaks
• Cauliflower Steaks with Chermoula Sauce
• Crispy Cauliflower Bites
• Roasted Curried Cauliflower