You’re in for a treat if you like the buttery, nutty taste of roasted cauliflower.
This versatile vegetable pairs well with the following sides, herbs & spices, sauces, and more.
Cauliflower is a terrific canvas for other tastes, similar to rice, and it is also fairly healthful.
Cauliflower becomes something quite different when roasted, with sweet, nutty caramelization on the exterior and soft florets on the interior.
This adaptable vegetable goes well with practically anything, from cheese to lemon to chili flakes.
We’re sharing our best recipes for roasted cauliflower side dishes, herbs & spices, sauces, and more.
Contents
- What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower?
- What Sauces Go with Roasted Cauliflower?
- 8 Herbs and Spices that Go Well with Roasted Cauliflower
- What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower (Sides, Sauces, Etc)
- FAQs
- What does cauliflower pair well with?
- What to serve with cauliflower gratin?
- What flavors go well with cauliflower?
- What to eat with cheesy cauliflower?
- What main dish goes well with cauliflower cheese?
- Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking?
- Why is roasted cauliflower good for you?
- Is roasted cauliflower good the next day?
- What do you serve with scalloped?
- Why do you put lemon juice in cauliflower?
What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower?
Cauliflower, when roasted, is a versatile vegetable that goes well with a broad range of recipes. It pairs very nicely with a simple salad or spaghetti.
Roasted cauliflower goes well with creamy sauces like pesto, hollandaise, and bechamel. It goes nicely with a savory cheese like feta and may even be used in lieu of mashed potatoes.
1. Soup
We recommend soup!
Heres why:
- Soup allows you to add tastes and ingredients that enhance the savory tones in the roasted cauliflower.
- Soup is simple to cook in large volumes, so you can feed all of your hungry visitors.
- Soup is ideal for a quick, no-fuss supper that nevertheless feels like a treat.
A word of caution:
There are so many different varieties of soup; select one that complements the tastes of your cauliflower!
2. Salad
Salad is a traditional healthy diet staple that goes well with almost any main meal, including roasted cauliflower.
Another bonus? Its super easy to make.
All you need are some colorful veggies, some protein (cheese or tofu), and a few spices.
You may even make your own dressing in just two minutes by combining oil, vinegar, and your preferred seasonings.
And voila!
You’ve created a delectable side dish to go with your properly seasoned roasted cauliflower that will impress everyone at the table.
The only decision to make is whether or not to make the salad the highlight of your dinner.
Because, although this side dish is fantastic with cauliflower, it is equally excellent on its own!
Heck, it’s delicious on its own as a tiny snack in between meals.
So, if you want something that can serve as both a side dish and an entrée, we recommend salad.
3. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is tasty, but not too intense.
It has a lot of taste, yet it won’t overshadow anything on your dinner plate.
So you can still taste all of your main course’s flavors.
Plus, it’s simple to prepare and keep in the refrigerator, so you may make it ahead of time.
And if you have any leftovers from supper, you can eat them later in the week by adding some olive oil and stirring!
If you’re cooking pasta salad as a side dish, keep in mind that it may be rather heavy in calories at times.
4. Chicken
Chicken is a classic choice for good reason.
It’s flavorless enough that it won’t overpower the cauliflower, yet robust and rich enough to hold its own against the meal.
If you’re going to the bother of roasting an entire head of cauliflower, why not roast a whole chicken as well?
It brings one-pan meals to a whole new level.
But, before you go out and purchase some chicken, remember this:
Is chicken really your style?
If not, there are lots of alternative options, such as rice or potatoes, that will enable you to enjoy both meals at the same time.
5. Pizza
Yes, pizza!
It’s a terrific choice since it combines all of the basic tastes you want in a side dish while also adding just enough complexity to keep things interesting.
If you want something more substantial than a salad but not nearly as heavy as roasted potatoes or rice, this is the dish for you.
The one thing to keep in mind is that the amounts may be limited, since this is more of an appetizer than a complete dinner.
If you’re expecting a large group, bake additional pizza or serve a salad or another side dish on top of this one!
6. Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are an excellent accompaniment to roasted cauliflower because they compliment the flavorful essence of the veggies while also providing a different texture.
Another significant advantage is that you may add a variety of things to mashed potatoes without detracting from the taste of your roasted cauliflower.
Just keep in mind that if you want to serve mashed potatoes with your roasted cauliflower, you should start cooking them beforehand so they are ready about the same time as your main meal.
Otherwise, one or both of them may go cold before you’re ready to serve!
7. Curry dishes
Curry dishes are what we’d like to draw your attention to.
They may be served hot or cold, making them an excellent year-round alternative.
There are also several varieties, such as sweet and spicy or salty and sour.
Curry recipes pair nicely with a range of meats, so you won’t have to adjust your menu too much if you offer roasted cauliflower instead of potatoes as a side.
Curry dishes are a crowd favorite, but bear in mind that if you serve it as an appetizer or at an event where guests are unfamiliar with curry, it may be too hot for some.
8. Fried rice
We adore fried rice because there are so many different ingredients that can be added to suit any diet or inclination.
Tofu is a simple method to add protein and a meaty mouthfeel while remaining vegan.
If you’re offering meat, ground chicken or turkey is a great alternative.
Something to think about before going with fried rice as a side dish for roasted cauliflower?
The carbohydratesRice may be rich in carbohydrates and high in calories, depending on how much oil you use and the sort of fried rice you create.
Fried rice may not be the ideal option if you’re attempting to keep the dinner low-carb!
What Sauces Go with Roasted Cauliflower?
Roasted cauliflower is a quick and tasty way to get your vegetables.
The problem?
Sometimes its just not quite enough on its own.
Sometimes a little bit more is required to spice things up, make it more interesting, and give it that additional kick.
Sauces are the ideal option for the sophisticated cauliflower fan who need something more than what the floret has to give on its own.
Here are 7 sauces that can enhance your roasted cauliflower experience:
1. Tartar Sauce
We like roasted cauliflower with tartar sauce.
The acidic sharpness of the tartar sauce balances out the delicate sweetness of the roasted cauliflower without dominating or distracting from the flavor of our favorite healthy side dish.
However, tartar sauce is not appropriate for every occasion.
If your cauliflower is already extremely sweet, the tartar sauce’s tanginess will be too much to bear.
2. Tomato Sauce
Cauliflower with tomato sauce is a tried-and-true combo that is guaranteed to delight everyone at the table.
It’s a terrific option if you’re serving cauliflower to a large group since it’s a simple sauce for those who are unfamiliar with vegetables like cauliflower.
This is also a good option if you have a mix of ages at the table; grandparents will like this match, and youngsters will as well!
Try placing your tomato sauce in squeeze bottles or little dipping plates for each customer to serve themselves for a unique twist.
Getting dirty with your food may be a lot of fun!
Just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.
One factor to consider before selecting this sauce is how much time you have to cook it.
While tomato sauce is normally quite simple to prepare, if you are short on time, this may not be the best choice for you.
3. Tahini Sauce
The lemon juice adds a touch of sweetness to this sauce, which has a deep taste.
You may not have tried it before (which is OK; we’re about to alter that), but we’re ready to bet you’ll be addicted after just one taste!
The only thing you need think about before creating this sauce?
How good are you with lemon juice?
The more you squeeze into your tahini sauce, the more acidic it will be, so if you regularly opt for lemonade at the grocery store, don’t squeeze in as much as we did.
4. Hot Sauce
First of all, who doesnt love hot sauce?
It’s like the peanut butter of condiments: everyone has it in their fridge and it goes on everything.
If you’re short on time or simply don’t feel like cooking today, serve your roast cauliflower with some spicy sauce drizzled on top.
Before selecting this specific sauce, keep in mind that various varieties of hot sauce will have varying degrees of spiciness, which may appeal to some more than others.
If you use store-bought hot sauce, check the label for an accurate evaluation of its heat level so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
5. Horseradish Sauce
We know what you’re thinking, but bear with us: you want a sauce that can stand up to the powerful taste of the cauliflower while also adding a little zing.
And, although BBQ sauce is fantastic, let’s be honest: it’s been done to death.
If you want something a bit different, try horseradish sauce, but don’t forget to add a few other ingredients so it doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds.
6. Hollandaise
We adore this match because the hollandaise’s buttery, creamy taste complements the earthy characteristics of the cauliflower.
Its a match made in heaven!
One thing to keep in mind about this combo is that it is not for everyone.
Hollandaise may be a thick sauce, and if your recipe asks for creating it from scratch, it can be a chore to make.
If you want something simpler or lighter, consider serving your cauliflower with ranch dressing or a chimichurri sauce instead.
7. Béchamel sauce
Bchamel belongs to the mornay sauce family, which also contains cheese sauces and tomato-based sauces.
It’s smooth and creamy, making it a great complement to crispy roasted cauliflower. If you haven’t tried roasting cauliflower before, stop what you’re doing and do it right now.
The caramelized edges are the stuff of fantasies.
This versatile sauce offers more to your cauliflower than simply rich flavor:
It may also be used as a foundation for other dishes such as lasagna or macaroni and cheese.
The possibilities are unlimited once you have it!
Keep in mind that Bchamel sauce contains milk, so if you have visitors with milk allergies or lactose intolerance, you may want to pick another choice.
8 Herbs and Spices that Go Well with Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is excellent, but it must be seasoned properly with herbs and spices.
Here are eight herbs and spices that go well with roasted cauliflower:
1. Marjoram
First, lets talk about Marjoram.
This is a nice choice if you want something familiar but not too overbearing.
The sweet, flowery tones are guaranteed to please most palates, and it’s also rather adaptable in terms of mixing with other components.
Here are some things to think about before making your decision: If marjoram is kept for more than six months, it will dry up and lose its taste.
So, if you want to store up for the long run, this may not be the herb for you!
2. Sage
Sage is a spice that brings out the taste of other, complimentary substances.
It’s an excellent choice for roasted cauliflower since it will complement all of the fantastic tastes you’re already receiving from the cooking process.
So, if you want to truly stand out with your roasted cauliflower, sage is a terrific choice.
Before you chose this, think about how much flavor you want to add. Sage has a rather powerful flavor on its own, so if you add too much, it may be too much for your cauliflower dish!
3. Thyme
If you’re searching for a herb to add a little zing to your roasted cauliflower, try thyme.
Thyme has a bold, crisp taste that jumps out, so it’s great for keeping your food from being lost in the mix.
Keep in mind that the harshness of thyme may occasionally overpower more subtle tastes.
It may not be the greatest choice if you’re dealing with smaller, more delicate herbs and spices like rosemary or basil.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is the potato of spices: it goes with almost anything.
And the herb goes well with cauliflower since they both have earthy tones that are subtle and not overpowering.
Just don’t go overboard.We’ve discovered that rosemary may readily dominate other components due to its strong taste.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper adds a little heat in the form of hot capsaicinoids, but also a lovely earthy taste and vivid accents of color to roasted cauliflower.
Furthermore, it may help you minimize inflammation and even rev up your metabolism!
One thing to consider?
Cayenne can be pretty powerful stuff.
Maybe start with a little amount and work your way up.
6. Ginger
Ginger adds a dash of spiciness and a delicate sweetness to cauliflower.
If you have any cauliflower that has been sitting in the fridge for a while, ginger will give it a lift.
Before roasting, we prefer to grate some fresh ginger into the oil, or sprinkle ground ginger on top shortly before serving.
One thing to keep in mind: ginger pairs best with sweet or mild tastes, so if your cauliflower has been marinating in spicy sauce, you may want to try something different.
7. Nutmeg
Nutmeg isnt just for Christmas cookies or eggnog.
It gives roasted veggies a warm, comforting, and sweet flavor.
It will taste like your favorite dessert, but without the sugar crash.
And it keeps your kitchen smelling like the holidays all year!
The only thing to keep in mind before using this spice is that too much nutmeg may be overbearing.
Make careful to add it in little increments until you find the correct quantity for you.
8. Paprika
If you want to spice up your cauliflower, paprika is a terrific option.
This spice is well-known for its mild heat and smokey taste, and it is a versatile herb that combines well with a variety of meals.
Paprika enhances the delicacy of the vegetable while also providing spice and smokiness to cut through the richness of a cream sauce or buttery vinaigrette.
paprika is a costly spice. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to check into alternative spices or herbs that are less expensive.One thing to consider when selecting this plant
What to Serve with Roasted Cauliflower (Sides, Sauces, Etc)
Ingredients
- Soup
- Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Chicken
- Pizza
- Mashed potatoes
- Curry dishes
- Fried rice
Instructions
- Choose your favorite side dish from this list to accompany your dinner.
- Prepare the ingredients in the order specified in the recipe.
- Be ready to eat in no time!
FAQs
What does cauliflower pair well with?
Apples, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, capsicum, carrots, celery, corn, garlic, ginger, jack fruit, kale, lemon, lime, mango, mushroom, olive, onion, orange, pea, pomegranate, potato, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato, tomato.
What to serve with cauliflower gratin?
What Should You Serve With Cauliflower Gratin?
Lentil loaf for the main course.
Sweet potato casserole, mashed cauliflower, vegan cornbread, green bean casserole, butternut squash quinoa stuffing, or cranberry sauce are some more options for sides.
Salad options include roasted butternut squash salad and kale and brussels sprout salad.
What flavors go well with cauliflower?
Popular Cauliflower pairings include anchovies, red pepper flakes, garlic, and olive oil.
Brown butter + bread crumbs + parsley.
Cilantro, cloves, cumin, and turmeric.
Sorrel (leafy green) + cream
Apple and curry.
Curry with vinegar.
Garlic, mint, and pasta.
Pine nuts and lime.
What to eat with cheesy cauliflower?
Garlic bread, green salad, crispy green beans, steaming broccoli, mashed potatoes, gluten-free bread, roasted carrots, grilled asparagus, rice pilaf, quinoa, baked sweet potato, and tomato and onion salad are the greatest side dishes to offer with cauliflower cheese.
What main dish goes well with cauliflower cheese?
What Meat Complements Cauliflower Cheese?
Chicken. When it comes to cauliflower cheese, lean chicken is an excellent alternative since it cooks fast and keeps its taste.
Beef. Beef is the ideal protein alternative for cauliflower cheese when you’re seeking something robust and satisfying.
Pork. Shrimp. Bacon. Sausage.
Meat from a crab.
Turkey.
Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking?
If you’re worried about animals like worms and insects living in your organic cauliflower, soak it in salt water for 30 minutes before cooking. This will eliminate and eliminate any unwanted protein sources.
Why is roasted cauliflower good for you?
It’s strong in vitamins C and K and an excellent source of folate, which promotes cell development and is necessary during pregnancy. Cauliflower is low in fat and cholesterol. It’s also low in salt. A single cup has just 25 calories, 5 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of nutritional fiber.
Is roasted cauliflower good the next day?
Storage and Reheating Suggestions
Leftover roasted cauliflower may be refrigerated in a closed container for up to five days. If you like, you may freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What do you serve with scalloped?
Scalloped potatoes are satisfying and delicious. Grilled ham, pan-seared fish, roast chicken, broiled lobster, or even a filet of beef tenderloin go well with this dish. A delicious side salad with a strong vinaigrette works well if no animal proteins are wanted.
Why do you put lemon juice in cauliflower?
Science of Food. Cauliflower contains phytonutrients, which may react with iron cookware and cause the cauliflower to become brownish. Add some lemon juice to the cauliflower or the water in which it is blanched to avoid this.