Craving the crispy, savory goodness of French fries but looking for a healthier twist? Meet "Cauliflower That Tastes Like French Fries," a guilt-free side dish or snack that delivers all the flavor with none of the deep-frying. Tender cauliflower florets are expertly seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper before being roasted to golden-brown perfection, creating irresistibly crispy edges and a smoky, savory bite. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended) adds a luxurious touch of umami in the final minutes of roasting. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve immediately and enjoy a delicious, low-carb alternative that truly hits the spot!
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Rinse the cauliflower head under cool water and pat it dry. Cut the cauliflower into small florets, roughly the size of French fries, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Place the cauliflower florets into a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and ground black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything well until the cauliflower is evenly coated in the seasoning.
Spread the cauliflower evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the pieces do not overlap. This helps them roast instead of steam.
Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the florets midway through cooking to ensure they crisp up on all sides. Watch for a golden-brown exterior and crispy edges.
If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on the cauliflower during the last 5 minutes of roasting to allow it to melt and adhere to the florets.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cauliflower to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Serve immediately as a side dish or snack. Enjoy your healthier alternative to French fries!
Calories |
671 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.7 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 2677 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.9 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.4 g | 80% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.1 g | ||
| Protein | 23.5 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 349 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1782 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.