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Crispy Cajun Cauliflower brings a kiss of heat to this tasty, slightly crunchy side dish. Cauliflower is a wonderfully blank slate when it comes to playing with different flavors. This makes it a perfect canvas for roasting and adding seasonings to pair with any dish.
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting is my absolute favorite way to cook most vegetables. With crispy edges and tender centers, this cauliflower is so perfectly seasoned, I can happily make a meal out of it.
To ensure crispy cauliflower, be sure the surface is dry before you toss it in the oil and spice mixture. After washing and cutting into florets, I like to dump it onto a clean tea towel and pat the pieces dry to make sure the spices coat every bite well.
When roasting vegetables, cutting evenly sized pieces is key for even roasting in the oven. Stirring and flipping the cauliflower halfway through cooking will ensure each side has a chance to get crispy.
Cajun Seasonings
When I’m roasting cauliflower, I like to use the homemade Cajun seasoning blend listed here. And although it isn’t traditional, I love using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. I like the depth of flavor and smokiness it gives the crispy cauliflower bites.
If you want to make this crispy roasted cauliflower even simpler, feel free to swap in your favorite store-bought Cajun seasoning spice blend or toss with your favorite taco seasoning instead.
Cajun Cauliflower
While you can purchase pre-made cajun seasoning blends, and sometimes I do that, I prefer to use my own homemade blend for this cajun cauliflower. The key spice ingredients are:
- smoked paprika or plain paprika
- granulated garlic or garlic powder
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- granulated onion or onion powder
- crushed oregano
- crushed thyme
- cayenne pepper
Crispy Cauliflower Recipe
When ready to roast the cauliflower, combine all of the spices with a bit of oil in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine and then all the cauliflower florets to the bowl. Toss well with your hands to coat each piece.
Spread the cauliflower across a large baking pan and roast at 450°F for about 15 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and beginning to crisp. Give the pan a good shake or stir the cauliflower with a spatula. Roast an additional 10 minutes until the cauliflower is lightly browned with irresistibly crisp edges.
Roasted Vegetable Recipes
Roasting vegetables and just changing up the seasoning is my go-to side dish. Roasted green beans seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, these Asian Green Beans are so tasty, that you’ll be eating them straight from the pan. And if you like this Cajun crispy cauliflower as much as we do, you need to try the spice mix on Brussels Sprouts as well!
Pan roasting can be quick and easy when the oven is full, pan roasted asparagus is a quick side dish with tons of flavor that you can have on the table in less than 10 minutes. I love serving asparagus because it always feels like I put way more effort into it than I actually did.
Cauliflower Gratin begins by layering fresh cauliflower with a sprinkling of cheese and a light cream sauce. Then it’s topped with crispy buttery bread crumbs to coat each piece and make an irresistible roasted cauliflower side dish that even the youngest kids are certain to enjoy.
Crispy cauliflower, toasted bread crumbs, and nutty, savory parmesan are wonderful together in this recipe for Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower. This scrumptious side is snackable right off the pan!
Crispy Cajun Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons light flavored olive oil
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika or plain paprika
- 1¼ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon crushed oregano
- 1½ teaspoon crushed thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 pounds cauliflower cut bite-size
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Stir together the spices and the oil in a large mixing bowl. Add the cauliflower pieces to the bowl with the spice mixture and toss well with your hands to thoroughly coat.
- Spread the cauliflower across the baking pan. Roast for 15 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and beginning to crisp.
- Shake the pan or stir with a metal spatula and roast an additional 10 minutes until the cauliflower is lightly browned with crisp edges.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 7/22/22 – recipe notes and photos updated 9/17/25}
I made this Crispy Cajun Cauliflower for my family and they devoured it! You know it’s a keeper when the entire family loves it.
If everyone eats it? Definitely a keeper, Sandra.