Ultimate Whole Roasted Cauliflower (With Whipped Feta!)

Whole roasted cauliflower with orange background

5 from 9 ratings

Ultimate Whole Roasted Cauliflower (With Whipped Feta!)

Wow your guests with this ultimate whole roasted cauliflower! Slathered in whipped feta and drizzled with herb sauce, this dish is a statement-maker that has become a hit at Thanksgiving tables around the country.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: Main Dishes, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Low Calorie, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegetarian

Keyword: roasted cauliflower, whole roasted cauliflower

Diet: Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Vegetarian

Occasion: Christmas, Easter, Game Day, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day

Time: 60 minutes or more

Servings: servings

Author: Sarah Bond

Ingredients

Cauliflower

1 head cauliflower
2 Tbsp olive oil 30 mL
2 Tbsp water 30 mL
2 Tbsp brown sugar 20 g
1 tsp each smoked paprika, curry powder, cumin, salt
½ tsp black pepper

Whipped Feta

8 oz room temperature feta cheese 226 g
3 oz room temperature cream cheese 85 g

Herb Sauce

½ cup packed fresh parsley can replace half with cilantro
½ cup olive oil 118 mL
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno pepper seeds removed
1 Tbsp lemon juice 15 mL
¼ tsp salt

Garnish

Handful of pine nuts

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Trim the leaves and tough bottom stem from the cauliflower, being sure to leave the head intact. Whisk together all remaining "Cauliflower" ingredients. Flip the cauliflower upside down and pour half of the mixture into the cauliflower, tilting it around to evenly coat the inside. Brush the remaining marinade onto the outside.
Bake: Set a pan filled with water in the bottom of the oven, which will steam and tenderize the cauliflower. Place the cauliflower stem-side down onto a baking sheet or pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork. If cauliflower hasn't become brown on the outside, switch oven to broil and cook for about 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Sauces: While cauliflower cooks, add feta and cream cheese to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Remove from processor, wipe it clean, then blend "Herb Sauce" ingredients until smooth.
Serve: Place cauliflower on a serving tray. Serve warm, slathered with whipped feta, drizzled with herb sauce, and sprinkled with pine nuts.

Notes

Make it vegan by omitting the whipped feta, using a vegan yogurt or cream in its place.

Change up the sauces by using romesco sauce (for a smoky pepper flavor) or yum sauce (for a cheesy vegan flavor).

Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne or harissa to the marinade.

Can I use cauliflower florets? Sure! Just bake them for less time and toss with the oil and spices in a large bowl.

Storage: I like to slice this into rounds because they fit better in an airtight container. They will last 3 days in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition