Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted) (2024)

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ByCheryl Avrich Updated on

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You have to try this new baby cauliflower. It’s sweet, delicate, tender and delicious – kind of a cross between cauliflower and broccoli. We’re roasting it in this easy recipe, but you can cook it many different ways.

It’s slowly coming into mainstream stores so grab some if you can find it.

Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted) (1)

I love the delicate flavor and that it cooks so quickly at a high temperature. And there is almost zero waste. You can literally eat the entire head of cauliflower including the cauliflower florets and the slim tender stems.

Where to find baby cauliflower

I buy a fresh baby whole cauliflower in the produce section of an Asian grocery store in Canada (T&T). Trader Joe’s, Sprouts and Whole Foods sell it in the US and probably many other stores, too, by now.

I’m a bit late to the game as it was introduced into stores in Japan in 2012. Only to restaurants initially. Now, more and more to the general public. Consider me a recent fan.

Is baby cauliflower healthy?

The nutrition value is another big plus. High fiber, low carb, low calorie. A half pound/80 ounces of the raw cauliflower contains 36 calories, 3 g protein, 3g fiber, 32mg calcium, 7 carbs and 1mg iron.

Moms and dads can introduce it as a good toddler vegetable because it is so tender and easy to chew.

What to serve with it

The mild sweet taste of baby cauliflower makes it a versatile side for almost any main course. I love this gorgeous side dish with marinated flank steak, coconut curry salmon, balsamic glazed chicken and spicy honey-lime chicken.

To jazz it up, try a drizzle of tahini sauce, balsamic reduction, sriracha aioli, 5 minute herb sauce or 5 minute roasted red pepper sauce.

It’s a super easy and quick recipe. Just try it 🙂

How to make this roasted cauliflower recipe

Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted) (2)
Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted) (3)
Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted) (4)
Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted) (5)
Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted) (6)
Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted) (7)

Other names for baby cauliflower

  • Fioretto
  • Biancoli
  • Sweet sprouting cauliflower
  • Karifurore
  • Flowering cauliflower
  • Stick cauliflower
  • Chinese cauliflower
  • Some stores like Mann’s Fresh Vegetables sell it packaged under the brand name Caulilini.

Cooking Methods

My favorite way – and one of the best ways I think to cook this vegetable – is roasting. The brown crispy edges of the flowers are just delish.

But there are lots of other simple ways to prepare it too – microwave, stir fry, raw with dips or in salads, steamed and grilled. Check out some of our other cauliflower recipes below.

Tailor To Your Taste

I kept the recipe super basic so feel free to play around with the seasonings, drizzles and garnishes.

  • Seasonings: Try adding curry powder, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Drizzles: Try balsamic reduction, Japanese salad dressing, basil pesto or red pepper sauce.
  • Garnishes: If you like lemon, a sprinkle of lemon zest or squeeze of lemon juice after roasting is a wonderful flavor booster. Other good options are toasted chopped pine nuts (or other nuts), green onions, pea sprouts, chopped tomatoes or strawberries (for color).

Make Ahead

  • Complete the recipe and let it sit on the counter until needed. When ready to use, warm the cauliflower in a hot oven for 5 minutes. Or, transfer to a dish after roasting and warm it in microwave for 1 minute when ready to use.
  • Alternatively, the baby cauliflower can be served at room temperature or even cold.

Other cauliflower recipes you might like

Feel free to substitute baby cauliflower for the regular cauliflower used in these recipes. Just remember to reduce the amount of cooking time.

  • Parmesan roasted cauliflower
  • Whole roasted cauliflower with grape relish
  • Grilled cauliflower
  • Roasted cauliflower with orange-balsamic drizzle
  • Lemon herb cauliflower rice stir fry
  • Cauliflower rice recipe with pesto

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4.95 from 20 votes

Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted)

You have to try this new baby cauliflower. It's sweet, delicate, tender and delicious – kind of a cross between cauliflower and broccoli. We're roasting it in this recipe, but you can cook it so many different ways. It's slowly coming into mainstream stores so grab some if you can find it.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Servings: 4

Author: Cheryl Avrich

Ingredients

  • 1 large baby cauliflower, about 2 lbs/0.9kg also called Fioretto, Stick, Flowering, Biancoli, Karifurore, Sweet Sprouting, Chinese cauliflower
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin olive oil or neutral)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • zest from 1 lemon (optional but great)
  • Parmesan cheese, toasted crushed nuts or pine nuts, red pepper sauce, herb sauce, pesto, pea sprouts, balsamic reduction, chopped strawberries.

Instructions

  • SET OVEN TEMPERATURE TO 425F/218C. Spray large rimmed baking sheet with oil. Or, for easy clean up, line large pan with parchment (or foil sprayed with oil).

  • PREPARE BABY CAULIFLOWER: Cut 2 inches/5cm off thick bottom stem. Cut the rest of cauliflower into small pieces, leaving on small stems. Toss with oil, salt and pepper (and garlic powder if using). Place cauliflower in single layer in pan. Do not overcrowd the pan or the cauliflower will steam.

  • ROAST for 15 minutes in preheated oven until flower tips become golden brown and cauliflower is fork tender. Transfer to plate or bowl and sprinkle with lemon zest and/or other garnishes if desired Note 1. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

  1. Tailor to Your Taste
    • Seasonings: Try adding curry powder, Parmesan cheese, or red chili flakes for heat.
    • Drizzles: Try balsamic reduction, Japanese salad dressing, basil pesto, herb sauce or red pepper sauce.
    • Garnishes: If you like lemon, a sprinkle of lemon zest or squeeze of lemon juice after roasting is a wonderful flavor booster. Other good options are fresh herbs, pine nuts (or other toasted chopped nuts), green onions, pea sprouts, chopped tomatoes or strawberries (for color).
  2. Make Ahead
    • Complete the recipe and let it sit on counter until needed. When ready to use, warm the cauliflower in a hot oven for 5 minutes.Or, transfer to a dish after roasting, then warm it in microwave for 1 minute when ready to use.
    • Alternatively, the baby cauliflower can be served at room temperature or even cold.

Nutrition values are estimates and do not include optional garnishes or toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 625mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?We’d love you to rate it above under ‘rate this recipe’ or in the comment section below. Thanks!

Baby Cauliflower Recipe (roasted) (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

How do you feed baby cauliflower? ›

Alternatively, mash or finely chop the florets and let baby scoop up the food with hands or a spoon. Another option is to offer a large stick cut from the main stalk and steamed until soft.

Is baby cauliflower good for you? ›

It has fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Potassium, and so much more! Cauliflower is anti-inflammatory. All of those vitamins provide a significant amount of antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and aid in protecting against chronic diseases.

Why is my roasted cauliflower tough? ›

Undercooking It. Overcooking is bad, but undercooking cauliflower is an equally off-putting problem. "When making cauliflower steaks or roasting florets, if you don't roast it in the oven long enough it will be warm but still hard and unenjoyable to eat," says Michalczyk.

Does cauliflower need to be washed before roasting? ›

Caramelization is the key to giving the roasted cauliflower flavor. Give all the florets a thorough rinse in a colander. Shake them dry. Spread the florets out in an even layer on the baking sheet.

What will adding lemon juice to the water for cooking cauliflower do? ›

Food Science

Cauliflower contains some phytonutrients, these nutrients may react with iron cookware and gives the cauliflower a brownish color. To prevent this add some lemon juice to the cauliflower or to the water in which it is blanched.

Can 6 month old eat cauliflower? ›

When can babies eat cauliflower? This nutritious, super versatile vegetable can be offered to babies as soon as they're ready to start solids, usually around 6 months.

Why do you add milk to boiled cauliflower? ›

Adding milk to the water will help the cauliflower keep its white color and will sweeten the flavor of the cauliflower. Bring water to a boil and add the cauliflower pieces. Allow the water to return to a boil and gently boil for 3 to 5 minutes.

Can you eat baby cauliflower leaves? ›

“The leaves can be thinly sliced and used in stir-fries or roasted alongside the cauliflower florets,” said Dr Lone.

What color cauliflower is healthiest? ›

Purple. Purple cauliflower is the healthiest option, with numerous advantages. The purple hue is due to the antioxidants called anthocyanins. These are the pigments present in various other plants and plant-based products, including red cabbage and red wine.

Is Roasted cauliflower good for you? ›

If you're not into cauliflower, try it roasted. It'll be on your veggie rotation in no time. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable responsible for helping to reduce risk of cancer due to it's special antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as it's high fiber content.

How many times a week should you eat cauliflower? ›

At a minimum, include cruciferous vegetables as part of your diet 2-3 times per week, and make the serving size at least 1-1/2 cups. Even better from a health standpoint, enjoy cauliflower and other vegetables from the cruciferous vegetable group 4-5 times per week, and increase your serving size to 2 cups.

What does baking soda do to cauliflower? ›

Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent, and it can be used to brighten up your veggies too. Sprinkle a little in the water before boiling to prevent cauliflower from yellowing and make corn look more vibrant.

Why does cooked cauliflower hurt my stomach? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which can quickly lead to digestive upset, especially when consumed raw. Symptoms can include bloating, gas and cramping.

How do you clean cauliflower before roasting? ›

First, I like to remove the green stem area and wash that separately, as I like to use that when I make bone broth. Then simply run the head under water and pat dry. If you know you are going to steam or pan roast the florets, go ahead and cut them down into florets and wash in a colander.

Should I soak cauliflower in salt water? ›

Next, transfer the florets to a colander and place them under running water to wash off the dirt and bigger bugs. After this, it is suggested to blanch them in salt water to kill bacteria and parasites for 10–20 minutes.

How long to soak cauliflower in vinegar water? ›

Produce with rough outer skin: Items such as broccoli, potatoes and cauliflower are a little harder to clean. Soak in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for 1 minute. For heads of cabbage or lettuce, it's best to separate the leaves first.

Is it worth marinating cauliflower? ›

Mildly Marinated Cauliflower is the perfect balance of pickling spices. There's a sweet tang that children will love and don't hesitate to add it to salads.

References

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