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.

Is baby cauliflower good for you? ›

Notably high in potassium and calcium in particular, as well as dietary fiber and antioxidants, this vegetable can bolster your immune system and support overall well being. Low in calories just like conventional cauliflower, it's a volume-eater's dream come true.

How to give baby cauliflower? ›

Try offering bite-sized pieces of cooked cauliflower floret for baby to practice their developing pincer grasp (where the forefinger and thumb meet). If you'd like to continue offering large florets of cooked cauliflower, go for it, and use the opportunity to model for baby how to take bites.

How to cook baby cauletti? ›

On a large baking sheet, toss lemon slices and CAULILINI® baby cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread out in a single layer. Roast 15-20 minutes or until CAULILINI® baby cauliflower and lemon slices are browned.

What do you soak cauliflower in to get bugs out? ›

The salt and vinegar mixture will suck out all the dirt and bugs hidden inside the crevices of the cauliflower and leave you with a clean vegetable that is safe for eating. Once you toss the mucky water out, chop your cauliflower and rinse it in clean water before you get down to cooking it.

Should cauliflower be washed before roasting? ›

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. Reserve any small bits of cauliflower that have fallen away from the florets in a small bowl.

Is cauliflower a carb or protein? ›

In 1 cup of chopped cauliflower, you'll get 5.3 g of total carbs, 3.2 g of net carbs, 0.3 g of fat, and 2.1 g of protein, per the USDA. Not to mention, you get 320 mg of potassium, making this vegetable a good source of the nutrient.

Is cauliflower better for you than broccoli? ›

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

Why is cauliflower better for you than potatoes? ›

Nutritionally, cauliflower is lighter in calories and carbs than potatoes and is more nutrient-dense. That's why it's popular among the low carb and weight loss communities.

What is the best way to eat cauliflower? ›

Cauliflower tossed with fennel and white beans for a tangy, delicious winter salad.
  1. In a crunchy salad or slaw – Like its green cousin the cabbage, cauliflower makes a fabulous salad. ...
  2. Roasted until crispy – Whether it's plain or with toasty spice, roasted cauliflower is one of the best ways to enjoy this vegetable.
Jun 9, 2019

Will cauliflower make baby gassy? ›

Occasionally, babies are sensitive to certain foods that their moms have eaten. If you find your baby reacting to something in your diet, cow's milk products, soy, wheat, corn, eggs and peanuts are often the culprits. Brassica veggies (such as cauliflower, broccoli or brussels sprouts) can sometimes give your baby gas.

Can dogs eat cauliflower? ›

Yes, dogs can eat cauliflower in moderation, either raw or cooked. Cauliflower is a source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C for dogs. Some dogs may dislike the slightly bitter taste of cauliflower. Avoid cauliflower with seasonings or oils, as they can cause upset stomach.

Is Caulilini baby cauliflower? ›

CAULILINI® baby cauliflower is an Asian-style variety rarely seen in the United States – until now. With its long edible stems and blonde, open florets it could be one of the most striking members of the brassica family.

Can you eat flowering cauliflower? ›

Flowering cauliflower is sweet, tender, and (in my opinion) tastier than traditional cauliflower. You can enjoy the entire plant from the stems to the florets, so there is no waste with this dish. There are many ways to enjoy flowering cauliflower, one of which is a quick 20 minute oven roast.

Does baby bok choy need to be cooked? ›

Baby Bok Choy can be eaten raw or cook very lightly, stirring into finished dishes to help preserve the vitamins. Stirfry quickly – Whole or cut in half lengthwise – according to your recipe. You want to keep al dente texture.

Does cauliflower soak up liquid? ›

Cauliflower absorbs water like crazy, and the "granules" will become gummy. To keep it fluffy, just let the moisture in the cauliflower do its work.

How do you keep cauliflower from getting mushy? ›

The key to nonmushy cauliflower lies in how you cut it: Break apart the large head into smaller florets. Now take your knife, and starting at the stem end of the floret, slice about halfway down and snap apart.

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

Helps retain color: Cauliflower can sometimes turn brown or lose its vibrant white color when cooked. However, the acid in lemon juice can help prevent discoloration and maintain the cauliflower's white appearance.

References

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