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This Fiesta Ranch Roasted Cauliflower is going to spice up your life! (Or at the very least, spice up your dinner!)
This effortless roasted cauliflower with ranch is a deliciously healthy side dish. The roasting process brings a caramelized sweetness to the surface of this classic veggie, and the fiesta ranch flavor really shines.
If your family is as busy as ours, you know that the weeknight dinner rush is a never-ending battle.
What are we having tonight? Do we have any of the ingredients to make something that sounds good, and something the kids will eat? If I was half as organized in my dinner planning as I am in my pantry, it would be a stress-free dinner every night.
That’s one of the reasons I love making my own seasoning blends. Check out my classic homemade ranch seasoning, and this incredible fiesta ranch, too!
However, the truth is often the opposite. In our rush to put something delicious, quick and healthy on the dinner table, we don’t have time to think too much.
I need side dishes that are so fast, so effortless and so tasty that I can whip them together and feed hungry kids in no time! Enter this Fiesta Ranch Baked Cauliflower. You won’t believe the simplicity of this delicious, healthy side dish.
Adding a little kick with the fiesta seasoning make it fun to serve alongside any Mexican-inspired main dishes as well. This makes a beautifully low-carb dinner when you pair it with my cilantro lime chicken.
Looking for a more traditional taste? You’ll want to check out my Easy Baked Cauliflower Recipe!
Why You’ll Love this Fiesta Ranch Roasted Cauliflower
- Simple Enough for Beginning Home Cooks
- Easily Customizable
- Vegan
- Low Calorie + Low Carb
- Perfect Healthy Side Dish or Appetizer
When you add the word ranch to any snack or dinner situation, you can count my kids (and myself!) in for the dipping.
The best part of this simple side dish is that the ranch seasoning coats the florets of the cauliflower beautifully. They caramelize with a rich, buttery flavor that is out of this world!
Something about the roasting process creates a little extra sweetness in the cauliflower that makes this side dish very kid-friendly. (Let’s be honest, it’s adult-friendly as well!)
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cauliflower – Cut into even pieces, stems and heads both.
- Olive Oil – We tend to have Extra Virgin Olive Oil on hand, but you can use any of your favorite oils for roasting.
- Ranch dressing – This recipe uses two types of ranch seasoning – a classic, traditional one and a secondary flavor. Fiesta Ranch is great, but see more options below. Find my favorite homemade ranch seasoning here and an incredible homemade fiesta ranch seasoning here!
- Fresh grated parmesan
Variations
- Fiesta ranch is great, but there are other wonderful options. Buffalo ranch, spicy, buttermilk, dill, and more!
- Try Cotija or Monterrey Jack cheese instead of parmesan for a more Tex Mex inspired flavor – see the best cheeses for tacos for inspiration.
How to Make this Ranch Roasted Cauliflower
- Preheat your oven as indicated.
- Cut your cauliflower into small florets.
- Place on baking sheet and toss with olive oil.
- Season with your preferred Ranch dressing packet. (I use 1 full tablespoon and 2 teaspoons, but feel free to adjust according to your preferences!)
- Roast as directed, tossing halfway through.
- When the florets begin to show a golden brown edge and become soft, remove from oven.
- Top with fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Roasted Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
This is another excellent (and fast) way to make roasted cauliflower.
- Follow steps 1-3 as directed, thoroughly coating your cauliflower with olive oil and herbs.
- Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, roasting for 15-20 minutes total.
- Toss halfway to ensure even browning.
Tips
- Need help with conversions? Check out my Essential Measurement Conversion Chart or use the slider in the recipe card.
- The girls tend to prefer their cauliflower bites to be a little softer, so I use parchment paper sheets to line my baking pan. If you want a crispier finish, turn up your heat and use aluminum foil instead!
- Keep your cauliflower pieces fairly uniform.
- Yes, you can use stems! They soften beautifully while roasting.
- The smaller the pieces, the quicker it cooks!
- Adjust your seasoning to personal preference. Strong ranch flavor? Feel free to use more.
- Turn the oven up to broil for the last two minutes if you’d like a little extra browning and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my roasted cauliflower tough?
Often, this is a result of undercooking it. Ensure that you’re allowing enough time and using a high enough temperature for roasting the florets all the way through.
Why does my roasted cauliflower get mushy?
This is often caused by overcrowding your sheet pan, which doesn’t leave enough space to allow the edges of each floret to crisp. For extra crispy cauliflower, turn up the heat a little and use aluminum foil to line your pan.
Serving Suggestions
This fiesta-flavored baked cauliflower is also delicious as a simple appetizer or snack! You’ll be surprised at how quickly this goes at parties.
I always find that my guests appreciate having a variety of options. You never know when someone will have started a lower-carb diet or need some healthier options.
- Serving it for a party? Use a variety of dips for a fun element of flavor. Serve with buffalo sauce, bbq sauce or hot sauce for a little extra kick!
- Serve alongside my favorite baked chicken for a low carb, high protein dinner.
- This is an excellent healthy steak side dish as well.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
- Vegan
How to Store
- Room Temperature – Your roasted cauliflower can sit out at room temperature for up to 2-3 hours while serving.
- Refrigerator – Refrigerate your roasted cauliflower in airtight containers, or tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. Cooked cauliflower will last 3-5 days once refrigerated appropriately.
- Freezer – Yes, you can freeze this vegetable side dish. Wrap tightly in an airtight container or plastic wrap, and store for up to three months.
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Did you make this? Rate the recipe and tag me on social @julieblanner!
Fiesta Ranch Baked Cauliflower (Ranch Roasted Cauliflower)
This Fiesta Ranch Baked Cauliflower is going to spice up your life! (Or at the very least, spice up your dinner!) This effortless Roasted Ranch Cauliflower is a deliciously healthy side dish.
Yield
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower chopped evenly
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon Fiesta Ranch dressing packet Any flavor option works- try buffalo, spicy, buttermilk, dill etc.
- 2 teaspoon Ranch dressing packet
- 2 tablespoon fresh grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut your cauliflower into small florets. Keep the size as uniform as possible to ensure even baking.
- Place on baking sheet (lined in foil or parchment for easy clean-up) and toss with olive oil.
- Season with your preferred Ranch dressing packet. (I use 1 full tablespoon and 2 teaspoons, but feel free to adjust according to your preferences!)
- Roast for 25-35 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- When the florets begin to show a golden brown edge and become soft, remove from oven.
- Top with fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Tips
Roasted Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
- Follow steps 1-3 as directed, thoroughly coating your cauliflower with olive oil and herbs.
- Set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, roasting for 15-20 minutes total.
- Toss halfway to ensure even browning.
Tips
- The girls tend to prefer their cauliflower bites to be a little softer, so I use parchment paper sheets to line my baking pan. If you want a crispier finish, turn up your heat and use aluminum foil instead!
- Keep your cauliflower pieces fairly uniform.
- Yes, you can use stems! They soften beautifully while roasting.
- The smaller the pieces, the quicker it cooks!
- Adjust your seasoning to personal preference. Strong ranch flavor? Feel free to use more.
- Turn the oven up to broil for the last two minutes if you’d like a little extra browning and crunch.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 123kcal (6%), Carbohydrates: 7g (2%), Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 10g (15%), Saturated Fat: 2g (10%), Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 393mg (16%), Potassium: 287mg (8%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 13IU, Vitamin C: 46mg (56%), Calcium: 41mg (4%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Natasha says
A little spicy never hurt nobody! Can’t wait to try this delicious looking cauliflower!!
Sommer says
I’m not a big cauliflower fan but I loved this!
Chelsea says
Seriously the BEST way to eat cauliflower!! Thanks for sharing!!
Toni says
This was really amazing! Can’t wait to make it again!
Sarah Skaggs says
I am always looking for good veggie recipes! Thank you!