Garlic Butter & Caper Roasted Cauliflower
Today we are making a Garlic Butter & Caper Roasted Cauliflower! If you’re looking for a side dish that transforms the humble cauliflower into something extraordinary, Buttered Caper Garlic Cauliflower is your answer. This recipe brings together the rich, nutty flavors of roasted cauliflower with the savory, aromatic notes of garlic and the tangy brininess of capers. Tossed in creamy vegan butter and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, it’s a dish that marries sophistication with comfort, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the magic of roasting. As the cauliflower cooks, it caramelizes to a golden brown, enhancing its natural sweetness and developing a satisfying depth of flavor. The garlic and capers infuse each bite with a burst of savory goodness, while the vegan butter adds a smooth, luxurious texture that makes the cauliflower feel indulgent yet wholesome.
Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or just want to add a gourmet touch to your weeknight meals, this Buttered Caper Garlic Cauliflower is sure to impress. Its versatility makes it a great accompaniment to a wide range of main courses, and its easy preparation ensures you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter & Caper Cauliflower
Effortlessly Elegant: This dish is the epitome of effortless elegance. With minimal preparation and just a few simple ingredients, it transforms into a sophisticated side that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant. Its ease of preparation and impressive taste make it a perfect go-to for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Underrated Flavor Powerhouses: Capers often fly under the radar in the culinary world, but they pack a punch of flavor that can transform a dish. Their unique briny and tangy profile adds a depth of complexity that’s often missing in everyday recipes. In this Buttered Caper Garlic Cauliflower, capers elevate the dish with their distinct taste, proving that these little buds are a secret weapon for adding an extraordinary touch to your meals. Their versatility and bold flavor make them a hidden gem worth incorporating into more of your dishes.
Substitutions
Caulifower: Broccoli florets roast beautifully and will develop a similar caramelized, crispy texture. It’s a close match to cauliflower in both texture and flavor.
Capers: Capers are small, round flower buds. Before they bloom, the buds are harvested and then typically pickled in brine or vinegar, giving them their distinct salty, tangy, and slightly lemony flavor.
Capers are often used in Mediterranean, Italian, and Middle Eastern cooking to add a burst of briny flavor that balances rich, creamy, or savory dishes. They’re tiny but pack a big flavor punch, making them a fantastic ingredient for adding complexity to dishes. Do not substitute these! You can find them at most large grocery stores.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic, not pre-made, bottled paste for the best flavor.
Vegan Butter: Melt Organic makes a great brand of salted vegan butter sticks. Use a vegan butter substitute like this. Vegan margarine spread may also work.
Garlic Butter & Caper Cauliflower Recipe Notes
- For the best caramelization, make sure your cauliflower florets are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which can affect the texture and flavor. Aim for a single layer so the cauliflower turns golden and crispy on the edges.
- Adding fresh parsley, dill, or chives at the end really brightens the dish and enhances the flavors. If you’re missing fresh herbs, dried versions can be used, but reduce the amount by half as dried herbs tend to be more concentrated.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato
Sweet & Cheesy Vegan Thyme Cornbread
If you make this Garlic Butter & Caper Roasted Cauliflower, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Garlic Butter & Caper Roasted Cauliflower
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Pastry Brush
- Fine Hole Grater
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 3 tbsp vegan butter
- 3 tbsp capers drained (do not rinse with water)
- 6 medium cloves garlic finely grated into a paste-like consistency
- 1 tsp black pepper
- fresh lemon slices
- fresh parsley and cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Toss with 1 tbsp of melted butter, capers and black pepper.
- Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through.
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the cauliflower is roasted, remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Toss with garlic-butter stovetop mixture. Squeeze fresh lemon over it and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley and cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375 degrees F, for a few minutes, flipping the cauliflower over halfway through heating.
