1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Season the Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on one of the prepared baking sheets.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and lightly golden around the edges.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Potatoes:
- Cook the Potatoes: While the cauliflower is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the halved or quartered potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sauté the Potatoes: Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with thyme (or rosemary), and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside.
4. Add Cheese to the Cauliflower:
- Cheesy Cauliflower: After the cauliflower has roasted, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese evenly over the florets. Return the cauliflower to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve the Dish:
- Assemble: Transfer the cheesy cauliflower and garlic butter potatoes to a serving dish or plate them together.
- Optional Toppings: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Cauliflower and Potatoes:
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor for the butter sauce. Avoid using garlic powder as it won’t deliver the same depth of flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Try mixing in different cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.
- Crispy Potatoes: For extra crispy potatoes, after boiling, let them dry out on a paper towel before adding to the garlic butter for sautéing.
Variations:
- Add Bacon: For a heartier version, toss in crispy bacon bits with the cheesy cauliflower for added texture and flavor.
- Herbed Potatoes: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill with the garlic butter potatoes to add a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Low-Carb Version: For a completely low-carb dish, replace the potatoes with more cauliflower or add another low-carb vegetable like zucchini.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Protein: Serve this dish as a side with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon.
- As a Vegetarian Main: Pair with a fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables for a complete vegetarian meal.
- With Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread on the side helps soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
Conclusion
This Easy and Cheesy Cauliflower with Garlic Butter Potatoes is a comforting, savory dish that’s packed with flavor. The roasted cauliflower smothered in melted cheese and the crispy, garlicky potatoes make for a perfect side or even a main dish. Whether for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!