Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower with Herb Labneh

Are you ready for the BEST oven-roasted cauliflower? This roasted cauliflower with za’atar and turmeric is caramelized to perfection. Add the herbed labneh and you have a side dish that’s bursting with flavor!

The Inspiration

I will say it again. This is the BEST oven-roasted cauliflower! I love cauliflower because it’s pretty much a blank canvas with endless possibilities. A few months ago I decided to sprinkle my new favorite spice, za’atar, on it and my mind was absolutely blown! I can literally eat good roasted cauliflower with just a little salt and pepper but when I hit it with that za’atar, BAYBEEE…I was transported and it’s been in heavy rotation. You may think you like cauliflower, but prepare yourself to love it. 

The Best Seasoning For Cauliflower

Like I mentioned above, cauliflower is a blank canvas and an awesome vehicle for SO MANY SPICES like parmesan, garlic powder, lemon, salt, pepper, curry, turmeric, paprika, salt, pepper, and more!

What Is Za’atar?

For this recipe, however, our spices of choice are za’atar and turmeric. While you may have heard of turmeric, you may be wondering, “Stef, what is za’atar?”

Za’atar is a dynamic Middle Eastern spice blend that’s flavorful, fragrant, and absolutely versatile.  While blends vary from region to region and household to household, herb combinations generally include oregano, thyme, marjoram sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. 

Once you taste it, you’ll want to sprinkle that ish on everything! TRUST!

How to Cut Cauliflower

To cut the cauliflower:

1. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice cauliflower in half from the top of the crown through the stem.
2. Quarter the cauliflower into 4 pieces, slicing vertically.
3. Slice the core off of each piece, leaving just the florets.
4. Break the large florets off the core with your fingers.
5. Use a knife to slice the large pieces into smaller florets, roughly the same size.

How to Roast Cauliflower?

When roasting cauliflower in the oven, HIGH heat is your friend. It’s your friend because you want all those little florets to get that pretty brown, brown caramelized color. I even like it when it gets a little charred but you don’t have to go that far. For this recipe, we’re going for 425°F if you go to the 300s your baking and you won’t get the caramelized crispy results you deserve. Ummmkay! 

How to Make Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower

1. Preheat the oven to 425˚F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up. I find that foil helps the florets get more caramelized. 
2. Slice the cauliflower into florets.
3. Add the cauliflower to the center of your baking sheet, drizzle with oil, butter, za’atar, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Spread into a single layer.
4. Bake cauliflower for 35-45 minutes, or until desired tenderness and golden and caramelized. The baking time may vary depending on the size of your pieces.

A Few Tips

1. Dry cauliflower: After you’ve rinsed your cauliflower florets with water, lay them on a paper towel or kitchen towel or put them in a salad spinner to dry. The dryer they are the crispier and more caramelized they will get as they roast.
2. Pile it up! To cut down on dishes—because who really wants to do a lot of dirty dishes—pile the florets in the middle of your sheet pan, drizzle the cauliflower with olive oil and butter and add all your seasonings, then toss. I like to use my hands to get everything coated but you can also use a spoon or spatula.
3. One layer: To ensure that your cauliflower cook evenly, spread them in a single layer so they are not touching. This helps them roast and not steam.
4. Roast how you like it:  Roast your cauliflower for at least 30 minutes and you can go up to 45 minutes. The main thing you want is for your cauliflower to be tender, caramelized, and have some crispy bits. I like for mine to also get a little charred so I opt for a longer roast.
5. To flip or not to flip? Flipping your cauliflower halfway through cooking, which promotes even cooking, is optional. If you’re like me and like one side to get extra crispy, skip this step.

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife

More Side Dish Recipes

If you loved this roasted cauliflower, be sure to try these other easy side dish recipes:

• Roasted Carrots with Harissa Maple Glaze
• Miso Butter Sweet Potatoes
• Creamy Mashed Rutabaga & Potatoes

Your New Fave Side Dish

If you thought you loved roasted cauliflower before, this recipe is going to take that love to the next level! If you make it, let me know how it goes! Share a photo and tag me on Instagram using @savorandsage and #savorandsage so I can see what you’re working with! Eat well, friend!

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