Enjoy our Crispy Smashed Cauliflower recipe, where tender cauliflower florets are smashed to achieve a delightful crispy texture and roasted to perfection, and finally served with a refreshing cilantro lime dressing for a burst of flavor. A perfect low-carb gluten-free side dish or snack for any occasion.
If you enjoy pairing a vegetable side dish with every meal. Here are some other side dish recipes that complement a wide range of meals:
Jump To:
- Why you'll love this crispy smashed cauliflower recipe
- Main ingredients used
- Steps by step instructions
- How to make crispy smashed cauliflower
- Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Cauliflower
- Top Tip
- Recipe variations
- Storage
- Frequently asked questions
- Low carb dinner recipes to serve with the smashed cauliflower
- Recipe Card
Why you'll love this crispy smashed cauliflower recipe
- Irresistible Flavor Fusion: Delight in the harmonious blend of roasted cauliflower and zesty cilantro lime dressing, creating a symphony of flavors.
- Fresh and Vibrant: Experience the burst of freshness from the cilantro lime dressing, adding a lively kick to your meal.
- Health-Conscious Choice: Embrace a nutritious option with this low-carb gluten free recipe, perfect for those seeking a wholesome dish.
- Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe streamlines your cooking process, making mealtime hassle-free.
- Adaptable and Versatile: Whether served as a side or a standalone dish, this recipe effortlessly complements any meal, offering flexibility and convenience.
Main ingredients used
Here are the main ingredients needed to make this delicious crispy smashed cauliflower recipe:
- Cauliflower florets: Cauliflower serves as the base of this dish, offering a neutral canvas for flavors and textures to shine. When roasted, it develops a tender yet slightly crispy exterior, adding depth to each bite.
- Olive oil: Used to coat the cauliflower before roasting, olive oil helps to enhance the flavor and promote even browning. It also contributes to the overall richness of the dish.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro lends a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dressing, balancing the richness of the cauliflower and adding a pop of color.
- Garlic: Garlic brings a savory depth to the cilantro lime dressing, infusing it with aromatic complexity and enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Lime juice: The acidity of lime juice brightens the dressing, imparting a tangy and refreshing quality that complements the earthiness of the cauliflower. It adds a vibrant citrus note to the dish, elevating its overall appeal.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Steps by step instructions
How to make crispy smashed cauliflower
STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake for 15 minutes.
STEP 2: After 15 minutes, carefully flip the cauliflower pieces using a spatula. Gently press down on each piece with a fork or the bottom of a glass to smash them. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower reaches your desired level of crispiness.
STEP 3: While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the cilantro lime dressing by whisking the olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a small bowl.
STEP 4: Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a serving plate, brush with cilantro lime dressing, and garnish with additional cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime on the side. Serve with this Low Carb Coconut Lime Chicken recipe.
Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Cauliflower
Follow the same steps for seasoning the cauliflower, then transfer the florets to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through and smashing, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy your air-fried crispy smashed cauliflower with cilantro lime dressing! (make the cilantro lime dressing as above)
Top Tip
To achieve maximum crispiness in your smashed cauliflower, ensure that the florets are spread out evenly on the baking sheet before roasting. This allows for better air circulation and even browning, resulting in a deliciously crunchy texture.
Recipe variations
Here are some simple variations for smashed cauliflower:
- Spicy Smashed Cauliflower: Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Smashed Cauliflower: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese blend over the cauliflower during the last few minutes of baking or air frying.
- Mediterranean Smashed Cauliflower: Top the cauliflower with chopped olives, sundried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese after smashing for a Mediterranean twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Smashed Cauliflower: After smashing the cauliflower, sprinkle minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese over the florets. Return to the oven or air fryer until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Truffle Oil Smashed Cauliflower: Drizzle truffle oil over the smashed cauliflower before serving for a luxurious and aromatic touch.
These variations offer easy ways to customize your smashed cauliflower with different flavors and ingredients.
Storage
To store leftover smashed cauliflower, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat leftover smashed cauliflower, simply warm it in the oven, air fryer, microwave, or on the stovetop until heated through, then serve and enjoy!
Please Note: Reheating methods like the oven or air fryer may help to preserve some crispiness, but it's common for the cauliflower to soften slightly during reheating.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower for smashed cauliflower. Thaw the cauliflower completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning and baking or air frying.
Low carb dinner recipes to serve with the smashed cauliflower
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Recipe Card
Crispy Smashed Cauliflower with Cilantro Lime Dressing
RECIPE VIDEO
Ingredients
- 2 lb cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cilantro Lime Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 juice from a lime
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut cauliflower into pieces, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, then bake for 15 minutes.2 lb cauliflower florets, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- After 15 minutes, gently press down on cauliflower to smash, then return to oven for 10 more minutes.
- While cauliflower bakes, whisk together cilantro lime dressing ingredients.¼ cup olive oil, 1 cup chopped cilantro, 1 garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 juice from a lime
- Once cauliflower is done, transfer to a plate, brush with dressing, and garnish with cilantro and lime.
Notes
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Swathi says
Loved this cilantro lime dressing I tried with your crispy cauliflower so delicious.
Deb says
These look so good, I had to make them. I never knew you could make smashed cauliflower like smashed potatoes. So good.