Looking for a bold and flavorful twist on your roasted cauliflower? This harissa roasted cauliflower brings the perfect balance of heat and spices, transforming a simple side dish into a standout centerpiece for any meal.
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You are going to love this spicy roasted cauliflower side dish! It's such a quick and easy side dish that packs so much flavor. Since it's oven roasted, it comes out with perfectly crispy edges without being dried out. It pairs well with so many main dishes like blackened salmon, citrus honey halibut, or bison sloppy joes.
This is one of those side dishes that I became obsessed with when we started to really focus on real ingredient meals. I was certain that my husband wasn't going to like it, but it turns out he loved it! So now it's become a go-to side dish in our house.
What makes this recipe unique?
This roasted cauliflower stands out because it is coated in bold, smoky harissa paste instead of just dry spices, giving every bite deep flavor and heat. Roasting it at a high temperature creates crispy golden edges while keeping the inside tender and slightly sweet. It is an easy, wholesome side dish that is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
What is harissa?
Harissa is a chili, garlicky, smoky sauce or paste that originated in Tunisia. It's a staple in Middle Eastern and North African cooking. It is usually made from chilis, garlic, oil, spices like cumin, coriander, and lemon juice or vinegar.
How spicy is harissa?
Harissa can range from mild to pretty spicy, depending on the brand you use. If you are sensitive to heat, go with a mild harissa paste like Mina and start with a smaller amount. You can always add more after roasting if you want an extra kick.
Can I make harissa roasted cauliflower in the air fryer?
Yes, this works great in the air fryer! Toss the cauliflower with oil, harissa, salt, and pepper, then air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the edges are crispy and golden.
Step by step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the cauliflower to a parchment or foil lined sheet pan. Drizzle the tops with avocado oil or olive oil, spoon the harissa evenly over the cauliflower, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Using your hands or tongs, mix the cauliflower, making sure they all get coated in the sauce. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
Kaleena's Tips
- Spread the cauliflower out in a single layer on the pan so it roasts instead of steaming. Crowded pans lead to soggy cauliflower.
- If you love extra heat, add a little more harissa halfway through roasting and toss gently before putting it back in the oven. For a milder version, mix the harissa with a bit more oil before tossing it with the cauliflower. The Mina brand has both a spicy and a mild version.
- Cutting the cauliflower into similarly sized florets helps everything cook evenly.
Storing and reheating
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, the oven or air fryer works best to bring back some of the crispiness. Heat it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the cauliflower will be softer and less crispy.
This one is great for meal prep too! I love keeping a batch in the fridge to toss into quick lunches or cozy weeknight bowls.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a star rating or drop a comment below. Your feedback means so much to me! And if you snap a photo, tag me on Instagram at @kaleenas.kitchen so I can see your version!
Recipe
Crispy Harissa Roasted Cauliflower (Easy Oven Roasted Side Dish)
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- large sheet pan
Ingredients
- 2-3 bags of cauliflower pre cut, or 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets or steaks
- 3 tablespoons Harissa
- drizzle of avocado oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the cauliflower florets to a parchment or foil lined sheet pan.
- Drizzle the tops with avocado oil or olive oil, spoon the harissa evenly over the cauliflower, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Using your hands or tongs, mix the cauliflower making sure they all get coated in the sauce.
- Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
Notes
- Spread the cauliflower out in a single layer on the pan so it roasts instead of steaming. Crowded pans lead to soggy cauliflower.
- If you love extra heat, add a little more harissa halfway through roasting and toss gently before putting it back in the oven. For a milder version, mix the harissa with a bit more oil before tossing it with the cauliflower. The Mina brand has both a spicy and a mild version.
- Cutting the cauliflower into similarly sized florets helps everything cook evenly.
Nutrition
*nutrition information is an approximate
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Hi, I'm Kaleena!
Here you'll find wholesome comfort food made with real ingredients and big flavor. I share easy, approachable recipes designed for everyday life, from 30-minute dinners and simple side dishes to cozy soups and crowd-pleasing favorites.
Many of my recipes are naturally gluten free or easily adapted with simple swaps, but the focus is always on real food that tastes amazing and feels doable. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend at home, my goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen and enjoy cooking meals you're excited to make.
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