Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Butter Sauce Recipe

### Instructions:

**Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower, keeping the head intact. Rinse it under cold water to remove any dirt, and pat it dry with a paper towel.
– Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

**Step 2: Season the cauliflower**
– Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a brush to coat the cauliflower evenly with the oil and seasonings.
– If you’d like a bit of extra brightness, drizzle some lemon juice over the cauliflower for a subtle citrus flavor.

**Step 3: Roast the cauliflower**
– Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork. If you’d like a more golden, crispy exterior, you can broil it for an additional 5 minutes at the end.
– Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

**Step 4: Make the butter sauce**
– While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
– Stir in the lemon zest, fresh thyme (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. For added richness, you can stir in some grated Parmesan cheese at this point.
– Remove the sauce from heat.

**Step 5: Serve the roasted cauliflower**
– Once the cauliflower is roasted and golden, drizzle the butter sauce generously over the top.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
– Serve the whole roasted cauliflower as a side dish or a vegetarian main course.

### Tips for Success:
– **Choose the right cauliflower:** Make sure you select a cauliflower with tight, white florets and no brown spots. A medium head works best for even roasting.
– **Don’t overcook:** Keep an eye on the cauliflower as it roasts. Overcooking can cause it to become too mushy.
– **Customize the butter sauce:** Feel free to add your own twist to the butter sauce by incorporating other herbs like rosemary or oregano, or adding a little heat with red pepper flakes.

### Serving Suggestions:
This Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Butter Sauce pairs perfectly with a wide variety of dishes. Serve it alongside roasted meats like chicken or beef, or pair it with a simple grain salad for a satisfying vegetarian meal. It’s also a great accompaniment to mashed potatoes or a grain-based side like quinoa.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
– **Simple yet elegant:** It looks stunning when served whole at the table, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
– **Flavor-packed:** The combination of roasted cauliflower and buttery sauce creates a deliciously rich and satisfying dish.
– **Customizable:** You can tweak the seasoning and sauce to suit your personal tastes, making it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to cook cauliflower, this Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Butter Sauce is the answer. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress!