Roasted Garlic Herb Cauliflower

Featured in: Holiday Favorites

This vibrant cauliflower wreath is roasted to tender perfection with olive oil, garlic, fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary. The cauliflower florets are arranged in a circular shape, creating a beautiful centerpiece ideal for special occasions. A hint of lemon zest brightens the flavors, while optional garnishes like pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts add texture and color. Simple to prepare and full of savory herbal notes, it is a delightful side dish suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Updated on Sun, 16 Nov 2025 11:56:00 GMT
Golden roasted garlic and herb cauliflower wreath, ready to serve with vibrant pomegranate and herbs. Save to Pinterest
Golden roasted garlic and herb cauliflower wreath, ready to serve with vibrant pomegranate and herbs. | krispyrecipes.com

A stunning festive centerpiece featuring tender roasted cauliflower flavored with garlic and fresh herbs shaped into a beautiful wreath. Perfect for holiday tables or special occasions.

I made this wreath last winter for my family's holiday dinner and everyone was amazed by both the taste and the presentation. It's become our go-to showstopper for special occasions ever since.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 2 medium heads cut into large florets
  • Olive oil: 4 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 5 cloves minced
  • Parsley: 2 tablespoons finely chopped
  • Thyme leaves: 1 tablespoon fresh
  • Rosemary: 1 tablespoon finely chopped
  • Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Pomegranate seeds (optional): 2 tablespoons
  • Pine nuts toasted (optional): 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh herb sprigs (optional): rosemary parsley

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Marinade:
In a large bowl whisk together olive oil minced garlic parsley thyme rosemary lemon zest salt and pepper.
Coat Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the marinade.
Shape Wreath:
Arrange the cauliflower florets in a ring shape on the prepared baking sheet ensuring the pieces are tightly packed to form a continuous circle.
Roast:
Roast in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender turning once halfway through for even roasting.
Serve:
Carefully transfer the roasted cauliflower wreath to a serving platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds toasted pine nuts and fresh herb sprigs if desired. Serve warm.
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| krispyrecipes.com

My kids love helping arrange the cauliflower into a wreath & it's become one of our favorite holiday cooking memories together.

Required Tools

You'll need a large mixing bowl whisk baking sheet parchment paper and a sharp knife to prepare this recipe with ease.

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts if you use pine nuts. Dairy-free and gluten-free as written but double-check all ingredients as needed.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 135 calories 8 g total fat 14 g carbohydrates and 4 g protein.

Tender roasted garlic and herb cauliflower wreath arranged on a platter, perfect for a festive side dish. Save to Pinterest
Tender roasted garlic and herb cauliflower wreath arranged on a platter, perfect for a festive side dish. | krispyrecipes.com

This cauliflower wreath is always a hit and looks beautiful on any celebration table. Enjoy serving a dish that's as festive as it is delicious.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I achieve tender yet crispy roasted cauliflower?

Roast cauliflower at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet, turning once halfway through to ensure even crisping and tenderness.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, combining olive oil with garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in advance helps deepen flavors when coated onto the cauliflower before roasting.

What garnishes complement this cauliflower wreath?

Fresh herb sprigs, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pine nuts add visual appeal and contrasting textures to the roasted cauliflower wreath.

Is this suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. The dish is naturally gluten-free and vegan as is. Adding cheese would alter this, so omit for those diets.

How can I serve this dish for larger gatherings?

Simply double the ingredients and form two smaller wreaths to roast separately, ensuring even cooking for bigger groups.

Roasted Garlic Herb Cauliflower

Festive roasted cauliflower florets infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon zest.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Holiday Favorites

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Modern European

Total Portions 6 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Cauliflower

01 2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into large florets

Garlic & Herb Marinade

01 4 tablespoons olive oil
02 5 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
05 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
06 1 teaspoon lemon zest
07 1 teaspoon salt
08 ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (optional)

01 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
02 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
03 Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, parsley)

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare garlic and herb marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.

Step 03

Coat cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets to the marinade and toss until evenly coated.

Step 04

Form wreath shape: Arrange the coated florets tightly in a ring shape on the prepared baking sheet to form a continuous wreath.

Step 05

Roast cauliflower: Roast in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, turning once halfway, until florets are golden brown and tender.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Transfer the wreath carefully to a serving platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herb sprigs as desired. Serve warm.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (pine nuts, optional). Dairy-free as prepared. Gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 135
  • Total Fat: 8 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14 grams
  • Protein Content: 4 grams