Introduction

When it comes to low-carb, keto-friendly, and flavorful side dishes, Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower stands out as a crowd-pleaser. This dish combines the rich, savory taste of cheddar cheese with the creamy, zesty notes of ranch seasoning, all on perfectly roasted cauliflower florets. The result is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish that is a perfect addition to your keto meals, meal prepping, or as a satisfying snack.

Not only does this roasted cauliflower make a tasty alternative to traditional carb-heavy side dishes, but it’s also incredibly versatile, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Whether you are looking for a delicious snack, a low-carb side dish, or a great accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood, this recipe is a winner. It’s also a great option for those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program, as it’s light on SmartPoints but big on flavor.

In this article, we’ll take you through the detailed recipe, step-by-step instructions, ingredient measurements, nutritional breakdown, and how to calculate SmartPoints on the WW program. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower, you’ll need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and cheesy cauliflower side dish that’s low-carb and keto-friendly.

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower (about 6 cups of florets, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for higher heat)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (use full-fat cheese for a richer flavor)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (adds a nice salty kick)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (you can use store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a slight smokiness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • 1-2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for serving, if desired)

For Homemade Ranch Seasoning (Optional):

If you prefer to make your ranch seasoning at home instead of using a pre-made packet, you can combine the following ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dried dill
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all of these ingredients together, and you’ll have a flavorful ranch seasoning to use in this recipe.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roasting at a high temperature will help the cauliflower get a crispy, golden brown texture while keeping it tender on the inside. While the oven is heating, remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower head and cut it into bite-sized florets. The size of the florets will determine how quickly they roast, so try to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Cauliflower

Once the cauliflower is cut into florets, transfer it to a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower and toss it gently to coat the florets evenly. This will help the spices and seasonings adhere to the cauliflower while it roasts.

Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over the cauliflower. Toss the florets again to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings. If you like extra flavor, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the ranch seasoning and cheese will also add salt.

Step 3: Roast the Cauliflower

Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Make sure the florets are not overcrowded on the baking sheet; you want them to roast evenly and get crispy on all sides. Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the florets are golden brown on the edges and tender when pierced with a fork. For extra crispiness, flip the cauliflower halfway through roasting.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the cauliflower is roasted and crispy, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese over the top. Place the baking sheet back in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and a burst of freshness. For an extra creamy touch, you can serve the roasted cauliflower with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Serve the Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower as a side dish with your favorite main course or enjoy it as a snack. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or even as part of a low-carb salad. This dish is a sure winner for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

This Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower recipe serves 6, with each serving packed with flavor, fiber, and healthy fats. Here’s the breakdown of the nutritional information:

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 5g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Potassium: 370mg
  • Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 75% of the DV
  • Calcium: 15% of the DV
  • Iron: 4% of the DV

SmartPoints (WW Freestyle)

For those following the WW (Weight Watchers) program, this Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower is a low SmartPoint option. The recipe is flavorful, satisfying, and low on points, making it a great addition to any meal plan. The SmartPoints for this recipe are:

  • Green: 4 SmartPoints per serving
  • Blue: 3 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple: 2 SmartPoints per serving

These points may vary based on the specific ingredients you use (for example, full-fat vs. reduced-fat cheese). If you want to lower the points further, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter ranch seasoning mix.

Why This Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower is Perfect for Your Diet

  1. Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly, and WW SmartPoints-Friendly
    This roasted cauliflower is the ideal side dish for those on a low-carb, keto, or WW program. At just 5g of net carbs per serving, it’s a great way to enjoy a comforting and cheesy dish without derailing your diet. Plus, it’s a healthy way to enjoy cauliflower, a vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  2. Packed with Flavor
    The combination of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that makes cauliflower taste incredible. The ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herby depth to the dish, while the cheese brings a creamy, rich element that keeps you coming back for more.
  3. Simple to Prepare and Cook
    This recipe is so easy to prepare and requires just a few simple ingredients. The cauliflower is roasted in the oven, which hands you the freedom to focus on preparing the rest of your meal. You can even make it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave for an easy, quick side dish.
  4. Customizable to Your Taste
    The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste—use more or less ranch seasoning, add extra garlic or onion powder, or switch up the type of cheese. If you want a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different herbs for garnish, like chives or thyme.
  5. Great for Meal Prep
    Roasted cauliflower holds up well for meal prepping. Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes it easy to add a healthy side to your lunch or dinner during the week without spending too much time cooking.

Conclusion

Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower is the ultimate low-carb, keto-friendly, and WW SmartPoints-friendly side dish that combines savory, cheesy goodness with the bright flavors of ranch seasoning. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with flavor. Serve it alongside grilled meats, toss it in a salad, or enjoy it as a snack on its own.

With its low-carb profile, high fiber content, and delicious taste, Cheddar Ranch Roasted Cauliflower is not only a great addition to your meal plans but also a recipe your whole family will love. Give it a try today, and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to side dishes!