If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner table with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, look no further. This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe is an absolute gem that combines tender roasted cauliflower, sweet blistered tomatoes, and tangy, creamy goat cheese into a warm, cheesy bake. It’s the perfect vegetarian dish that’s both satisfying and light, making it ideal as a side or even a main. Plus, the fresh herbs and subtle spice elevate it into something truly special. You’re going to love how easy it is to make this crowd-pleaser and how it brings a Mediterranean charm to your table any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step toward creating this delightful casserole. Each component plays a key role—cauliflower provides a hearty bite, tomatoes offer juicy sweetness, and goat cheese adds that creamy tang that ties it all together beautifully.
- Cauliflower (1 large head): Cut into florets for perfect roasting and a satisfying texture.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint): Halved to roast evenly and bring a naturally sweet, slightly tart flavor.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps everything roast to golden perfection and adds richness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, savory depth without overpowering.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle Mediterranean aroma and earthiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and balances the dish.
- Goat cheese (4 oz, crumbled): Creamy and tangy, it melts beautifully on top.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a nutty, umami kick and golden crust.
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): For a fresh, herbal finish that brightens the casserole.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A touch of heat to contrast the creaminess.
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the cauliflower florets and halved cherry tomatoes on a large baking sheet—this simple step ensures even roasting. Drizzle everything with olive oil and then sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss well so every piece gets coated, then spread into a single layer to roast evenly.
Step 2: Roasting to Perfection
Roast the vegetables for about 25 to 30 minutes. Remember to stir them once halfway through cooking to achieve an even golden color and tender texture. The cauliflower should look lightly browned and the tomatoes slightly blistered, releasing their sweetness and juices.
Step 3: Assembling the Casserole
Once your veggies are perfectly roasted, transfer them to a lightly greased 9 by 9-inch baking dish. Now comes the magical touch—sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and grated Parmesan evenly on top. These cheeses will melt into a luscious, bubbly topping that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 4: Final Bake and Garnish
Bake the casserole for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a slightly golden crust. Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of fresh brightness and a hint of spice. Serve it warm and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes not only make the dish look inviting but also add refreshing herbal notes and just the right spicy kick. A drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving can also add a glossy finish and silky depth.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad for freshness or a hearty whole grain like quinoa or farro to round out the meal. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted chicken or fish if you want to add protein without overpowering the casserole’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the casserole straight from a rustic ceramic baking dish, letting guests help themselves. Alternatively, plate individual portions garnished with a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a lovely crunch and added color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this casserole longer, you can freeze it. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge to retain that perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the roasted edges and cheese nicely crisp and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! Feta cheese makes a great substitute for goat cheese with a similar tangy flavor. You could also experiment with ricotta for a milder, creamier texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Definitely! Stirring in cooked lentils or shredded rotisserie chicken before the final bake adds protein and turns this casserole into a more substantial main dish.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil is not available, you can substitute with dried basil but add it earlier in the cooking process. Fresh herbs on top give a nicer burst of flavor and color, though.
How do I make this casserole spicy?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes during the final garnish will give you a mild kick. For more heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper when seasoning the vegetables before roasting.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe is hands down a favorite to warm up any meal with vibrant flavors and irresistible textures. Easy to prepare and stunning in taste, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—whether for casual dinners or special gatherings. Give it a try, and watch how this simple medley turns into a crowd-pleaser that everyone asks for seconds of!
Print
Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian side dish that combines tender roasted cauliflower and blistered cherry tomatoes with creamy goat cheese and Parmesan. Perfectly seasoned and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a simple yet elegant recipe ideal for a light main course or a delicious accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasoning & Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is fully heated before roasting.
- Prepare the vegetables: Place cauliflower florets and halved cherry tomatoes on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle over the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat the vegetables evenly with the oil and seasonings, then spread out into a single layer.
- Roast vegetables: Roast for 25 to 30 minutes in the oven, stirring once halfway through cooking. The cauliflower should be golden and tender, and the tomatoes slightly blistered when done.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a lightly greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
- This casserole is terrific as a vegetarian side or a light main dish.
- For extra protein, add cooked lentils or shredded rotisserie chicken before the final baking step.
- Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for goat cheese if preferred.
