Spiced Cauliflower with Roasted Grapes – Looking for a delicious vegetable side dish. With a touch of sweetness and warmth? This Spiced Cauliflower with Roasted Grapes Recipe. Is the perfect blend of savory, spiced cauliflower and sweet, roasted grapes. Topped with balsamic vinegar. And a hint of thyme. It’s a quick and easy recipe. That is full of flavor. Making it a perfect side dish. For any occasion.
I remember the first time I made this recipe It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. My husband and I had invited some friends. Over for dinner. And I wanted to impress them. With a unique side dish. That was easy. But looked sophisticated. I found some cauliflower in the fridge. And a bunch of grapes. That was on the verge of over-ripening. And this dish was born. My husband was a bit skeptical at first—grapes with cauliflower? But once he took that first bite. He was hooked. Now, it’s one of our favorite go-to side dishes. And even the kids. Can’t get enough of it!
What makes this Spiced Cauliflower with Roasted Grapes truly special?
This recipe combines the hearty, earthy flavors of roasted cauliflower. With the surprising burst of sweetness. From roasted grapes. The subtle spices—paprika, cinnamon, and fennel—give the dish warmth. And depth. While the balsamic vinegar. Adds just the right amount of tang. What makes this recipe special? Is its balance of flavors. And textures: soft, slightly charred cauliflower, juicy grapes. And a finish of fresh herbs. That makes every bite irresistible. It’s a perfect side dish. For family dinners. Or holiday gatherings. When you want something simple yet impressive.
What You Need To Make This Spiced Cauliflower with Roasted Grapes Recipe?
Cauliflower: This is the heart of the dish. Make sure to cut the florets evenly. For consistent roasting and char.
Garlic and Red Onion: These aromatics. Add depth to the flavor. Roasting them alongside the cauliflower. Gives the dish a subtle sweetness.
Ground Fennel Seeds, Paprika, Cinnamon: The spices are where the magic happens. Fennel seeds add a slight licorice note. While the paprika and cinnamon provide warmth.
Red Grapes: Roasting the grapes. Brings out their natural sweetness. They become soft and juicy. The perfect contrast. To the crispy cauliflower.
Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil: The balsamic adds a slight tang. And complexity. While the olive oil. Ensures everything roasts beautifully.
Fresh Thyme: Adds a herby, fragrant finish. To balance the sweet. And savory elements.
Steps To Make Spiced Cauliflower with Roasted Grapes:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F. And get two half-sheet trays ready.
Step 2: In a small bowl. Or using a spice grinder. Mix together the ground fennel seeds, paprika, and cinnamon.
Step 3: In a large bowl. Toss the cauliflower florets. With olive oil, garlic cloves, onion slices. And the prepared spice mixture. Season with salt. And pepper.
Step 4: Spread the cauliflower mixture evenly. On one of the sheet trays. Roast in the oven. For 18-22 minutes. Or until the cauliflower. Gets a nice char. Around the edges.
Step 5: While the cauliflower roasts. Reduce the oven heat to 400°F. In another bowl. Toss the grapes. With thyme, balsamic vinegar, olive oil. Salt, and pepper. Spread the grapes. On the second sheet tray.
Step 6: Roast the grapes. For about 15-18 minutes. Or until they become soft. But still hold their shape.
Step 7: Once both the cauliflower and grapes are done. Toss them together. In a large bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil. And finish. With some freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm. And enjoy!
Tip:
For the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Be sure to roast the cauliflower. And grapes separately. This allows the cauliflower. To get beautifully crispy. While the grapes turn soft and juicy. To enhance the flavors. Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil. Over the roasted grapes before serving—it brings out. Their natural sweetness even more. Also, consider doubling the spice blend. To coat every floret. For maximum flavor! For added crunch. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can roast the cauliflower and grapes ahead of time. And then toss them together. Right before serving. Reheat them briefly. In the oven before serving. To keep them warm.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower is best for this recipe. Because it gives you the best texture. And flavor. Frozen cauliflower tends to become mushy when roasted.
What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Would make great substitutes. Both will add a nice tang. Without overpowering the dish.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Spiced Cauliflower with Roasted Grapes Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large head of white cauliflower trimmed
- 5 garlic cloves crushed
- 1/2 c thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 c olive oil with a little extra for drizzling
- 1 tbsp ground fennel seeds
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Grapes:
- 1 pound whole red grapes
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. And line two half-sheet baking trays.
- Grind the fennel seeds, cinnamon, and paprika. Using a spice grinder. Or mortar and pestle.
- In a large bowl. Toss the cauliflower, garlic, onion, olive oil. Spices, salt, and pepper. Until well-coated.
- Spread the cauliflower mixture. Onto one of the prepared trays. And roast for 18-22 minutes. Or until the edges. Start to char.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F. In a bowl. Toss the grapes. With olive oil, balsamic vinegar. Thyme, salt, and pepper. Then spread them. On the second baking sheet. Roast for 15-18 minutes. Until soft. But still holding their shape. Let them cool slightly.
- Combine the roasted cauliflower. And grapes. Then finish. With a drizzle of olive oil. And a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
