If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and visually stunning dish to brighten up your dinner table, this Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the earthy sweetness of roasted cauliflower with a perfectly spiced tomato sauce and the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that create a dish bursting with warmth and personality, showcasing just how exciting vegetarian cooking can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and color to make a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delightful.
- Cauliflower: The star of the dish, roasted until beautifully caramelized for a tender yet slightly crisp bite.
- Olive oil: Divided to both roast the cauliflower and sauté the aromatics, lending a rich, fruity base note.
- Fine grain sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors while seasoning the vegetables perfectly.
- Ground pepper: Adds subtle warmth and seasoning depth without overpowering.
- Small onion: Finely chopped to melt into the sauce, providing sweetness and texture.
- Garlic clove: Minced for a fragrant pop that wakes up the sauce.
- Thyme: Fresh herbaceous notes that complement both the cauliflower and tomatoes.
- Canned diced tomatoes: The saucy heart of the casserole, simmered to meld with spices.
- Ground coriander: Offers a bright, citrusy undertone that elevates the tomato flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch adds an exciting kiss of heat to wake the palate.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a smidge brings warmth and complexity, surprising in the best way.
- Free-range organic eggs: Bind the casserole with richness and a silky texture.
- Goat cheese: Crumbled for creamy tang and a luscious finishing layer that melts beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright, fresh garnish that livens every bite.
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower Slices
Begin by preheating your oven to a high 450°F (230°C) and lining a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Slice the cauliflower into even ⅓-inch thick pieces—this ensures they roast uniformly. Toss them carefully in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Spread the slices out in a single layer and roast for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway so they achieve that gorgeous golden brown color and tender-crisp texture that really amps up the flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Depth
While the cauliflower roasts, warm the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt, letting it gently soften for 5 minutes. This slow cooking draws out natural sweetness. Next, stir in minced garlic and thyme; cook quickly for about 30 seconds until the scent fills your kitchen, releasing all their fragrant magic.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Now, to the skillet, add the canned diced tomatoes along with ground coriander, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let everything gently bubble together, cover the pan, and reduce to low heat. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15 minutes, giving the spices time to meld into the tomatoes, creating a rich and warmly aromatic base for the casserole.
Step 4: Combine and Bake the Casserole
Once the cauliflower is roasted and your sauce is beautifully fragrant, mix them together in a large bowl. Transfer this colorful mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and crumble in the goat cheese, stirring until creamy and combined. Pour this luxurious mixture over the cauliflower and tomato blend, then place the dish in the oven and bake at 450°F for 30 minutes or until the top develops a delicious golden-brown crust that promises rich, gooey goodness beneath.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
After baking, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step allows everything to settle, making serving easier and enhancing the flavors. Before sharing, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, herbal note and a pop of color that makes this dish as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic and refreshing choice, but you could also add toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra richness and texture. Incorporating a bit of lemon zest will add a sunny brightness that harmonizes beautifully with the creamy goat cheese layer.
Side Dishes
This casserole holds its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in a lemon vinaigrette, or some warm, crusty bread to scoop up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a heartier meal, a simple quinoa or brown rice pilaf can ground the dish beautifully without stealing its spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant occasion, try plating individual portions topped with a dollop of herb-infused Greek yogurt or a light balsamic glaze drizzle. Layering the casserole in clear glass baking dishes or ramekins before baking reveals the colorful layers and makes for stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from the Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe, no worries! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal or lunch option.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, which is great if you want to prepare it in advance. After it cools fully, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the top is slightly crisp — usually about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine, but the oven will bring back some of that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh ripe tomatoes can be a wonderful substitute. You’ll need about 2 cups, peeled, seeded, and chopped. Just simmer them longer to cook down into a saucy consistency similar to canned ones.
Is goat cheese essential for this casserole?
The tanginess of goat cheese is key to the flavor profile, but if you need a substitute, feta or ricotta can work beautifully. They’ll add creamy texture and some saltiness but slightly alter the overall taste.
Can I make this dish vegan?
You can, by replacing the eggs with a vegan binder like flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer and using a plant-based cheese alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will shift, but it’s still delicious.
What’s the best way to cut cauliflower for roasting?
Slice the cauliflower into roughly ⅓-inch thick “steaks” to ensure even roasting and caramelization. Uniform size helps all pieces cook evenly and develop a lovely texture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the egg and goat cheese step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pour the egg and cheese mixture on top and continue baking as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and comforting. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner or sharing it with friends, its balance of flavors and textures never fails to impress. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and let it become a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine.
Print
Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender roasted cauliflower, a spiced tomato sauce, and creamy goat cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian main or a delicious side, it offers a vibrant balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 medium-size head of cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411 gr) can diced tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 2 large free-range organic eggs (or 3 medium)
- ¾ cup / 3 oz / 85 gr goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Roast cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the cauliflower into ⅓-inch thick slices. Toss the slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and ground pepper until well coated. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is nicely browned and tender.
- Sauté aromatics: While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the onion softens. Add the minced garlic and thyme and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, ground cinnamon, additional salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and allow it to cook on low heat for 15 minutes, melding the flavors into a rich sauce.
- Combine and bake: In a large bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower slices with the tomato sauce, mixing gently. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish. In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs and crumbled goat cheese together until evenly combined, then pour this over the cauliflower mixture. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with a chickpea flour batter or flax eggs and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or milk to the egg and cheese mixture before pouring over the casserole.
- Ensure to slice cauliflower evenly for consistent roasting.
