The secret to stress-free dinners are super simple side dishes. This medley is the perfect combination of tender cauliflower, caramelized delicata squash and whole garlic cloves that melt in your mouth.

roasted veggies on a sheet pan such as carrots, squash and cauliflower

When I have a bunch of vegetables that need to get used – oven roasted veggies to the rescue. I always say, the best recipes happen by accident. I recently cleaned out my fridge and happened to have a head of cauliflower, delicata squash, a bunch of carrots and more garlic cloves than I knew what to do with. I was feeling lazy, as we often do by the end of a busy day, so I threw the garlic cloves in whole and honestly, that was the best part.

As a busy home cook, I’m always on the lookout for easy dishes this turned out to be the perfect quick and easy side dish for those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling work, errands, kids and more.

Perfectly caramelized cauliflower florets, sweet and nutty delicata squash (with the skin on, yep!), tender roasted carrots, and whole garlic cloves that melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug and somehow makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if dinner’s the only thing you’ve nailed today.

roasted veggies in a grey bowl

Why You’ll Love It

  • Ridiculously Easy: Oven roasted veggies require no fancy techniques, no overwhelming ingredient lists. You chop, toss, and roast.
  • Flexible AF: Don’t have one of the ingredients listed? Swap it out for whatever you got on hand!
  • The Perfect Side: Serve alongside chicken, fish or steak, toss into a grain bowl, or just eat it straight off the sheet pan. That’s what I do!

The Ingredients: Nothing fancy

bowls of ingredients on a grey background

Here’s what we’re working with. I’ve found this to be an elite combo, but don’t forget, you’re in charge!

  • Cauliflower: Adds tons of great texture and is a great balance to the sweet veggies.
  • Delicata Squash: Sweet, tender, and so pretty with its scalloped edges. Bonus: the skin is thin and totally edible, so no peeling required!
  • Carrots: They’re the perfect pop of color and flavor. I prefer using whole carrots rather than the baby carrots.
  • Garlic Cloves: Whole garlic cloves might sound bold, but trust me—they roast into buttery, mellow perfection. You’ll want to spread them on bread or mix them into everything. A happy accident indeed!
  • Olive Oil: Helps everything to brown and caramelize nicely.
  • Salt and Pepper: The classic duo. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the veggies, while a touch of pepper adds just the right amount of warmth.
  • Garlic Powder: Because more is more!
  • Dried Oregano: A sprinkle of oregano brings a hint of earthy, herby goodness to the mix. Also a great balance to the sweetness.

Each of these ingredients is easy to find, simple to prep, and works together to make this dish a total standout.

Let’s make it!

diced carrots, cauliflower and delicata squash on a sheet pan
Add the veggies to a pan and toss with oil and spices.
diced roasted veggies on a sheet pan with olive oil and spices
Roast until golden and caramelized!

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Yes, 450. We’re going for that crispy, caramelized goodness.

  1. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, add the cauliflower, delicata squash, carrots, and a generous handful of whole garlic cloves. (Trust me on the garlic—it’s a yes.)
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Toss everything with your hands until well coated.
  3. Spread everything out in a single layer and roast for 35-45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
roasted cauliflower, carrots and squash on a sheet pan

Pro Tips

  • Keep It Uniform: Try to cut everything roughly the same size so they roast evenly.
  • Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the veggies from sticking.
  • Batch It: Double the recipe and save leftovers for salads, wraps, or a quick frittata filling.

One More Thing

Never underestimate the power of a roasted veg. It’s easy, takes minimal prep and if you cook them on high enough heat they’re absolutely delicious and bold in flavor. Simple ingredients CAN in fact taste gourmet, but I promise not to tell anyone how simple the process was.

So go on, grab that cauliflower and get roasting.

Let me know if this recipe finds its way onto your dinner table! Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @lifeisbutadish—I love seeing your creations!

roasted veggies in a bowl with a serving spoon
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roasted veggies on a sheet pan such as carrots, squash and cauliflower

Easy Oven Roasted Veggies (the perfect combo!)

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  • Author: Laney Schwartz
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Oven baked
  • Cuisine: American

Description

The secret to stress-free dinners are super simple side dishes. This medley is the perfect combination of tender cauliflower, caramelized delicata squash and whole garlic cloves that melt in your mouth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
  • 1 medium delicata squash, seeds removed and sliced into half moons
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into ½ inch rounds
  • 10 whole garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Add the cauliflower, squash, carrots and garlic cloves to a parchment lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano. 
  2. Use your hands to coat the veggies evenly with the olive oil and spices. Roast at 450 for 35-45 minutes until the veggies are golden brown.