Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Add the cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Mix to coat all pieces with oil.

Pour the cauliflower florets onto a rimmed baking sheet and spread them out evenly. Place in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Remove the pan and use a flat-bottomed spatula to flip the pieces over. Roast for another 20 minutes.

Turn the oven temperature up to 475°F.

Use a smooth meat mallet or the bottom of a small sauté pan to gently press down on the florets until they are about ½-inch thick.

Return the smashed florets to the oven and roast until the bottoms are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Flip them over and continue to roast until golden brown on the other side, about another 10 minutes.

Serve!