Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings out the best in cauliflower, turning a simple vegetable into a flavorful, crunchy dish. The combination of honey and sriracha creates the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, while the roasted cauliflower gives it that crispy, caramelized texture that makes every bite irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to make, takes less than 30 minutes, and is a healthier alternative to spicy wings. You can even customize the spice level to fit your personal taste, making it as mild or as fiery as you want.

Perfect For:

Healthy snacks

Side dishes

Vegetarian meals

Meal prep

Game day appetizers

Spicy food lovers

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet and Spicy Glaze:

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh cilantro

Sesame seeds

Sliced jalapeño

Toasted sliced almonds or roasted cashews

Crispy wonton strips (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cauliflower:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Cut the cauliflower into even-sized florets. This ensures that they cook at the same rate.

Toss the Cauliflower:

In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin until smooth.

Glaze the Cauliflower:

Pour the sweet and spicy glaze over the cauliflower and toss to coat each floret evenly.

Bake the Cauliflower:

Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the florets aren’t overcrowded for even roasting.

Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crispy and the cauliflower is tender.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the cauliflower from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, sliced jalapeño, and toasted almonds or cashews. If desired, add crispy wonton strips for an extra crunch.

Serve immediately while it’s still hot and crispy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Buffalo Cauliflower: Swap out the sriracha for buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy alternative.

Curry-Spiced Cauliflower: Add curry powder to the glaze for an aromatic, earthy flavor.

Lemon-Garlic Cauliflower: Add lemon juice and zest to the glaze, and sprinkle with garlic powder for a refreshing twist.

Spicy Honey Mustard Cauliflower: Mix honey with Dijon mustard and a little hot sauce for a sweet and tangy alternative.

Barbecue Cauliflower: Substitute the honey with brown sugar and the sriracha with barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor.

How to Serve

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is versatile and can be served in many ways:

As a side dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite vegetarian meal.

As an appetizer: Serve in smaller portions at a party or gathering.

With dipping sauces: Pair with ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy yogurt dip for an extra layer of flavor.

As a snack: Enjoy it on its own as a healthy snack.

With rice or quinoa: Make it a more filling meal by serving it over rice or quinoa.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute with a milder hot sauce.

Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower holds up best during roasting and absorbs the glaze more effectively than frozen cauliflower.

Avoid Overcrowding: Spread the florets in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly and become crispy.

Add Extra Flavor: For an additional kick, try squeezing fresh lime or lemon juice over the cauliflower after baking.

Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the baked cauliflower right out of the oven while it’s still crispy.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Let the cauliflower cool completely, then arrange it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Storage: Store any leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best, but if you use frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw it and remove any excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to serve this dish immediately for maximum crispiness, but you can prepare the cauliflower and glaze ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! You can add more sriracha or a few dashes of cayenne pepper to make it spicier. Adjust the spice to your preference.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar would be great alternatives to honey for a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to make the dish fully vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a game-changing side dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. The crispy cauliflower, infused with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, offers an exciting taste experience in every bite. Whether you serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

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