Name: Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe

With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and a head of cauliflower, you can create Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower—a totally addictive, flavor-packed dish that’s bound to become a weeknight favorite. This recipe strikes a brilliant balance between sticky honey, bold sriracha, and the natural nuttiness of roasted cauliflower florets, all finished with sunny pops of fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. It’s simple enough for a quick lunch, yet impressive enough for guests, and you won’t believe how quickly it disappears!

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients—each one plays a starring role in bringing out the best in this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower. These are simple everyday items, but when combined, they transform plain cauliflower into something truly irresistible. The flavors, colors, and textures each ingredient brings are what make this dish so special.

Cauliflower: This cruciferous veggie is the heart of the dish, absorbing the glaze and roasting up wonderfully golden and crisp around the edges.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasonings adhere, while encouraging browning for those scrumptious roasted bites.
Honey: Offers natural sweetness and helps the glaze get that sticky, lacquered finish when baked.
Sriracha Sauce: Packs in tangy, chili heat, giving every bite a zippy kick without overpowering the natural flavors.
Soy Sauce: Lends deep umami notes, balancing both sweet and spicy with a gentle saltiness.
Garlic Powder: Infuses each floret with subtle, savory warmth that pairs beautifully with the honey and heat.
Onion Powder: Adds a touch of mellow sweetness and blends harmoniously with the other seasonings.
Ground Cumin: Brings earthy, smokey undertones to round out the glaze and add depth.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that sharpen all of the flavors and make the cauliflower sing.
Fresh Cilantro (optional): Chopped cilantro offers a bright pop of color and herby freshness for garnish.
Sesame Seeds (optional): These little seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty finish right before serving.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower and Oven

Start by firing up your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only keeps clean-up fuss-free, but also ensures your Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower won’t stick. Chop the cauliflower into even, bite-sized florets for uniform roasting—you want those gorgeous crispy tips on every piece! Toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a big mixing bowl, making sure each bit is slicked and seasoned.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sweet and Spicy Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and glossy. This easy sauce clings to every nook and cranny, giving your cauliflower an irresistibly sticky, spicy-sweet coat.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Pour the glaze right over the seasoned cauliflower and toss thoroughly (hands or a spatula both work!). Each floret should be evenly coated—look for that shiny, amber hue. Spread the florets out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not crowded, so everything roasts instead of steaming.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy, Glazed Perfection

Slide your tray into the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through. When done, the cauliflower should be tender on the inside with golden, crispy edges. Don’t be alarmed if some glaze caramelizes on the baking sheet—that just means extra flavor!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, garnish your Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower with a handful of chopped cilantro and a shower of sesame seeds. These finishing touches add a fresh, vibrant crunch that makes the dish as stunning to look at as it is to eat. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness!

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds takes Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower over the top—add them while the florets are still hot, so the floral notes pop and the seeds stick. For extra zing, a squeeze of lime can also be delicious.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with fluffy steamed rice, quinoa, or warm pita for a satisfying meal. It’s also a knockout side for grilled meats, tofu, or tossed as a topper for grain bowls. The flavors play beautifully with anything mildly seasoned or earthy.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower into party fare by serving in lettuce cups, or pile into warm tortillas with avocado and slaw for spicy vegetarian tacos. For a light lunch, toss cooled florets into salads or grain bowls. It even shines as a topping for homemade pizza!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container once cooled, and avoid adding garnishes before refrigerating—add those fresh right before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this cauliflower, although it’s best fresh when every bite is crisp. If you do freeze, arrange cooled florets on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best taste and texture.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. The microwave works too for convenience, though the florets will be softer. Add fresh cilantro and sesame seeds after reheating to revive all those bright, punchy flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the cauliflower earlier in the day and reheat it right before serving. For crispness, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave, and garnish just before serving to keep everything vibrant.

Is there a way to make it less spicy?

Of course. Simply cut the sriracha in half or swap some of it for ketchup for milder heat, especially if serving kids or spice-sensitive guests. The honey will still shine through for balance.

What can I use instead of honey for a vegan version?

Maple syrup or agave nectar make perfect stand-ins for honey in this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe—they’ll give you that same luscious sweetness and sticky glaze.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can work in a pinch. Just thaw and thoroughly dry the florets before mixing with the glaze, then roast as directed. Expect slightly softer results, but all the bold flavors will still come through.

How do I double the recipe?

This recipe scales up easily! Double all ingredients and use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding. Rotate the trays halfway through roasting for even browning, and you’ll have a big batch of Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower ready to please a crowd.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, easy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is your answer. Whether served as a main, a side, or a snack, this recipe delivers a punch of excitement in every bite. Give it a try soon—you’ll see why it’s a fan favorite I always come back to!

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This recipe for Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower combines the crispy texture of roasted cauliflower with a flavorful glaze that balances sweetness and heat. Perfect as a side dish or a vegetarian main course!

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Glaze: Mix honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin in a bowl.
Coat the Cauliflower: Pour the glaze over the cauliflower, ensuring each piece is coated. Spread on the baking sheet.
Bake the Cauliflower: Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Make sure the cauliflower florets are not overcrowded on the baking sheet for even cooking.
Adjust the level of sriracha sauce to suit your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: International