Name: Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for an irresistible combination of bold flavors and effortless cooking, Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower is the answer! Tender roasted florets are blanketed with a glaze that’s equal parts zippy and crave-worthy, thanks to honey and sriracha. This dish transforms humble cauliflower into the star of your table, offering a punchy side or snack that’s both healthy and completely addictive. It’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you want a veggie with some serious attitude.

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower is in its simplicity: each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to layer flavor, enhance texture, and add a pop of color. As you gather your staples, know that each one has a delicious role to play!

Cauliflower florets: The foundation of the dish, providing hearty texture that crisps at the edges while staying tender inside.
Olive oil: Helps the spices cling while coaxing the cauliflower into golden, caramelized submission in the oven.
Honey: The natural sweetness that balances sriracha’s heat and creates a beautiful sticky glaze.
Sriracha sauce: For bold, tangy, spicy notes with just enough fire—adjustable to your preference!
Smoked paprika: Adds depth, smokiness, and a lovely ember-red color, elevating every bite.
Garlic powder: Brings savory warmth without overwhelming the natural flavors.
Salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors and making the dish sing.
Black pepper: For just a hint of earthy kick and aromatic balance.
Fresh cilantro (optional): A burst of freshness and color that makes the final dish pop, both visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower

Start by washing and thoroughly drying your cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets, aiming for uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. Spreading the florets out will allow each one to develop those beautiful crispy edges everyone loves in Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower.

Step 2: Whisk the Sweet and Spicy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, sriracha sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until you get a glossy, fragrant sauce. Don’t be afraid to taste and tweak: add a little more sriracha for fiery fans, or cut back for kid-friendly snacking.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets to your bowl and toss them with the sauce until every nook and cranny is generously coated. This step is where the magic starts—the sauce clings gently, infusing all the florets with flavor destined to intensify in the oven.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated cauliflower in a single, even layer. To get the best crispy caramelization, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure every side gets golden and sticky.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Pull your baking sheet from the oven and get ready for that irresistible aroma! Finish by scattering fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a pop of green and a hint of herbal freshness. Serve your Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower warm for maximum flavor impact.

How to Serve Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh cilantro brings green color and a blast of brightness that perfectly contrasts the sticky, caramelized glaze. If cilantro isn’t your thing, try thinly sliced green onions or a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for even more texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower is delightfully versatile—pair it with jasmine rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a full meal. It’s also a fantastic companion alongside grilled proteins or tucked into grain bowls for an extra hit of color and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into a showstopper by threading the baked cauliflower onto skewers for appetizer platters, stuffing it into lettuce cups with a drizzle of yogurt sauce, or even piling it onto tacos with a squeeze of lime. The possibilities for Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower are limited only by your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower left, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its bold flavor and tender texture.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower in a pinch. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month, though freezing can soften their crisp edges.

Reheating

To revive the cauliflower’s signature texture, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The high heat helps return those caramelized, crispy bits. Microwaving works for convenience, but may result in a slightly softer bite.

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the florets and the sauce a day in advance—just store them separately in the fridge. Toss and bake fresh for best results, so you enjoy the perfect texture and flavor.

Is there a substitute for sriracha if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have sriracha, swap in another hot sauce (like chili garlic sauce or your favorite pepper sauce) to keep that sweet-spicy punch alive. Adjust the quantity to match your preferred heat level.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Frozen cauliflower works in a pinch, but make sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly first. Extra moisture can prevent those irresistible crispy edges, so pat the florets dry with paper towels before saucing and baking.

How can I make this dish vegan?

It’s easy to create a vegan twist—just swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Both substitutes lend that lovely sweetness and help the glaze stick beautifully.

What’s the best way to get extra crunch?

For a satisfying crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the cauliflower before it goes into the oven. You’ll get a golden, crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the tender florets and sticky glaze.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, easy, and just plain fun to eat, you won’t go wrong with Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower. With every bite, you get crunch, heat, sweetness, and a flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Grab a head of cauliflower and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy veggies!

Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

This Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe is a flavorful and healthy side dish or snack that combines the heat of sriracha with the sweetness of honey. The cauliflower florets are coated in a delicious sauce, baked to caramelized perfection, and garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce:

2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, sriracha sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets in the sauce until evenly coated.
Bake: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.