Name: Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American fusion
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

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed side that will elevate your meal, this Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is an absolute showstopper. Lusciously coated with a sticky honey-sriracha glaze and roasted to crispy perfection, it delivers a captivating balance of sweet heat and savory depth. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to keep making because it’s so versatile—Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite vegetarian meal for a colorful, satisfying burst of flavor that complements any main course.

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower
- Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this dish just right means using simple, essential ingredients that really bring it to life. Each component plays a crucial role: the cauliflower’s tender crunch, the honey’s mellow sweetness, and the sriracha’s fiery kick all come together perfectly for a mouthwatering experience.

Cauliflower: This cruciferous star is loaded with vitamins and fiber, plus it soaks up flavors beautifully, ensuring every bite bursts with deliciousness.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the cauliflower roast to a golden crisp without drying out.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness that balances the heat, creating a luscious, sticky glaze.
Sriracha Sauce: Adds a bold, spicy punch that lifts the entire dish.
Soy Sauce: Deepens the flavor with its umami notes, tying together sweet and spicy with savory harmony.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile without overwhelming other ingredients.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle depth and warmth to the seasoning mix.
Ground Cumin: Imparts a hint of earthiness that complements the spicy glaze exquisitely.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
Fresh Cilantro: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, herbal brightness.
Sesame Seeds: Optional topping for crunch and a nutty finish.

How to Make Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite vegetarian meal

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup effortless. Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets to ensure they roast evenly, then toss them generously with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This initial step sets the stage for crispy, flavorful bites.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Spicy Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin until you have a smooth, well-blended glaze. This combination is the heart of the dish, marrying sweet, heat, and savory notes in one irresistible sauce.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Pour the glaze over your seasoned cauliflower florets and toss thoroughly, making sure every piece is coated in the delicious sauce. Spread the florets out in a single layer on your baking sheet; giving them plenty of space means they’ll roast to a lovely crisp instead of steaming.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cauliflower for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to encourage even crisping on all sides. You’re aiming for golden edges and tender interiors, with that sticky glaze beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh cilantro and sesame seeds over the top if you like a little extra flair. Now, your Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is ready to shine. Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite vegetarian meal and watch it disappear fast!

How to Serve Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite vegetarian meal

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds bright, herbal notes that contrast the sweet and spicy glaze, while a scattering of toasted sesame seeds brings a welcome crunch and nutty depth. These garnishes elevate the dish from delicious to dazzling.

Side Dishes

This cauliflower pairs beautifully as a side dish—Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite vegetarian meal for a colorful, lively complement. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy weeknight dinner, this side adds excitement to every plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For something fun and unexpected, pile the cauliflower on a bed of fluffy rice or roasted potatoes, or stuff it into warm pita pockets with creamy yogurt sauce and fresh greens. No matter how you serve it, remember to Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite vegetarian meal to bring all flavors into a perfect harmony.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s a great dish to make ahead. Just remember the cauliflower may soften slightly, so a quick reheat can help regain some crispness.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the cauliflower before baking to maintain texture. Freeze the raw coated florets in an airtight container or bag for up to one month. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the cauliflower soggy and less appealing.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly sweetener without losing any of that fantastic glaze’s magic.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level comes from the sriracha, which you can easily adjust to taste. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount or swap in a milder chili sauce.

Is this cauliflower recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Fresh cauliflower works best for roasting since it crisps up nicer. If you use frozen, thaw and dry it thoroughly before coating and roasting to avoid sogginess.

What are some other ways to enjoy this cauliflower?

Try it tossed into salads, grain bowls, or even as a spicy topper for tacos. No matter what, remember it’s perfect to Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite vegetarian meal.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower is a total crowd-pleaser and a brilliant way to liven up your dinner table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests, bringing bold flavors and vibrant colors every time. I can’t recommend it enough—go ahead and Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted meats, or your favorite vegetarian meal; it will quickly become your new favorite side dish.

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and healthy Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe featuring a zesty honey, sriracha, and soy sauce glaze. This dish balances natural sweetness with a spicy kick and is perfect as a versatile side dish or a light main course.

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup. Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets to promote consistent cooking. In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until each piece is well coated.
Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cumin until you achieve a smooth, well-combined sauce that balances sweet and spicy flavors.
Coat the Cauliflower: Pour the glaze over the cauliflower florets, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly covered with the sweet and spicy mixture. Spread the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, taking care to avoid overcrowding for even roasting.
Bake the Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through baking to allow even caramelization. Continue roasting until the cauliflower is tender and the edges become crispy and golden.
Garnish and Serve: After baking, remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired, for added freshness and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant dish as a side or light meal.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure cauliflower florets are dry before tossing with olive oil.
Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness according to your taste.
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
Use gluten-free soy sauce if you need a gluten-free version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking / Roasting
Cuisine: American fusion