Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower: 5 Easy Steps to Delight Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe is a perfect balance of flavors that will excite your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary cauliflower into a deliciously caramelized side dish or snack in under 30 minutes.

The image shows a close-up view of roasted cauliflower florets in a white bowl. There are many pieces, each with a two-layer look: the bottom layer is a creamy white, dense cauliflower stalk, and the top layer is the crumbly, yellowish cauliflower head with a golden-brown roasted crust. The florets are coated with a glossy, reddish-orange sauce that looks sticky and shiny, sitting mostly on the top and dripping slightly down the sides. The texture of the roasted cauliflower appears crispy and slightly charred in spots. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Step 3: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them well until they are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
  4. Step 4: Spread the coated cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and caramelized around the edges. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crispiness, use a convection setting if your oven has one and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro before serving for added freshness.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness, or quickly warm in a microwave if short on time.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of roasted cauliflower florets arranged in a pile on a white plate. The cauliflower has a golden-brown crispy texture with some darker charred edges, giving it a crunchy look. The florets are coated with a shiny sauce that is reddish-brown in color with visible pieces of chili flakes and small green herb bits scattered on top. The sauce appears glossy and slightly oily, clinging to the cauliflower pieces and pooling a little on the plate. The background is a white marbled texture, softly blurred to keep focus on the cauliflower. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

While fresh cauliflower yields the best texture, you can use frozen florets. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before tossing with the sauce to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

To make this dish vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. All other ingredients are plant-based.

Print

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower: 5 Easy Steps to Delight Recipe

A flavorful and easy-to-make Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower recipe that combines the natural crunch of roasted cauliflower with a delightful honey-sriracha glaze, enhanced by garlic and paprika for a perfect balance of sweet heat and savory aroma.

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower

  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the cauliflower to a perfect crisp and caramelization.
  2. Prepare Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, honey, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a sweet and spicy glaze that will coat the cauliflower.
  3. Toss Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the sauce and toss thoroughly until every floret is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
  4. Arrange for Baking: Spread the coated cauliflower florets evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
  5. Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and caramelized, turning golden brown on the edges. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, flip the cauliflower halfway through the baking time.
  • Adjust sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
  • This dish pairs well with rice or as a side to grilled meats.
  • Use gluten-free sriracha if needed for dietary restrictions.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: baked cauliflower, sweet and spicy cauliflower, honey sriracha cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, easy side dish, gluten free side

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