Hey y'all! If you're craving a veggie dish that's anything but boring, this Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower will absolutely rock your world. It features crunchy roasted florets glazed in a sticky, sassy sauce with just the right balance of honeyed sweetness and zesty heat. This crowd-pleaser works great for game day, weeknight dinners, or any gathering where you want to impress without fuss. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower
- It's a flavor explosion—sweet, spicy, tangy, and totally addictive.
- Super easy, with only 10 minutes of prep and no deep frying required.
- Perfectly crispy outside and tender inside, thanks to oven roasting.
- Vegetarian and easily made vegan or gluten-free for any crowd.
- Makes a perfect appetizer, side, or snack for parties and family dinners.
Ingredients for Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- For the Sweet Spicy Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for GF)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
How to Make Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the cauliflower florets, tossing until well coated.
Step 3: Add Crunch
Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Working in batches, roll each batter-coated floret in panko, pressing lightly to adhere. Arrange in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle or lightly spray with olive oil.
Step 4: Roast
Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Make the Sweet Spicy Sauce
While cauliflower bakes, stir together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Toss hot baked cauliflower with the sweet spicy sauce. Return to the oven for 5 minutes if you want a sticky, caramelized finish, or serve immediately for saucier bites. Enjoy warm!
Notes for Perfect Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower
- For an extra crispy finish, broil the glazed cauliflower for 2 minutes—keep a close eye on it!
- To learn more about the nutritional power of cauliflower, check out Medical News Today’s cauliflower guide.
- You can use air fryer instructions as shown here on Delish for extra-crunchy results.

Variations for Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower
- Buffalo Cauliflower: Swap the sweet spicy sauce for your favorite buffalo sauce.
- Asian-Inspired: Add a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger and a dash of sesame oil to the sauce.
- Lemon Pepper: Use lemon juice and zest in place of vinegar and add extra cracked black pepper to the batter.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Tongs or spatula
Storage Instructions for Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower
Store cooled Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, bake at 400°F (205°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve as an appetizer with ranch or blue cheese dip.
- Pair with brown rice or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian main.
- Top fresh salads or grain bowls for extra flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower
- Cut cauliflower into uniform florets to ensure even cooking.
- Let the florets rest briefly after coating to help the batter set—see additional tips at Bon Appétit’s buffalo cauliflower guide.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; use two if needed for maximum crunch.
Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower FAQ
- Can I make Sweet Spicy Baked Cauliflower gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free flour blend and panko breadcrumbs in place of traditional flour and panko. - Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh is best for crispiness, but you can use frozen cauliflower that's fully thawed and patted dry. - How spicy is this recipe?
You control the heat by adjusting the sriracha; start with less and add more to taste.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Toss cauliflower florets in olive oil, cornstarch, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
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3Spread the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
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4While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a saucepan over low heat until combined and slightly thickened.
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5Remove baked cauliflower from the oven and toss immediately in the sweet and spicy sauce until well coated.
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6Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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