Looking for a showstopper veggie dish that’s bursting with flavor? Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze is pure magic—a beautifully caramelized head of cauliflower slathered in a sweet and fiery glaze, finished with fresh herbs. This recipe delivers big flavor and dramatic presentation with just a handful of easy ingredients. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday table centerpiece, prepare to make cauliflower the star!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Every bite is sweet, spicy, buttery, and deeply savory thanks to the irresistible sriracha honey glaze.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples transform humble cauliflower into something absolutely crave-worthy.
- Gorgeous Presentation: Serve this golden, glossy head of cauliflower whole and watch everyone’s eyes light up—it’s a true table centerpiece!
- Customizable Heat: You control the spice, so it can go from gentle warmth to fiery kick with a quick tweak of the sriracha.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a quick dash to the fridge (and maybe your spice cabinet) is all you need for this mouthwatering Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze. Each ingredient plays a starring role—contributing richness, bold flavor, or perfect texture to this impressive vegetable dish.
- 1 whole cauliflower head: Choose a fresh, firm cauliflower for the best results—this becomes your delicious, golden canvas.
- 3 tbsp salted butter, room temperature: Soft butter melts beautifully over the cauliflower, adding richness and helping the seasoning cling.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: For deep, mellow garlicky notes in every bite without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for waking up every flavor and drawing out the savory notes of roasted cauliflower.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthy complexity.
- 2 tbsp honey: Lends sweetness that caramelizes in the oven and balances the sriracha’s heat.
- 2 tsp sriracha: Kicks up the heat with that classic chili-garlic tang, striking the perfect sweet-spicy balance.
Variations
One of the joys of Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs, kids, or heat-seekers, these swaps and tweaks let you create your perfect head-turning dish.
- Vegan Version: Simply swap the butter for olive oil (or vegan butter) and trade honey for agave or maple syrup—just as gooey and golden.
- Extra-Spicy: Want a real kick? Increase the sriracha to 1 tablespoon, or dust the finished cauliflower with chili flakes.
- Milder for Kids: Use half the sriracha or bump up the honey slightly for a gentler sweet-spicy balance.
- Herb-Lovers: Add a handful of chopped cilantro, parsley, or chives over the top just before serving for glorious color and freshness.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle a little grated parmesan over the glazed cauliflower before broiling for a savory, crispy edge.
How to Make Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cauliflower
Start by heating your oven to a hot and toasty 400°F (200°C)—high heat is the secret to achieving that irresistible caramelization on the cauliflower! Meanwhile, gently trim away any outer leaves and cut the stem so the cauliflower stands upright. Give it a good rinse and pat dry with a clean towel; excess moisture can prevent a crisp finish.
Step 2: Mix and Apply the Seasoned Butter
In a small bowl, thoroughly blend the room-temperature butter with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Smear this flavorful mixture all over the cauliflower—getting into every nook helps the seasoning soak in and yields a rich, deeply savory taste in every bite.
Step 3: Roast Until Fork-Tender
Set the seasoned cauliflower upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tent it loosely with foil, which lets it steam gently for a tender center, and pop it in the oven for 40 minutes. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is truly heavenly!
Step 4: Make the Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze
While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together the honey and sriracha in a small bowl. This magical glaze is the soul of the recipe, balancing sweet and heat with every brushstroke. Taste and adjust—make it bolder with more sriracha or soothingly sweet with extra honey, depending on your vibe!
Step 5: Glaze and Broil to Finish
Carefully uncover the cauliflower and brush every inch with your spicy sriracha honey glaze. Return it to the oven and broil for 8–10 minutes, watching closely as it bubbles, caramelizes, and turns gloriously golden. When it’s sticky, shiny, and beautifully blistered, you’re ready to serve your Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze!
Pro Tips for Making Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze
- Steam-Roast for Tenderness: Covering with foil for most of the bake ensures the interior becomes perfectly soft, so the cauliflower is never undercooked or tough.
- Room Temp Butter Matters: Soft butter blends smoothly with seasonings and spreads much more easily—don’t rush it straight from the fridge!
- Broil Under Watchful Eyes: Every broiler is different, so keep a close eye during those final caramelizing minutes—golden and bubbly is what you’re after, not burnt edges.
- Customize Your Glaze: Always taste the honey-sriracha mix before brushing—adjust the ratios for just the right balance of sweet and heat for your crew.
How to Serve Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze
Garnishes
Once you’ve roasted your Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze to fragrant, golden perfection, finish with a flourish! Scatter freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, or chives on top, or sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a snappy crunch and visual pop—these accents make every slice sing.
Side Dishes
This cauliflower pairs delightfully with fluffy rice, lemony couscous, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a protein boost, serve alongside grilled chicken, baked tofu, or your favorite hearty lentil dish—together, they create a meal that’s cozy, nourishing, and perfectly balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze the center of attention by serving it whole on a pretty platter. For dramatic flair, slice tableside so guests can see the caramelized crust contrast with the tender inside. Or go buffet-style: chop into florets, scatter with extra glaze, and serve on a big board with all your favorite dips and nibbles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cauliflower keeps beautifully! Cool any extras completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a treat for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze slices or florets of roasted cauliflower for up to two months. Lay cooled pieces on a tray to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for easy grab-and-reheat meals. Just remember—the texture may soften a bit after thawing, but it still tastes amazing!
Reheating
To reheat, spread cauliflower pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and edges re-crisp—10 minutes is usually perfect. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that wonderful caramelized edge.
FAQs
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Can I make Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the cauliflower (steps 1–4) a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. When ready to serve, brush on the glaze and broil just before presenting—it will taste fresh and look gorgeous!
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How spicy is the final dish?
The spice level is totally adjustable! With 2 teaspoons of sriracha, it’s gently spicy. Feel free to use more (or less) sriracha, or add extra honey to mellow the heat, to suit your personal taste.
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Is Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze vegan?
It’s easy to make vegan! Just replace the butter with olive oil (or vegan butter) and swap in agave or maple syrup for honey. The result is just as sticky, savory, and satisfying.
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Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Frozen cauliflower isn’t recommended for this dish, as it doesn’t hold its shape well and can become mushy. Fresh whole cauliflower is best for the beautiful golden roast and the satisfying texture in each slice.
Final Thoughts
Give this Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze a try—you’ll be amazed how something so simple can steal the show at any meal. It’s outrageously flavorful, striking to look at, and sure to have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Let me know if you roast one up—I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
PrintWhole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your baked cauliflower recipe with this spicy sriracha honey twist! The roast cauliflower is perfectly caramelized, drizzled in a sweet-spicy glaze, and garnished with herbs. A must-try roasted cauliflower recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze
- 1 whole cauliflower head
- 3 tbsp salted butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp sriracha
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves and trim the stem. Rinse and pat dry.
- Season the cauliflower: Mix butter with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture over the entire cauliflower head.
- Roast the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower on a lined baking sheet. Loosely cover it with foil and roast for 40 minutes.
- Prepare the sriracha honey glaze: Mix 2 tbsp honey with 2 tsp sriracha in a small bowl.
- Broil with glaze: Remove the foil, brush the sriracha honey glaze over the cauliflower, and broil for the last 10 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Notes
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer more heat, increase the sriracha to 1 tbsp. For a milder version, reduce it or mix in a little extra honey.
- Vegan option: Replace butter with olive oil and use agave syrup in place of honey for a vegan version.
- Serving suggestions: Serve alongside grilled chicken or tofu for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg