There’s something magical about turning a simple head of cauliflower into a stunning, flavor-packed centerpiece.
The first time I made this Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Sriracha Honey Glaze, I was surprised at how something so humble could become so show-stopping.
It’s spicy, sweet, golden, and tender—everything I love in a roasted veggie dish.
Whether served as a side, vegetarian main, or holiday stunner, this recipe always brings the wow factor.
Why I Love This Recipe
Transforms basic cauliflower into something spectacular
The sriracha honey glaze adds the perfect sweet heat
Simple prep, minimal ingredients, and stunning presentation
Perfect for dinner parties or cozy weeknight meals
Oven does most of the work!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Whole cauliflower head – The star of the show, roasted whole for drama and texture
Salted butter – Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick
Garlic powder, salt, pepper – A savory base layer of flavor
Honey – Brings balance with natural sweetness
Sriracha – For just the right spicy kick
Pro Tips Before You Start
Choose a firm, compact cauliflower for even cooking
Dry thoroughly after rinsing—moisture prevents good caramelization
Use foil during the first roast to steam and soften the cauliflower
Glaze generously during the last 10 minutes for the best color and flavor
Broil carefully—don’t walk away! It can caramelize quickly
How to Make Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Sriracha Honey Glaze
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it hot and ready.
Step 2: Prep the Cauliflower
Remove the outer leaves and trim the stem so the head sits flat.
Rinse and pat completely dry.
Step 3: Season the Cauliflower
Mix the softened butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Rub the mixture all over the cauliflower—top, bottom, and sides.
Step 4: Roast Covered
Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Loosely tent with foil and roast for 40 minutes to get it tender inside.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While roasting, stir together the honey and sriracha in a small bowl.
Step 6: Glaze and Broil
Remove foil, brush the cauliflower with glaze, and broil for 8–10 minutes, until golden, caramelized, and lightly charred.
What to Serve It With
Grilled meats like steak or lamb
Herbed quinoa or couscous
A creamy yogurt dip or tahini sauce
Roasted chickpeas or lentils
Flatbread and a side salad
Variations / Substitutions
Make it vegan – Use plant-based butter or olive oil instead
Add herbs – Mix in rosemary or thyme for more aroma
Spice it up – Use chili crisp or harissa in place of sriracha
Make it milder – Reduce sriracha or add more honey for balance
Serve florets – Instead of whole, break into florets for faster cooking
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F to revive crisp edges
Freezer – Not ideal—texture gets mushy after thawing
Great in bowls – Add leftovers to grain bowls or salads
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, roast the cauliflower without glaze, then reheat and glaze just before serving.
Is it very spicy?
The spice is balanced by honey, but you can adjust sriracha to taste.
Can I use cauliflower florets?
Absolutely! Just reduce roasting time to about 25–30 minutes.
What if I don’t have sriracha?
You can use hot sauce, chili paste, or even a touch of red pepper flakes in honey.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
For best texture, use fresh. Frozen releases too much moisture.
Do I have to use foil?
Foil helps steam the cauliflower for tenderness before broiling. It’s highly recommended.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes, but use a sugar-free honey substitute to keep carbs even lower.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Sriracha Honey Glaze proves that vegetables can absolutely steal the spotlight.
It’s flavorful, tender, slightly crispy on the outside, and downright addictive.
Whether you’re serving it as a meatless main or a bold side dish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove outer leaves and trim the stem of the cauliflower. Rinse and pat dry.
- Mix butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture all over cauliflower.
- Place on a lined baking sheet, loosely tent with foil, and roast for 40 minutes.
- Stir honey and sriracha together in a small bowl.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/spicy-roasted-cauliflower/
Notes
- You can adjust sriracha based on spice preference.
- Use parchment or foil on the baking sheet to make cleanup easier.
- For extra crispy edges, broil slightly longer—but watch closely to avoid burning.
