Crispy Sweet & Tangy Honey Garlic Baked Cauliflower Recipe

Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor, this honey garlic baked cauliflower recipe will make you fall in love with vegetables all over again.

Tender florets get coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness that surprises even the pickiest eaters.

The combination of honey and garlic creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet impressive side dish.

Packed with nutrients and flavor, these baked cauliflower bites are sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

Grab your apron and get ready to wow everyone with this incredibly tasty vegetable transformation.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Baked Cauliflower

• Panko Crumbs: Adds delightful crunch and crispy texture, choose Japanese-style breadcrumbs for superior golden coating.
• Eggs: Crucial binding agent that helps crumbs stick perfectly to cauliflower, select fresh room-temperature eggs for best adhesion.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Ensures even golden browning and prevents sticking, opt for neutral-flavored sprays like canola or vegetable oil.

• Cauliflower: Provides hearty vegetable foundation, select fresh firm heads with tight, white florets and minimal blemishes.

• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and rich caramelization, choose raw or local honey for deeper flavor profile.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic punch, select fresh cloves for most intense taste.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness, choose low-sodium variant for better control.
• Water: Critical for sauce consistency and cornstarch activation.
• Cornstarch: Ensures sauce thickening and glossy finish, use fresh, clump-free cornstarch.
• Scallions: Provides fresh, sharp garnish with vibrant color, select bright green stalks with crisp tips.

Essential Tools for Baking Cauliflower the Right Way

• Baking Sheets: Large, flat pans for roasting panko crumbs and cauliflower.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Helps toast panko crumbs evenly and add light crispiness.
• Small Bowls: For whisking eggs and mixing cornstarch water.
• Whisk: To blend eggs smoothly and mix cornstarch with water.
• Small Pot or Saucepan: For preparing honey garlic sauce.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir sauce and mix ingredients.

How to Bake Honey Garlic Cauliflower

• Panko Crumb Foundation

Toast panko crumbs on a baking sheet until they transform into a golden, crunchy landscape. This creates the perfect textural base for our cauliflower adventure.

• Cauliflower Transformation

Dunk cauliflower pieces into whisked eggs, letting excess drip away. Gently roll each piece through the toasted panko, pressing crumbs to create a delicate, even coating that will become irresistibly crispy.

• Golden Baking

Slide the crumb-covered cauliflower into a warm oven. Allow the pieces to bake until they reach a gorgeous dark golden color, with edges that promise a satisfying crunch.

• Magical Honey Garlic Sauce

Combine honey, garlic, and other sauce ingredients in a small pot. Let them dance together over gentle heat, whisking in a cornstarch mixture to create a glossy, thick sauce that will make taste buds sing.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle the warm, sticky sauce over the crispy cauliflower. Sprinkle with fresh scallions for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Cooking Tips & Add-On Options for Baked Cauliflower

• Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to create a unique texture and accommodate dietary needs.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the panko coating for an extra kick of heat that transforms the dish from mild to wild.
• Prep the cauliflower and panko coating in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights.
• Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile, or use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels for health-conscious eaters.
• Apply this crispy baking technique to other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a similar delicious result that keeps meal prep exciting and varied.

Ways to Serve Honey Garlic Cauliflower

• Drizzle with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions over the baked cauliflower for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
• Pair with Dipping Companions: Serve alongside cool ranch, sriracha mayo, or a tangy yogurt sauce to give guests extra flavor options and enhance the crispy texture of the cauliflower.
• Create a Complete Meal: Transform this dish into a hearty main course by serving over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside a crisp green salad to add more substance and nutritional balance.
• Elevate with Protein Boost: Top with toasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds, or crumbled feta cheese to add extra crunch, protein, and gourmet appeal to the baked cauliflower.

Leftovers & Storage Advice for Cauliflower Bakes

• Optimize Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for maximum quality, consuming within 2-3 days for best taste and texture.
• Crisp Reheating Technique: Revive the golden crunch by warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, which helps restore the crispy panko coating without making the cauliflower soggy.
• Advance Meal Prep: Separate the cauliflower and sauce before refrigerating to maintain the coating's crispiness. Coat cauliflower with panko just before baking for optimal crunchiness.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap uncooked breaded cauliflower in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake fresh when ready to enjoy, ensuring the best possible texture and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 5

Golden Honey Garlic Baked Cauliflower Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering honey garlic baked cauliflower delivers crispy, golden-brown florets with a sweet and savory glaze. Savor this simple Asian-inspired dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to home kitchens and delights dinner companions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• Cooking oil spray
• 6 tbsps (90 ml) honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 6 tbsps (90 ml) water
• 2 tsps cornstarch
• 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 ml) low sodium soy sauce
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) sriracha sauce
• 2 scallions, finely sliced

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Instructions

1. Breadcrumb Preparation: Evenly spread panko breadcrumbs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly mist with cooking spray, and toast at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes until achieving a golden-brown color.
2. Coating Process: Dip each cauliflower floret into whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then meticulously coat with toasted panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing to ensure complete coverage.
3. Baking Stage: Arrange breaded cauliflower pieces on a separate parchment-lined baking sheet without overcrowding, and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even browning and tenderness.
4. Sauce Creation: In a small saucepan, combine honey, garlic, and remaining sauce ingredients, simultaneously preparing a cornstarch slurry in a separate container.
5. Sauce Finishing: Simmer sauce ingredients, integrating the cornstarch mixture, and cook for 2 minutes until achieving a glossy, thickened consistency. Allow to cool and reduce slightly for enhanced texture.
6. Serving Presentation: Drizzle warm honey-garlic sauce over crispy cauliflower and garnish with finely chopped scallions, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish.

Notes

• Optimize Breadcrumb Toasting: Spread panko evenly and watch carefully to prevent burning, which can make the coating bitter and unpleasant.
• Egg Coating Technique: Shake off excess egg to prevent soggy breading and ensure a crisp, even crust that adheres perfectly to the cauliflower.
• Baking Spacing Matters: Keep cauliflower pieces separated on the baking sheet to guarantee even roasting and maximum crispiness without steaming.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Dissolve cornstarch completely in cold water before adding to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy honey-garlic sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg