Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with cauliflower all over again, this Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze is about to steal your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine a gorgeous, golden head of cauliflower, tender in the middle and crisp around the edges — all bathed in a sweet, spicy, sticky glaze that takes it from simple to absolutely unforgettable.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze is how few ingredients it requires — yet every single one is important! Each element brings something special, from buttery richness to spicy sweetness and golden color.

• 1 whole cauliflower head: The undeniable star! Pick a firm, fresh cauliflower — it will look beautiful and roast up perfectly.
• 3 tbsp salted butter, room temperature: This helps create that irresistible golden crust and infuses every bite with flavor. If you prefer, swap for olive oil for a dairy-free or vegan twist.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Gives the cauliflower a subtle savory backbone that complements the glaze.
• 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the cauliflower’s natural sweetness.
• 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle background heat that plays perfectly with the sriracha.
• 2 tbsp honey: This forms the luscious, sticky base of your glaze — if you need it vegan, agave syrup works too.
• 2 tsp sriracha: The spicy punch! Adjust up or down for your desired level of heat.

Variations

This recipe is endlessly customizable! Don’t be shy about making Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze your own—whether you like it extra spicy, want a vegan option, or crave different flavor profiles, there are so many ways to make it fit your mood (and your pantry).

• Vegan Version: Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and use agave or maple syrup in place of honey for an entirely plant-based main or side.
• Herb Power: Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or even chives to the glaze or as a final garnish for a burst of freshness and color.
• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds or roasted nuts after glazing for irresistible texture and a bit of toasty depth.
• Spice It Your Way: Craving more fire? Mix in a dash of chili flakes or increase the sriracha. Prefer it really mild? Use sweet chili sauce or a bit more honey to mellow things out.

How to Make Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Giving your oven plenty of time to warm up means your cauliflower gets a jump-start to golden perfection right from the moment it goes in.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Remove the outer leaves and trim the stem from your cauliflower, being careful not to break apart the florets. Give the whole head a good rinse and then pat it thoroughly dry—this step helps ensure a crispy, caramelized exterior.

Step 3: Season the Cauliflower

In a small bowl, mix the room-temperature salted butter with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this buttery mixture liberally over every nook and cranny of the cauliflower head, massaging it in so that the flavors infuse all the way through.

Step 4: Roast the Cauliflower

Set your seasoned cauliflower onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Loosely tent it with foil—this helps it steam and soften without drying out. Roast for about 40 minutes; it will start to get tender and ever-so-slightly golden.

Step 5: Prepare the Sriracha Honey Glaze

While your cauliflower is roasting, combine the honey and sriracha in a small bowl. Stir well until you have a smooth, fiery-sweet glaze just begging to be brushed on.

Step 6: Glaze and Broil

Uncover the cauliflower, then generously brush it all over with your spicy sriracha honey glaze. Pop it back in the oven under the broiler for another 10 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze caramelizes and the top becomes gorgeously golden and sticky. Now, Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze is ready to wow!

How to Serve Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze

Garnishes

Scatter freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, or chives over the top right before serving. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions adds a pop of color and delightful crunch—your guests will think you secretly trained at a fancy bistro.

Side Dishes

This showstopping cauliflower pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, a vibrant green salad, or roasted potatoes. For a protein boost, serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted tofu, or even a hearty grain bowl for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic entrance, serve the whole roasted cauliflower on a large platter and carve it tableside so everyone can ooh and ahh. Or, for a playful twist, slice into thick “steaks” and serve as a main course, drizzled with extra glaze. Mini cauliflowers for individual portions? Absolutely adorable (and perfect for dinner parties)!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze keeps beautifully in the fridge! Simply store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and you’ll have a flavorful veggie to toss in salads, grain bowls, or quick lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked cauliflower, but it will soften a bit after thawing. If you do, let it cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat it straight from frozen and finish with a bit more glaze for revived flavor and shine.

Reheating

To recapture that roasted magic, reheat leftovers in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that irresistible texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow guests or simply treat yourself to a showstopping, flavor-packed vegetable, Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze is calling your name. Give it a try — I can’t wait to hear what you think about this new twist on an old favorite!

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