Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons hot honey (or to taste)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Break the cauliflower into small florets. Slice any larger pieces into bite-sized chunks.

Step 3: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the hot honey, olive oil, and salt. Knead the bag to mix the ingredients well.

Step 4: Add the cauliflower to the bag and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the mixture.

Step 5: Transfer the coated cauliflower onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the cauliflower from the oven and flip the pieces over.

Step 7: Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and caramelized.

Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, crispy cauliflower.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition per Serving Amount
Calories 113
Total Fat 5g (6% DV)
Saturated Fat 1g (3% DV)
Cholesterol 0mg (0% DV)
Sodium 441mg (19% DV)
Total Carbohydrate 19g (7% DV)
Dietary Fiber 3g (9% DV)
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 2g (4% DV)
Vitamin C 50mg (55% DV)
Calcium 19mg (1% DV)
Iron 0mg (3% DV)
Potassium 168mg (4% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs. For medical concerns, consult your doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe.

Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower is a perfect side dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the heat of spices, creating an irresistible flavor profile. This recipe, easy to prepare, delivers a balanced combination of sweetness, heat, and savory roasted cauliflower. With just a few simple ingredients, it brings an exciting twist to traditional roasted vegetables.

History of Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower

The concept of hot honeyhoney infused with chili peppershas roots in Southern American cuisine, where the combination of sweet and spicy flavors is beloved. While the origins of this specific recipe are difficult to pinpoint, the use of honey as a flavor enhancer has been long associated with culinary traditions across the world. Cauliflower, a versatile vegetable, is often roasted to bring out its natural sweetness and nuttiness. When combined with hot honey, it creates a dish that appeals to both savory and sweet tastes.

Regional Variations and Popularity

Though Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower is gaining popularity in modern American kitchens, it is influenced by several regional cuisines. In the American South, spicy honey often pairs with fried chicken or biscuits, while in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, roasted vegetables with honey and spices are staples. This fusion of flavors has spread beyond these regions, making the hot honey trend a beloved topping for everything from pizza to roasted vegetables. As cauliflower becomes a more popular choice for plant-based and low-carb diets, this dish has emerged as a favorite among health-conscious foodies.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower stands out due to its unique combination of ingredients. Unlike typical roasted cauliflower recipes that rely on garlic or herbs for seasoning, this dish uses hot honeya blend of honey and chili peppers. This gives the cauliflower a glaze that is both sticky and spicy, creating a contrast to the tender, caramelized vegetable. Other roasted cauliflower recipes may focus on savory elements, but this dish incorporates a sweet-heat dynamic thats not commonly found in other vegetable dishes.

Where Its Typically Served

Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower is often served as a side dish in both casual and upscale dining. It pairs well with meats such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork tenderloin, but is equally satisfying on its own for a vegetarian or plant-based meal. The dishs versatility makes it a great addition to family dinners, holiday meals, or gatherings where bold flavors are appreciated. Its also a popular choice for those looking to add a bit of flair to their everyday meals.

Interesting Facts About Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower

  • Cauliflower has become a trendy vegetable in recent years, often used as a low-carb substitute for rice or mashed potatoes.
  • The combination of sweet and spicy flavors, especially in the form of hot honey, has been gaining traction in food culture across North America and beyond.
  • Hot honey is not only great on cauliflower but also on pizza, fried chicken, and even ice cream, making it an incredibly versatile condiment.
  • The popularity of cauliflower as a "superfood" has made this dish a go-to for health-conscious individuals seeking delicious, nutrient-dense options.

FAQ about Hot Honey Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help retain the crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave, but it may not stay as crispy.

While it's not recommended to freeze the cauliflower after it's been roasted (as the texture may change), you can freeze the uncooked cauliflower florets. Toss them in the hot honey mixture and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake directly from the freezer at 425°F (220°C), adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

If you don’t have hot honey, you can create your own by combining regular honey with a little bit of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or any hot sauce you prefer. Adjust the amount of heat to your taste.

Yes! You can make this recipe vegan by replacing the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup. Make sure to also check if the hot honey you're using contains any animal-derived ingredients.

You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot honey used. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less hot honey and taste before adding more. You can also add some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime to balance out the heat.

This recipe works well with other vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even sweet potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable you choose, as some may take a little longer to cook.

Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower and toss it in the hot honey mixture up to a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and then roast it when you're ready to serve. The cauliflower may lose some crispiness if stored too long, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

This dish makes a great side for a variety of meals, such as grilled chicken, pork, or a hearty grain bowl. You could also pair it with a cool, creamy dip like yogurt or tahini to balance the heat.

If your cauliflower isn’t crispy, it could be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet or not roasting at a high enough temperature. Make sure to spread the cauliflower evenly on the sheet and use parchment paper to avoid sticking. You could also increase the roasting time slightly or broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.

Comments

NiftyGrill3049

02/17/2025 02:17:29 AM

I made this recipe, doubling the salt, oil and hot honey. The finished product was tender, sweet, and surprisingly not overly spicy. It was easy to make and I enjoyed it.

Kar

09/13/2025 06:07:36 PM

The flavor was good and not too overpowering which you can get with hot honey sometimes. However, the honey melted down to a liquid in the oven and so the cauliflower didn't crisp quite as much as I would like. I think next time I will try half the hot honey on to roast and save half to drizzle over after it comes out of the oven and see if it is less liquidy.

Adeline

02/24/2025 02:35:38 AM

I made recipe as written. It was pretty good, although next time I’d use a bit more cauliflower and lower the amount of salt. It was a bit too salty for me. Overall pretty good, could see myself making it again!

DREGINEK

02/03/2025 03:11:34 AM

Followed exactly and really liked. Next time I might add more than a dash of red pepper flakes. Depending on the brand of hot honey you use, you may prefer a little more heat. I can see this paring with a variety of dishes and we really liked it! Thanks TheDailyGourmet!

ZanyTea4113

05/28/2025 10:51:56 PM

Very tasty and easy to fix. Will fix it again. I had it with garlic bread.

Linda Rodriguez

03/11/2025 03:07:03 PM

My go-to recipe from now on.

lutzflcat

03/07/2025 11:16:00 AM

Very tasty and easy side dish with just the right amount of "sweet & heat." Served with Tequila-Lime Pork Tenderloin (on this site) and a cucumber salad. Most certainly will be made again.

MaryLou

03/06/2025 12:32:33 AM

This recipe is super easy and really yummy! It has so much flavor, a perfect balance of sweet and a little heat. Definitely a keeper!

Christina

02/27/2025 06:20:22 PM

WOW!!!! I am obsessed with this cauliflower!!!! The perfect balance of all the things...sweet, salty, sticky and creamy. HUGE hit and definitely my new favorite way to prepare cauliflower.

Ita

01/27/2025 01:38:27 PM

So easy and super delicious! Great recipe!