Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower (Printable)

These spicy, irresistible cauliflower bites are coated in a crispy crust and glazed with sweet-hot honey. Ideal as an appetizer or snack.

# What You Need:

→ For the Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tablespoons water

→ For the Hot Honey Glaze

10 - ⅓ cup honey
11 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
14 - Pinch of salt

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
02 - In one bowl, whisk flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, beat eggs with water. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
03 - Working in batches, coat each cauliflower floret in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture, then coat with panko, pressing gently to adhere.
04 - Arrange coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping florets halfway, until golden and crispy.
06 - While baking, prepare the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir until butter is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
07 - Once cauliflower is done, transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over and toss gently to coat evenly.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • That addictive sweet and spicy flavor keeps everyone reaching for just one more bite
  • The cauliflower stays surprisingly tender-crisp inside while developing this incredible golden crunch
  • Come together faster than you can order takeout and disappear even quicker
02 -
  • The cauliflower really needs to be in a single layer with space between pieces, otherwise they steam instead of roast and you lose the crunch
  • Letting the coated florets sit for about 10 minutes before baking helps the coating set better and cling during cooking
03 -
  • Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep your fingers from getting completely coated in breading
  • If the glaze thickens too much, just add a tiny splash of water to get it back to drizzling consistency
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