Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower (Print View)

Crispy cauliflower bites glazed with sweet-hot honey sauce, perfect for appetizers or snacking anytime.

# What You’ll 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 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tablespoons water

→ For the Hot Honey Glaze

10 - 1/3 cup honey
11 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
14 - Pinch of salt

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
02 - In one bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - In a second bowl, beat eggs with water until well combined.
04 - In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
05 - 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.
06 - Arrange coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping florets halfway through, until golden and crispy.
08 - While baking, 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.
09 - Once cauliflower is done, transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over and toss gently to coat evenly.
10 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or chopped fresh herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a glaze that hits sweet and spicy notes in one bite.
  • It is the kind of dish people assume took way more effort than it actually did.
02 -
  • Do not skip flipping the florets halfway through baking or you will end up with one pale, sad side.
  • Toss the cauliflower with the glaze right before serving; if it sits too long, the coating will soften and lose that signature crunch.
03 -
  • Press the panko firmly onto each floret so it does not fall off during baking; a little pressure goes a long way.
  • If you like extra heat, add a dash of cayenne to the flour mixture for a spicy coating that builds with every bite.
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