Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower (Print Version)

Crispy cauliflower bites with sweet-hot honey glaze—an irresistible vegetarian appetizer that's ready in 50 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

→ 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 Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wire rack.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - In a second mixing bowl, beat eggs with water until combined.
04 - Place panko breadcrumbs in a third mixing bowl.
05 - Working in batches, dredge each floret in seasoned flour, dip into egg mixture, then coat with panko, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
06 - Place coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping florets halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
08 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir until butter melts and sauce becomes smooth. Remove from heat.
09 - Transfer baked cauliflower to a large bowl. Drizzle hot honey glaze over florets and toss gently to coat evenly.
10 - Transfer to serving dish and garnish with additional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The panko gives you that satisfying crunch that makes you forget you're eating a vegetable.
  • Sweet honey and spicy hot sauce create a flavor that keeps people guessing and coming back.
  • It's a crowd-pleaser that works just as well for a casual snack as it does for entertaining.
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet or the florets will steam instead of crisp up.
  • Flip them halfway through baking—it's the only way to get even browning on all sides.
  • Toss with the glaze right before serving, not ahead of time, or you'll lose that perfect crunch.
03 -
  • Press the panko firmly onto each floret so it really sticks and doesn't fall off during baking.
  • Use a wire rack on the baking sheet if you have one—it lets air circulate and makes them even crispier.
  • Taste the glaze before you toss and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking—it's your recipe now.
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