Glazed Baked Cauliflower

Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower Recipe That’ll Make You Forget Meat

Looking for a flavorful side dish or vegetarian main that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with mouthwatering flavor? Say hello to your new obsession: Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower. This easy oven-roasted cauliflower is tossed in a sticky, lip-smacking glaze that brings together the best of both worlds—sweet and savory. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just trying to squeeze in more veggies, this recipe will win over even the most skeptical cauliflower doubters. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend potlucks, or when you just want something satisfying and comforting without the meat.

Ingredients:

For the cauliflower:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the sweet and savory glaze:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 30 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutesServing Size: 4 servings
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Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded.
  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  5. While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
  6. Bring to a simmer. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the simmering sauce.
  7. Let the glaze thicken for about 2–3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat.
  8. Once cauliflower is done baking, transfer to a large bowl and pour the glaze over the top. Toss well to coat.
  9. Serve immediately with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or over rice for a full meal.

Tips for the Best Glazed Baked Cauliflower:

  • Dry your cauliflower well. If you rinse it before roasting, make sure to dry it with a clean towel to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
  • Don’t skip the parchment paper. It helps with crisping and makes cleanup easier.
  • Want it spicier? Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
  • Double the batch. These go fast, and the leftovers are amazing reheated in the air fryer.

Tasty Variations to Try:

  • Buffalo Glazed Cauliflower: Swap the glaze for buffalo sauce mixed with a little honey or brown sugar.
  • Orange Sesame Cauliflower: Use orange juice instead of vinegar and add orange zest for a citrusy punch.
  • BBQ Style: Mix barbecue sauce with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a dash of cayenne for a smoky kick.
  • Teriyaki Twist: Replace the glaze with store-bought or homemade teriyaki for a different flavor profile.

Related Post: Sweet Chili Roasted Broccoli

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the cauliflower and make the glaze ahead. Reheat the cauliflower in the oven or air fryer and toss with warm glaze just before serving.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh is best for crispiness, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just thaw completely and pat dry before roasting.

Is this recipe vegan?
If you use maple syrup instead of honey and tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe is 100 percent vegan.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.

Can I air fry instead of bake?
Absolutely. Air fry the cauliflower at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, then toss with the glaze.

Final Thoughts:

This Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower is one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into something pretty spectacular. It’s versatile, healthy-ish, and insanely flavorful. If you’ve been looking for a fun way to jazz up your veggie game or impress guests with a plant-based dish that eats like comfort food, this is the recipe to try. So next time you’ve got a head of cauliflower lying around, don’t steam it—glaze it.