Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish transforms simple cauliflower into an irresistible treat with a delicious glaze that enhances its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor. It’s baked to crispy-tender perfection, requires minimal prep, and is both gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the glaze:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Cauliflower:

   • Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

   • Spread evenly on the baking sheet.

3. Roast Cauliflower:

   • Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and tender.

4. Make the Glaze:

   • While cauliflower roasts, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

5. Glaze and Bake:

   • Remove cauliflower from oven.

   • Toss with the glaze until evenly coated.

   • Return to oven and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

6. Serve:

   • Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for crunch.

• Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the glaze.

• Sweeteners: Substitute maple syrup with brown sugar or agave nectar.

• Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions.

• Vegan: Use maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a hot oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes to re-crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, thaw and pat dry before roasting for best results.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I make the glaze ahead?

Yes, prepare glaze up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.

How do I get crispy cauliflower?

Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet and roast at a high temperature.

Can I grill the cauliflower instead?

Yes, toss in glaze after grilling for a smoky flavor.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey works well but it’s not vegan.

What can I serve with this dish?

Pairs great with rice, quinoa, grilled meats, or tofu.

How spicy is this recipe?

Mild, but you can adjust red pepper flakes for heat.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use two baking sheets for even roasting.

Can I add other vegetables?

Cauliflower pairs well with carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

Conclusion

Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower is an easy, tasty, and versatile side that elevates simple vegetables with a sticky, flavorful glaze. Perfect for healthy meals or as a show-stopping side, it’s a recipe that brings bold flavor and satisfying texture to your table with minimal effort.

Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Snack, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Sweet and Savory Glazed Baked Cauliflower is a deliciously tender and crispy vegetable side tossed in a sticky, flavorful glaze that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes. This easy baked recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or meal prep, adding a gourmet touch to your vegetable dishes.

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Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the glaze:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven:
  Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Prepare Cauliflower:
  Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.

• Roast Cauliflower:
  Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and tender.

• Make the Glaze:
  While cauliflower roasts, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

• Glaze and Bake:
  Remove cauliflower from oven. Toss with glaze until evenly coated. Return to oven and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until glaze is sticky and caramelized.

• Serve:
  Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

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Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top before serving.Adjust spiciness by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.Use tamari to keep this dish gluten-free.Honey can replace maple syrup but is not vegan.