Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower Bites Recipe
These Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower Bites are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful plant-based appetizer or snack. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and tossed in a tangy, sticky sauce made from maple syrup, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili, they offer a satisfying bite that’s both sweet and spicy. Garnished with fresh chives and toasted sesame seeds, these cauliflower bites deliver a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making them an excellent option for game day, parties, or a healthy treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower Bites
- 1 medium head of cauliflower – cored and cut into florets or 25–30 store-bought cauliflower florets
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – panko or gluten free
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten free flour)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or olive oil cooking spray
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste or minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon red chili paste or minced chili peppers
For Serving
- Chopped chives or scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent the cauliflower from sticking.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a medium mixing bowl, crack and lightly beat the eggs. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Mix the Coating: In another medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This mixture will be used to coat the cauliflower.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Set up a dredging station with the cauliflower florets, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture. Dip each cauliflower floret fully into the beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess. Place the coated florets on the wire rack.
- Oil the Cauliflower: Spray the coated cauliflower florets well with olive oil cooking spray or drizzle them lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the oven. Bake the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes or until they are nicely golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, combine the maple syrup, light brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic paste, ginger paste, and red chili paste in a small pot. Whisk the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue whisking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Coat the Baked Cauliflower: When the cauliflower bites are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl while still hot. Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the coated cauliflower bites to a serving platter. Spoon any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped chives or scallions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten free.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with a flax egg or aquafaba and use maple syrup as the sweetener.
- The sauce can be adjusted in heat by adding more or less red chili paste.
- Make sure to serve the cauliflower bites hot so the sauce adheres well and maintains crispiness.
- Use a wire rack during baking to ensure even heat distribution and crisp texture.
Keywords: baked cauliflower bites, sweet and spicy cauliflower, healthy appetizer, gluten free snack, vegetarian wings
