Sweet & Spicy Baked Cauliflower
This Mediterranean-inspired roasted cauliflower is crispy, tender, and packed with flavor.Cauliflower florets are coated in olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne, and a touch of honey, then baked to golden perfection.A perfect vegetable-forward Mediterranean side dish — anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich, and naturally gluten-free.
Prep: 10 minutes
Roast: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp smoked paprika
¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Optional garnish: chopped parsley, lemon wedges, toasted pine nuts
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 200°C
Line a baking tray with parchment paper
2️⃣ Coat Cauliflower
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Toss cauliflower florets until evenly coated
3️⃣ Roast
Spread cauliflower in a single layer on the tray
Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and slightly crispy
4️⃣ Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or toasted pine nuts
Serve as a side dish, salad topper, or Mediterranean snack
Tips
Pat cauliflower dry to ensure crispiness
Use good quality olive oil and fresh spices for depth
Adjust honey and cayenne to balance sweet & spicy perfectly
Optional: sprinkle sumac or za’atar for extra Mediterranean flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to crisp
Can I add protein?
Toss roasted chickpeas or lentils with cauliflower for a complete Mediterranean meal
Can it be meal prep?
Roast cauliflower ahead; reheat before serving or eat cold as salad topper
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180
Protein: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 6 g