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Healthy Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower. picture

Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower.

This Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower is a flavor-packed delight! Crispy, sweet, and spicy, it's the perfect snack or side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower:
  • 6 cups cornflakes (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 4-5 cups cauliflower florets
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley (for serving)
  • 1/2 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil mayo
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or grated parmesan

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Food processor
  • Cooking Spray

Method
 

Directions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve the perfect crunch on your cauliflower.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, crush the cornflakes into small pieces. You can do this by hand or pulse them briefly in a food processor. Add the grated parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to the crushed cornflakes. Mix well to combine.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce until well combined. Add the cauliflower florets to the egg mixture and toss to coat each piece evenly.
  4. Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks. Place the coated florets on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip the florets halfway through for even cooking.
  6. While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, additional hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat over low until warmed through and well combined. Set aside.
  7. Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme, cilantro, or parsley. For an extra touch, serve with a side of creamy Greek yogurt dip made from Greek yogurt, olive oil mayo, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, fresh chives, and seasoning.

Notes

  • Prep the cauliflower ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • For extra crunch, make sure cornflakes are dry and stored properly until use.
  • Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper.