Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of crunchy, spicy, and creamy. It’s an easy way to turn simple cauliflower into a standout snack or side dish. Plus, it’s oven-baked and lighter than traditional fried versions.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Bang Bang Sauce:
⅓ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust for desired heat)
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp lime juice
directions
I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then I toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated and spread them in a single layer on the sheet.
I roast them for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp around the edges. While they bake, I whisk together the mayonnaise (or yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.
Once the cauliflower is out of the oven, I let it cool for a couple of minutes before drizzling on the sauce and tossing everything together until evenly coated. Sometimes I serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
I like to garnish the dish with chopped scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 10 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to cook, and 35 minutes total. Each serving is approximately 150 kcal.
Variations
Sometimes I use broccoli florets instead of cauliflower for a twist. For a vegan version, I stick with plant-based mayo or Greek-style yogurt. If I’m craving more heat, I up the sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to help them crisp back up.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
I recommend roasting the cauliflower ahead and reheating it before serving, then tossing with the sauce right before eating.
Can I air fry the cauliflower instead?
Yes, I sometimes air fry them at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If I’m out, I mix honey, a splash of vinegar, and red pepper flakes for a quick alternative.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy, but I adjust the sriracha to my liking. I use less for a milder version.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Absolutely. I often serve it over rice or with noodles for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower is one of my favorite ways to enjoy vegetables. It’s bold, crispy, and easy to make—perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime I crave something fun and flavorful.
Print
Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy roasted cauliflower tossed in a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce—an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish with bold flavor.
Ingredients
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Bang Bang Sauce:
⅓ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp lime juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Meanwhile, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.
Let cauliflower cool slightly, then toss with sauce or serve sauce on the side.
Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Substitute cauliflower with broccoli for variation.
Use plant-based mayo or yogurt for a vegan version.
For more heat, add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Air fryer method: cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Roasted, Baked
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
