Sticky BBQ Cauliflower Bites

Serves

4 as an appetizer, 2–3 as a main

Ingredients

Cauliflower

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets

Crispy Batter

¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup milk (regular or plant-based)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

BBQ Sauce (Sticky & Glossy)

¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Optional heat: ½ tsp chili flakes or hot sauce

Garnish

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Lemon wedges (optional, but 🔥)

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Lightly spray or brush with oil

High heat = crispy edges, not soggy cauliflower.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Milk
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Salt & pepper

Batter should be thick enough to coat but still drip slightly.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add cauliflower florets to the batter
Toss until fully coated
Shake off excess batter
Arrange on baking sheet with space between pieces

Crowding = steaming = sadness.

Step 4: First Bake (Crisp Base)

Bake 20 minutes
Flip each piece
Bake another 10–15 minutes until:
- Golden
- Firm
- Slightly crispy

Step 5: Make the Sticky BBQ Sauce

While cauliflower bakes, mix in a bowl:

BBQ sauce
Honey (or maple syrup)
Soy sauce
Apple cider vinegar
Optional heat

Taste → adjust sweetness or spice.

Step 6: Sauce & Caramelize

Transfer baked cauliflower to a bowl
Toss gently with BBQ sauce
Return to baking sheet
Bake 10–15 more minutes

🔥 Watch closely near the end—this is when it caramelizes.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped herbs
Add lemon wedges if you like brightness
Serve hot and sticky 😋

Air Fryer Option

Air fry battered cauliflower at 375°F
Cook 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway
Sauce them
Air fry again 5–6 minutes until sticky

Pro Tips (Trust Me)

Want EXTRA crisp? Add 2 tbsp cornstarch to the batter
Want spicy BBQ? Add sriracha or chipotle powder
Want buffalo-style? Swap BBQ for buffalo sauce + butter
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour or rice flour

Dipping Sauces (Optional but Dangerous)

Ranch or vegan ranch
Garlic aioli
Blue cheese dressing