Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe

If you’re looking for a seriously irresistible snack or appetizer, Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower is your new veggie obsession! Crispy, golden cauliflower florets are tumbled in a crave-worthy, creamy-sweet-spicy sauce that’ll have you licking your fingers and going back for seconds—and thirds. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to jazz up a weeknight, this is one crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe uses simple kitchen staples, but each plays a crucial role for that irresistible crunch, bold color, and flavor-packed bite. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you won’t want to skip a single one!

• Cauliflower (1 medium head): The ultimate blank canvas! It turns golden and soaks up all the spicy-creamy flavors after roasting.
• Flour (½ cup): Helps create a light, fluffy batter that clings perfectly to each floret.
• Cornstarch (¼ cup): Adds extra crispiness, giving every bite its signature crunch.
• Milk (¾ cup): Binds the batter; use any dairy or plant-based milk you love.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp): Makes the coating puff just slightly for next-level texture.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses savory depth into each bite.
• Onion Powder (1 tsp): Adds subtle sweetness and that classic bang bang aroma.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Brings gentle warmth and a gorgeous reddish hue to the crust.
• Salt (½ tsp) & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Essential for punchy, balanced flavor.
• Panko (1¼ cup): Japanese breadcrumbs that are lighter and crispier than regular ones for ultimate crunch.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): The base of the luscious bang bang sauce—creamy and rich.
• Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup): Adds the iconic sweet, sticky, and delightful heat to the sauce.
• Sriracha (¼ cup): Cranks up the spicy addictiveness of this beloved dish.
• Rice Vinegar (1 tsp, optional): Brightens the sauce with a touch of tang—so good!

Variations

The best thing about Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower? It’s endlessly customizable! Feel free to make it your own with creative swaps based on what’s in your pantry, your taste buds, or your dietary needs.

• Make It Vegan: Use vegan mayo and opt for your favorite plant-based milk—everything else is naturally vegan-friendly!
• Gluten-Free Swap: Sub in a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko to keep things crunchy and celiac-friendly.
• Turn Up the Heat: Double the sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne for extra fiery bang bang goodness.
• Try Different Veggies: Broccoli florets, sliced zucchini, or even mushrooms work beautifully with the same batter and sauce.

How to Make Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to a sizzling 200℃ (about 400°F) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cauliflower roasts evenly and gets that dreamy golden crunch—plus, cleanup will be a breeze!

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the milk and whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter—if it seems a little too stiff, just add an extra splash of milk to loosen things up.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Toss in the cauliflower florets and give them a thorough stir until every nook and cranny is well coated with the seasoned batter. Sprinkle in the panko and gently toss again—this step is the secret to that ultra-crunchy, crackly crust!

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Spread the battered cauliflower out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through. They should come out sizzling, golden, and crisp on the edges—the aroma is irresistible!

Step 5: Whisk Up Bang Bang Sauce

While your cauliflower is baking, grab a small bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar (if using). The sauce should be creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and oh-so-zesty—exactly what makes this dish legendary.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

As soon as the cauliflower is crispy and cooked through, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce over the top and gently toss to coat every piece. Plate it up while hot—don’t forget to sprinkle on your favorite garnishes!

How to Serve Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower

Garnishes

A shower of fresh chives, plus a scattering of black and white sesame seeds, takes Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower from delicious to downright stunning. These simple garnishes add color, crunch, and a little pop of oniony flavor that brings everything together.

Side Dishes

Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower makes a brilliant appetizer or party snack, but it’s also great with fluffy rice, garlicky sautéed greens, or a crunchy cabbage slaw for a feel-good meal. For game day, try it alongside fries and plenty of extra sauce for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping platter, layer the saucy cauliflower on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves and top with extra sesame seeds and chili slices. Or, tuck them into warm tortillas with slaw and avocado for out-of-this-world vegan bang bang tacos!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store your Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It won’t be quite as crisp as fresh from the oven, but the flavors meld together beautifully overnight.

Freezing

For the best results, freeze plain, cooked cauliflower bites (before adding sauce) in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven straight from frozen and toss with sauce—so easy!

Reheating

To revive the crunch, pop cold cauliflower bites on a baking sheet in a hot oven (200℃/400°F) for about 10 minutes. If already sauced, reheat briefly so you don’t dry them out—just until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a veggie dish that’s just as satisfying as any takeout, Baked Bang Bang Cauliflower is the answer—bright flavors, wicked crunch, and tons of personality in every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try (and share it with someone you love!). Let it be your new go-to for parties, game days, or anytime you want a dish that brings wild applause. Enjoy!

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