BBQ Cauliflower Recipe
You've probably had plenty of BBQ chicken or ribs, but have you ventured into the world of BBQ cauliflower? This simple, yet mouthwatering dish brings an exciting twist to your classic summer favorites. It’s easy to whip up and can be made ahead, which is a win in my book.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- baking tray
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- To get started on this BBQ cauliflower here’s what you’ll need:
- - 1 medium head of cauliflower about 5-6 cups chopped
- - ¾ cup of dairy or non-dairy milk
- - 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour you can substitute regular all-purpose flour if preferred
- - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1 teaspoon onion powder
- - ½ teaspoon salt
- - ½ cup breadcrumbs I love using gluten-free here
- - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor
- - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
- - 12 ounces of BBQ sauce about 1 ½ cups
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that our BBQ cauliflower will get that beautiful golden-brown color. If you prefer a quicker option, check out your air fryer—just make sure to adjust the temperature accordingly!
Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Next, chop your cauliflower into medium-sized florets. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. You want those florets to be hearty enough to hold up to the coating but small enough to crisp up nicely in the oven.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and smoked paprika. This combination creates a flavorful coating that clings beautifully to your cauliflower.
Step 4: Add the Milk
- Pour in the milk and stir it all together. The goal here is to create a nice batter—not too thick, so the cauliflower gets coated fully, but thick enough to stick. If you find it’s too thick, just add an extra tablespoon or two of milk and mix well.
Step 5: Coat the Cauliflower
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and gently mix until each piece is thoroughly coated. Take care here—over-mixing can cause the cauliflower to break apart.
Step 6: Toss in the Breadcrumbs
- Now, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the coated cauliflower. This step will add a lovely crunch. Again, carefully toss to combine so that each floret is clothed in that delicious crumb layer.
Step 7: Bake on a Baking Tray
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the cauliflower mixture across it in a single layer. Make sure the pieces aren't overcrowded; this helps them crisp up nicely.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that time, turn off the oven and leave the cauliflower inside for an additional 5 minutes. This extra rest will lets them achieve the perfect crunch while keeping from burning—golden brown is the aim!
Step 9: Cool and Coat with BBQ Sauce
- Carefully remove the tray from the oven and let the cauliflower cool for 5-10 minutes. In a bowl, combine the crispy cauliflower with the BBQ sauce. If you're like me and love a saucy coating, go ahead and douse them, but if not, start with half and add more if desired.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve these beauties hot, and enjoy every bite of BBQ goodness!
Notes
- Experiment with BBQ Sauces: Different brands and flavors of BBQ sauce can add a unique twist. Try a honey chipotle BBQ for a sweet heat!
- Add Some Heat: If you love spice, throw in some cayenne pepper to the flour mix for a kick.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling Step: Giving the cauliflower some time to cool allows the coating to set and stay crisp.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepped a day in advance. Just store the coated cauliflower in the fridge and bake it right before serving.
- Think Leftovers: If there are any leftovers (unlikely!), they reheat beautifully in an air fryer or oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!