Dinner

Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

ByMaya Quinn February 27, 2026February 27, 2026

Introduction

This Brown Sugar BBQ Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a delightful and impressive vegetarian main dish. Roasted to tender perfection and coated in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce, it’s perfect for a flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.

A whole roasted cauliflower sits in a black cast iron pan, showing a dark brown, slightly charred surface covered in a glossy, reddish-brown sauce. On top, thinly sliced light green scallions and small beige peanut pieces are scattered, adding color contrast and texture. The pan holds some of the sauce pooled at the bottom, reflecting light softly. The white marbled texture beneath the pan adds a clean, bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower (about 2 1/4 lb.), stem trimmed
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 scallion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Sriracha, for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the cauliflower stem side down in the center of a large heatproof skillet. Brush all over with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: Bake the cauliflower for 30 minutes. Then brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Carefully pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the skillet. Continue baking until the cauliflower is knife-tender and the water has absorbed, about 40 to 55 minutes more.
Step 3: While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Brush the baked cauliflower all over with the prepared BBQ sauce. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is slightly caramelized. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Transfer the cauliflower to a serving platter. Top with chopped scallions and roasted peanuts. Drizzle with sriracha to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Try topping with toasted sesame seeds instead of peanuts for a different crunch.
If you prefer a milder heat, adjust or omit the cayenne and sriracha.

Storage

Store any leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through. The BBQ sauce may thicken when chilled, so add a splash of water or vinegar when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

A whole roasted cauliflower sits in a black pan, with dark brown, charred spots and a sticky, deep red glaze coating the top. The cauliflower is cut to show its white, tender inside layers with a soft texture. It is sprinkled with light brown chopped peanuts and thin, fresh green onion slices on top, adding contrast to the dark glaze. A white spatula lifts one wedge from the pan, with a beige cloth nearby on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the cauliflower and make the BBQ sauce in advance. Store them separately, then assemble and caramelize the sauce just before serving for best results.

Can I use parts of the cauliflower other than the whole head?

While this recipe is designed to roast a whole cauliflower, you can roast florets with the BBQ sauce as a quicker alternative. Adjust cooking time accordingly until tender and caramelized.