Collage of various food items including pizza, ribs, macaroni and cheese, and grilled meat.

Phlippen Sweet Heat Cauliflower Bake

Phlippen Sweet Heat Cauliflower Bake

The decadent, cheesy side dish that steals the spotlight from the main course. It's smoky, sticky, and dangerously addictive.

Prep: 15m | Cook: 45m | Heat: Medium (Sweet Heat)

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower (cut into florets)

  • 3/4 cup Phlippen Sweet Heat Sauce

  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, coarsely chopped (plus more for topping)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 block (8oz) cream cheese, softened

  • 3/4 cup sour cream

  • 3 cups shredded marble or cheddar cheese (plus 3/4 cup for topping)

  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)

The Gear:

  • Large pot for steaming

  • Mixing bowl

  • Foil baking pan

  • Your trusty Grill, Smoker, or Oven

Instructions:

  1. The Preheat: Set your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. The Toss: In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets, ½ cup Phlippens Sweet Heat, and olive oil. Toss until every piece is completely coated.
  3. The First Roast: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and slightly charred.
  4. The Layer: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of Phlippens Sweet Heat over top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. The Bake: Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
  6. The Finish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds if you're feeling fancy. Serve immediately while it's still gooey.

 

Phlippen Tip: If you're using a smoker, use hickory or applewood pellets to complement the honey notes in the Sweet Heat sauce.

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet in step 3—give the cauliflower space to breathe so it roasts instead of steams. Crispy edges are what we're after.

Pro-Tips & Pairings

  • Leftover Love: This bake makes an incredible "Phlippen Mac & Cheese" base. Just stir in some cooked cavatappi pasta the next day and reheat.

  • Drink This: A cold Lager to balance the creaminess or a Moscow Mule—the ginger beer snaps perfectly against the Sweet Heat.

  • Hungry for More? If you love this flavour profile, check out our Spicy BBQ Deviled Eggs for your next party spread.