Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey Sauce (Bold, Cozy & Beautifully Balanced)

If there’s one vegetable dish that proves cauliflower can be exciting, luxurious, and deeply satisfying, it’s Moroccan cauliflower with tahini-honey sauce. This recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a golden, spice-roasted centerpiece drizzled with a creamy, sweet-savory tahini sauce that hits every flavor note.

Moroccan-inspired cuisine is known for its warming spices, balanced sweetness, and layered depth—and this dish captures all of that beautifully. Roasted cauliflower florets are tossed with cumin, paprika, coriander, and a touch of cinnamon, then roasted until caramelized and tender. The finishing drizzle of tahini-honey sauce adds richness, brightness, and just enough sweetness to round everything out.

This dish works equally well as a side, a vegetarian main, or a standout addition to grain bowls, mezze spreads, or weeknight dinners. It’s naturally gluten-free, easy to prepare, and impressive enough for guests.


Why Moroccan Cauliflower Is So Popular

Cauliflower is a perfect canvas for bold spices, and Moroccan flavors bring it to life. Roasting intensifies the natural nuttiness of cauliflower while spices add warmth and complexity.

Why people love this recipe:

  • Deeply spiced but not overpowering
  • Crispy edges with a tender interior
  • Creamy, naturally dairy-free sauce
  • Sweet and savory balance
  • Works as a side or main

It’s comfort food with global flair.


The Magic of Tahini-Honey Sauce

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, giving it a nutty, slightly bitter richness. When paired with honey and lemon, it transforms into a silky sauce that’s creamy without dairy and bold without heaviness.

This sauce complements roasted vegetables especially well, clinging to every crevice of the cauliflower and mellowing the spices.


Ingredients

Moroccan Roasted Cauliflower:

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Tahini-Honey Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
  • 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
  • Salt, to taste

Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped parsley or cilantro
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chili flakes

Instructions

Roast the Cauliflower

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Season
    Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Roast
    Spread cauliflower in a single layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and caramelized on edges.

Make the Tahini-Honey Sauce

  1. Mix Base
    In a bowl, whisk tahini, honey, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
  2. Thin the Sauce
    Slowly whisk in warm water until smooth and drizzleable.

Assemble

  1. Serve
    Transfer roasted cauliflower to a serving dish.
  2. Drizzle & Garnish
    Drizzle generously with tahini-honey sauce. Finish with herbs and sesame seeds.

Pro Tips for Perfect Moroccan Cauliflower

  • Roast at high heat for caramelization
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan
  • Use fresh spices for best flavor
  • Warm water helps tahini emulsify
  • Sauce thickens as it sits—thin as needed

Easy Variations

  • Spicy: Add harissa or cayenne
  • Vegan: Swap honey for maple syrup
  • Extra Crunch: Add toasted almonds
  • Protein Boost: Serve with chickpeas
  • Grain Bowl: Pair with couscous or quinoa

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

  • Grilled meats or fish
  • Couscous or rice
  • Lentils or chickpea salads
  • Flatbread or pita
  • Mezze-style spreads

It also shines as a standalone vegetarian entrée.


Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store roasted cauliflower and sauce separately for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat cauliflower in the oven or air fryer for best texture.


Why This Dish Is a Crowd Favorite

It’s visually stunning, deeply flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy. Even cauliflower skeptics tend to fall in love with this dish after one bite.


Fun Moroccan Flavor Fact

Moroccan cuisine often balances sweet and savory flavors—using spices like cinnamon alongside honey and herbs—to create rich, layered dishes.


Final Thoughts

Moroccan cauliflower with tahini-honey sauce is proof that vegetables can be the star of the plate. Warm spices, crispy roasted edges, and a creamy, sweet-savory sauce come together in a dish that feels comforting, elegant, and unforgettable.

Moroccan Cauliflower with Tahini-Honey Sauce

Golden roasted Moroccan-spiced cauliflower drizzled with a creamy sweet and tangy tahini-honey sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Moroccan
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large cauliflower cut into florets
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.33 cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp honey

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Toss cauliflower with oil and spices.
  2. Roast until golden and tender.
  3. Whisk tahini, honey, lemon, and garlic.
  4. Thin sauce with warm water.
  5. Drizzle sauce over roasted cauliflower and serve.

Notes

Swap honey for maple syrup to make vegan.