Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings are the perfect appetizer for game day, parties, or a cozy night in. These crispy, flavorful bites offer a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, making them irresistible to both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a side, these wings stand out with their unique taste and satisfying crunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Flavorful: The combination of honey, BBQ sauce, and spices creates an explosion of flavor that will please your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Serve these cauliflower wings as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course; they fit into any meal.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the crispy texture of traditional wings without the guilt; cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable packed with nutrients.
• Vegan-Friendly Option: Easily adapt this recipe for vegan diets by substituting dairy ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on making Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or oil for greasing
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: Essential for evenly cooking the cauliflower wings to achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
• Mixer bowl: Allows you to easily combine your batter for coating the cauliflower without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Wings

• 1 head of cauliflower (approx. 4 cups of florets)
• 1 cup milk (for vegan: use water or almond or soy milk)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (can sub gluten-free rice flour)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper

For the Honey BBQ Sauce

• 1/2 cup bbq sauce
• 2-3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter (for vegan: use earth balance buttery spread or coconut oil)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet(s) with parchment paper or grease them well with oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Wash and cut the head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until most lumps are gone; this should take about one minute.

Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter. You can do this one by one or in batches. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake First Time

Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes until they are golden brown.

Step 6: Make Your Sauce

While your cauliflower is baking, combine barbecue sauce, honey, sriracha, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it simmer gently.

Step 7: Final Bake

Remove the cauliflower from the oven after 20 minutes. Dip each piece into your prepared sauce then place them back on the baking sheet. Bake again for another 10 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Once out of the oven, serve immediately with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or any favorite dipping sauce! Enjoy your delicious Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings!

How to Serve Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings are not only delicious but also versatile. These flavorful bites can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions that can elevate this dish.

As an Appetizer

• Serve them hot with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.

With Dipping Sauces

• Pair with classic ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy contrast to the spicy wings.

On a Salad

• Add these wings to a fresh salad for a hearty twist, providing both flavor and crunch.

In Tacos

• Use them as a filling in soft tortillas, topped with avocado and shredded cabbage for a delicious taco night.

As a Game Day Snack

• Place the wings on a platter with assorted dips for an exciting game day snack that everyone will love.

With Veggie Sticks

• Serve alongside carrot and celery sticks for a refreshing crunch to balance the spicy flavors of the wings.

How to Perfect Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings

To ensure your Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose fresh cauliflower – Fresh cauliflower will give you the best texture and flavor. Look for firm florets without any brown spots.
• Don’t skip the batter – A well-mixed batter is crucial. This helps create that crispy texture you want on your wings.
• Bake until golden – Ensure you bake the cauliflower long enough before adding sauce. Golden brown means they’re perfectly cooked and ready to absorb flavors.
• Adjust spice levels – Feel free to add more sriracha or hot sauce if you prefer extra heat. Customize it according to your taste!
• Try different coatings – Experiment with different spices or even breadcrumbs for added crunch and variety.
• Let them rest briefly – Allow the wings to rest after baking. This helps them firm up before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings pair well with various side dishes that complement their bold flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the spicy wings perfectly.
2. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the wings.
3. Cornbread – Soft, warm cornbread is an excellent side that adds comfort and richness to your meal.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Lightly seasoned grilled vegetables offer a healthy, colorful accompaniment.
5. Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges are perfect for dipping and make every bite satisfying.
6. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs complements the boldness of the cauliflower wings nicely.
7. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with veggies adds nutrition and balances out the meal.
8. Pickles – Tangy pickles provide a sharp contrast, enhancing flavors while offering a fun crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the soaking step: Failing to soak cauliflower in batter can lead to uneven coating. Always ensure that each floret is well-coated for maximum flavor.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can result in soggy wings. Preheat your oven to 400°F before placing your cauliflower inside.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many florets on one sheet can cause steaming instead of baking. Use multiple sheets or bake in batches to keep the florets spaced out.
• Using low-quality BBQ sauce: A poor-quality sauce can ruin the overall taste of your wings. Choose a flavorful honey BBQ sauce for the best results.
• Ignoring cooking times: Not keeping an eye on baking times could lead to undercooked or burnt wings. Stick to the recommended times for perfectly crispy cauliflower.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings

• Duration: You can freeze these wings for up to 2 months.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings?

Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings are a delicious plant-based alternative to chicken wings, featuring crispy cauliflower florets coated in a spicy honey barbecue sauce.

How do I make these wings vegan?

To make Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings vegan, simply substitute regular milk with almond or soy milk and replace butter with Earth Balance buttery spread or coconut oil.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before preparing the wings for best results.

What dipping sauces pair well with these wings?

These tasty wings go well with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy aioli for added flavor.

Can I customize the spice level?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of sriracha or hot sauce according to your spice preference when making the honey BBQ sauce.

Final Thoughts

Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings are not only a delightful snack but also versatile enough for any gathering. You can easily customize them with different spices or sauces to suit your taste. Enjoy making this recipe and feel free to experiment!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Baked Spicy Honey BBQ Cauliflower Wings are a mouthwatering, plant-based alternative to traditional chicken wings. Perfect as an appetizer or game-day snack, these crispy cauliflower bites are coated in a sweet and spicy honey BBQ sauce that packs a punch of flavor. With their satisfying crunch and delectable taste, they appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike. Easy to prepare and versatile, these wings can be served with your favorite dipping sauces or added to salads and tacos for an extra kick. Enjoy guilt-free snacking with this healthier twist on a classic favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 cup milk (use almond or soy milk for vegan)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free rice flour optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2–3 tbsp honey (agave syrup for vegan)
• 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 tbsp butter or vegan alternative

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter and shake off excess.
5. Place on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
6. While baking, heat BBQ sauce, honey, sriracha, and butter in a saucepan over low heat.
7. After 20 minutes, dip baked cauliflower in the prepared sauce and return to the baking sheet for another 10 minutes of baking.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 wings (about 90g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg