A favorite vegetable becomes an appetizer dipping the florets in a flavorful batter, baking them, drizzling with hot sauce and crisping them up under the broiler. I do have to admit you do not get the crispy texture when you deep fry but they do have that great “hot wings” flavor and it is all about the “hot sauce”.
Traditionally you serve a blue cheese dip along with “hot wings” but because everyone does not like blue cheese I served it with my homemade ranch dressing. You actually can use your favorite dip or dressing for these hot and spicy cauliflower wings.
The cauliflower batter comes from Ayesha Curry – the wife of basketball star Steph Curry. Actually their oldest child, Riley, who is 5 years old (I think) is the star as she always steals the show at press conferences – just adorable and what a personality!
Cauliflower Hot Wings with a Dipping Sauce, Adapted
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup water
- cauliflower florets, broken into nice bite sized pieces
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup hot sauce, Frank’s Red Hot is a good choice or Sriracha
- Serve with other veggies such as celery and carrot sticks and red pepper strips
- try my dipping sauces Ranch or Blue Cheese
- blue cheese crumbles and sliced scallions to serve or sprinkle with celery leaves
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray parchment lined baking sheet(s). I found the batter stuck to the parchment and was difficult to turn the florets so I would suggest lightly spraying the parchment. Combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder and salt. Mix the buttermilk and water together and whisk into the dry ingredients until you have a smooth batter. Add the cauliflower and stir to coat each floret well.
Spread out on a parchment lined baking sheet that you have sprayed. Try to let any excess go back into the bowl. I actually changed the parchment paper as there was too much excess batter on the baking sheet. Bake for at least 15 minutes until the batter is set.
Meanwhile, heat the butter and hot sauce. After the batter is set drizzle half of the sauce mixture, then turn the florets over and drizzle with the rest of the hot sauce. You may not need it all – don’t put too much on.
Turn your oven to broil and brown the cauliflower. CAUTION: The parchment paper charred and could have caught fire. I recommend (as well as others) to remove the parchment paper before broiling which Ayesha did not.
Remember, the cauliflower is not crisp like it would be if you deep fried them. Lower in fat but you pay for it some times; great “hot wings” flavor though! Allow to cool and serve with assorted veggies and your favorite dip.
http://cookingwithauntjuju.com/2018/02/17/baked-cauliflowe…-a-dipping-sauce/
Love baked cauliflower…all though yes agree it does not turn out as crisp as frying it…but such a healthier option
I love cauliflower fixed just about any way. I’m not a chicken wings fan so this was perfect substitute, even if it was baked 🙂
Ooo… I could go for that right now. Hugs!
Thanks – it’s a great recipe for the cooler months!
Yum, yum. Are these pretty spicy, Judy? They sound great but my husband can’t do too spicy.👍😉
The batter isn’t spicy but any hot sauce will be. Franks is one hot sauce with less heat but it’s still spicy. If you never use hot sauce I would say it’s too spicy Mary 🙂
Ok, thanks Judy. I could always make them and skip the hot sauce!😉
Looks tasty
It was, especially with the hot sauce!
This looks so very tasty, and thanks for all the helpful remarks on the original recipe. I hope to try it soon. 🙂
The parchment paper charring was of concern so I did want to mention that. You just have a pan to clean! The recipe is a good way to use cauliflower 🙂
Good alternative to the chicken wing. I’ll have to try this recipe for a party.
I thought so too as I like chicken but only the breasts. Wings and thighs are not favorites! It’s a good recipe for the vegetarians or anyone who likes cauliflower 🙂
This looks fantastic and so healthy!
Thanks – I love fried food but it’s nice to have a healthier version of “chicken wings”.
Delicious crunchy dish. Thanks for sharing Aunt Judi
You’re welcome Ana – the baked cauliflower was delicious especially with the hot sauce coating and a dip 🙂
This looks super yummy, and great for parties and nibbles!
Perfect recipe for entertaining and so good using cauliflower!
What fun! I really need to make these! Too bad I didn’t know about these before the super bowl. Nah, just kidding, we didn’t watch it. What perfect munchies!
Cauliflower is so versatile and I love to use it in many recipes. You didn’t even tune in to watch half time or see any of the commercials? I’m not a football fan either except for my college team, University of Michigan.
No, I didn’t. I only like the Dallas Cowboys, so…..
What an awesome idea Judi, I just love this! Your wings look yummy too!
Thanks so much Antonia – this is one of my favorite ways to cook cauliflower 🙂