Tangy BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Highlighted under: Easy Cooking Recipes

Tangy BBQ Cauliflower Wings are a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional chicken wings, perfect for game day or a flavorful snack.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-04T23:14:30.556Z

These Tangy BBQ Cauliflower Wings offer a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch without the guilt. Perfectly baked and coated in a rich BBQ sauce, they make an ideal appetizer or a side dish for any gathering.

Why You'll Love These Wings

  • Crispy texture that satisfies wing cravings
  • Tangy BBQ sauce with a hint of sweetness
  • Great for parties, game days, or a healthy snack

The Perfect Game Day Snack

When it comes to game day snacks, Tangy BBQ Cauliflower Wings steal the spotlight. They offer all the flavors and excitement of traditional wings without the meat. Whether you're cheering for your favorite team or hosting a casual gathering, these cauliflower wings are sure to impress. Their crispy texture and zesty BBQ sauce make them not only a healthier option but also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

These wings are perfect for those looking to enjoy the festivities without sacrificing their dietary choices. You can serve them as a main dish or as appetizers alongside your favorite dips. Pair them with celery sticks and a creamy plant-based ranch for a complete experience that captures the essence of classic wing nights.

Health Benefits of Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Incorporating cauliflower into your diet can support heart health, improve digestion, and even aid in weight management. By choosing cauliflower wings over traditional chicken wings, you're making a smart choice that benefits your body while still indulging in delicious flavors.

Moreover, cauliflower is incredibly versatile and can be used in various recipes. It's low in calories and high in nutrients, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to eat healthier. By transforming this humble vegetable into wings, you're not just enjoying a tasty snack; you're also nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Tips for the Perfect Cauliflower Wings

To achieve the ultimate crispy texture, ensure that your cauliflower florets are well-coated in the batter. Don’t rush the dipping process—allow the excess batter to drip off before placing them on the baking sheet. This will help the wings crisp up nicely in the oven.

For an extra kick, consider adding some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the batter. This will give your wings a spicy twist that complements the tangy BBQ sauce beautifully. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to find the flavor profile that suits your taste buds best.

Ingredients

Cauliflower Wings

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup plant-based milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Make sure to use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.

Bake the Wings

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Add BBQ Sauce

Remove the cauliflower wings from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!

Enjoy your tangy, crispy cauliflower wings!

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Pro Tips

  • For extra crispiness, consider air frying the cauliflower wings instead of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Tangy BBQ Cauliflower Wings can be served in various ways, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. Serve them on a large platter with an assortment of colorful dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese, for a fun and interactive appetizer. You can also pair them with crunchy veggies like carrots and bell peppers to add freshness to your spread.

For a heartier meal, consider serving the wings over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutritious element to your meal. The contrast of crispy wings with fresh greens is a delightful combination that everyone will love.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store your Tangy BBQ Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, though the texture may soften slightly over time. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.

For those looking to prep ahead, you can prepare the cauliflower wings and coat them in the batter, then freeze them before baking. When you're ready to enjoy, simply bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly crispy wings.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your Tangy BBQ Cauliflower Wings! Try adding different seasonings to the batter, such as curry powder or Italian herbs, for a unique twist. You can also experiment with different sauces, like teriyaki or spicy mustard, to change things up and cater to varying tastes.

Another fun variation is to toss the baked cauliflower wings in a different sauce after baking. For example, you might try a buffalo sauce for a spicy kick or a honey mustard glaze for a sweet touch. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize your wings to suit any palate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use a different sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sauces like buffalo or teriyaki.

→ What can I serve these with?

These wings pair well with celery sticks, carrots, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Tangy BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Tangy BBQ Cauliflower Wings are a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional chicken wings, perfect for game day or a flavorful snack.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Easy Cooking Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Cauliflower Wings

  1. 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 1 cup plant-based milk
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  6. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  9. 1 cup BBQ sauce

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 02

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.

Step 03

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 04

Remove the cauliflower wings from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 05

Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!

Extra Tips

  1. For extra crispiness, consider air frying the cauliflower wings instead of baking.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 6g