Barbecue cauliflower wings

Tips: Perfecting barbecue cauliflower wings

Use our recipe to make the best cauliflower wings. If you need a bit of help, read our tips below to ensure you get the most delicious result and impress everyone you serve.

Get the perfect crisp

For ultimate crispiness, the batter must strike the right balance; thick enough to coat the cauliflower yet thin enough to spread evenly. Bake until golden, flipping them halfway to ensure that they crisp up evenly. A final glaze of barbecue sauce seals in the flavour without making them soggy. You can also spray a light coat of oil before returning the wings to the oven for a caramelised finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest, crunchiest bite.

Use your favourite barbecue sauce

Choose a barbecue sauce that complements the delicate taste of cauliflower. Opt for a store-bought sauce or make your own to personalise the flavour. Whether you like your sauce sweet, smoky, or spicy, pick one that caramelises well during baking, looking for options with a good balance of sugars like honey or molasses for that sticky, glossy finish.

Smoky barbecue cauliflower wings

The smoky, sweet flavours of these crispy barbecue cauliflower wings are an indulgent alternative to traditional chicken wings. Each bite begins with a crunchy golden shell, hiding a tender, juicy core of cauliflower. The smoky barbecue sauce adds depth, blending sweet, tangy, and spicy notes into a satisfying finish, and paired with a refreshing lemon and white cheese dipping sauce, it is simply irresistible.

Delicious crispy edges and spicy, sweet flavours

The seasoned batter coats each floret, sealing in the cauliflower’s natural moisture while baking and creating irresistibly crispy edges. As the heat works its magic, the cauliflower itself remains tender inside, offering a soft contrast to the crisp, golden shell. Enjoy how every bite starts with a satisfying crunch before giving way to the delicate, slightly sweet taste of the cauliflower.

The smoky barbecue glaze clings to the crisped edges, caramelising as it bakes and adding a rich, sticky sweetness. The spice of the sauce plays delicately with the cauliflower’s mild flavour, resulting in a captivating interplay between heat and sweetness.

Lemon and white cheese dipping sauce

Our lemon and white cheese dipping sauce is the best match for the bold cauliflower wings, offering a tangy, creamy contrast to their smoky flavour. The garlic-infused white cheese brings a rich, savoury touch, while the smooth sour cream and mayonnaise give the sauce a silky texture. Adding lemon zest inserts a refreshing citrus kick, cutting through the richness. With the addition of oregano and thyme, the dip introduces a subtle, aromatic complexity, tying all the flavours together and making every bite even more delicious.

A tasty vegetable take on classic chicken wings

Our cauliflower wings with barbecue sauce reinvent the idea of finger food with a fresh, vegetable take. The natural flavour of cauliflower takes on a whole new dimension, creating a satisfying bite that mirrors the indulgence of classic wings. Each piece offers a delicious blend of textures, delivering the familiar essence of bold, smoky, and savoury flavours typically associated with wings.

Ideal for game-day gatherings or casual get-togethers, these easy wings add a fun twist to your menu, offering something familiar but distinctly different. Serve with our lemon and white cheese dipping sauce, and for a big gathering, bring out your other favourite sauces to serve alongside it. Whether served as a party snack or alongside your favourite dishes, they provide a crowd-pleasing option that is simple to serve and sure to delight.

Explore our other recipes, which are ideal for snack time or serving a crowd. Try our hummus flatbread, corn fritters, chicken fajitas, Mexican tostadas, paneer skewers, or crispy filo pastry triangles.

Experiment with the recipe

Unleash your creativity with these simple yet delicious variations. For a fresh twist, try adding herbs like fresh basil or chives to the batter to complement the smokiness of the barbecue sauce and provide a bright, aromatic note.

You can also experiment with textures by incorporating different types of breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crispy coating, but for something different, try mixing in crushed cornflakes or even lightly toasted oats.

Finally, mix things up with your barbecue sauce. Consider adding a dash of honey or maple syrup for a sweet, sticky glaze or stir in some finely chopped garlic and a tablespoon of smoked paprika for an intense, smoky aroma.