Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower with Creamy Wing Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings, look no further! Our Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower with Creamy Wing Sauce recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while offering a delightful twist. The crispy, baked cauliflower florets drizzled with hot honey, paired with a rich and creamy wing sauce, create a dish that is irresistible and perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even a light meal.

Ingredients

For the Crunchy Baked Cauliflower

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup water or plant-based milk (almond or oat milk works well)
• 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)*

For the Creamy Wing Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cauliflower

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower: In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the water or plant-based milk until you have a smooth batter.

3. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. Place the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Baking the Cauliflower

1. Bake: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning the florets halfway through to ensure even cooking.

2. Hot Honey Topping: Once the cauliflower is baked, remove it from the oven and drizzle the hot honey over the top, allowing it to soak into the florets.

Step 3: Making the Creamy Wing Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

2. Taste and Adjust: Give your sauce a taste and adjust the heat level if necessary by adding additional hot sauce.

Step 4: Serving

1. Plate it Up: Serve the crunchy baked hot honey cauliflower on a platter, drizzled with the creamy wing sauce or served alongside for dipping.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Success

• For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or more hot sauce to the batter.
• You can also experiment with different types of hot honey or even make your own by infusing honey with chili flakes.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a true wing experience.

Conclusion

Our Crunchy Baked Hot Honey Cauliflower with Creamy Wing Sauce is a delightful recipe that brings together the crunch of baked cauliflower with the sweet and spicy notes of hot honey, finished off with a creamy, zesty sauce. Whether you serve it as an appetizer for game day or as a healthy snack, this dish is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this flavorful alternative!