Description
Crispy, spicy cauliflower sliders inspired by the famous hot chicken flavor, layered with creamy coleslaw and tangy pickles inside soft brioche buns. A bold, crunchy, plant-based twist that delivers heat, texture, and pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower, about 4 cups, cut into bite sized florets
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying or 2 tablespoons if baking
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 8 mini brioche buns
- 2 cups prepared coleslaw
- 16 pickle slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F if baking, or heat oil in a deep skillet to 350 degrees F if frying.
- In one bowl mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl whisk buttermilk and hot sauce. Place panko in a third bowl.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment if baking, or ensure oil is at proper temperature for frying.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, then coat generously in panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25 minutes flipping halfway through, or fry in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a small saucepan, stir in cayenne pepper and brown sugar. Brush this spicy mixture evenly over the cooked cauliflower.
- Lightly toast the brioche buns. Layer with coleslaw, spicy cauliflower, and pickle slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature.
- Press the panko firmly onto the florets to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: copycat hot chicken cauliflower sliders, spicy cauliflower sliders, crispy vegetarian sliders, Nashville style cauliflower, plant based sliders
