Dave’s Hot Chicken Cauliflower
Overview
Dave’s Hot Chicken has rolled out a plant-based menu item named “Dave’s Not Chicken,” offering crispy cauliflower sliders and bite-sized pieces for those looking for a meat-free choice.
Dave’s Hot offers three different varieties of cauliflower. The available cauliflower items include:
Spice Levels
Customize your cauliflower dishes with one of seven spice levels:
Reaper: Extremely hot; made with the Carolina Reaper pepper. Note: Customers must sign a waiver before ordering this level due to its intensity.
No Spice: No heat; ideal for those who prefer the natural flavors.
Lite Mild: Very mild heat; a gentle introduction to spice.
Mild: Noticeable warmth; balanced spice level.
Medium: Moderate kick; for those who enjoy a bit more heat.
Hot: Significant spiciness; a bold choice for spice enthusiasts.
Extra Hot: Intense heat; for those who like it very spicy.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Cauliflower Menu
Dave’s Hot Chicken has added some new cauliflower items to the menu. They’re a great pick if you’re skipping meat but still want something packed with flavor.
You can choose from these cauliflower options:
- Cauliflower Slider: A golden, crispy cauliflower bite rests on a fluffy potato bun. It’s layered with fresh kale slaw, crunchy pickles, and finished with a drizzle of Dave’s signature sauce for that extra kick of flavor.
- Cauliflower Tender: Golden-brown cauliflower tenders with a crunchy coating, served alongside fresh-cut bread and zesty pickles for a perfect bite.
- Cauliflower Bites: You get small bits of crispy cauliflower that are breaded and fried. They come with some slices of bread and a few pickles on the side.
| Item | Description | Spice Levels Available | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cauli Dave’s #1: 2 Cauli Tenders w/ Fries | 800–1000 | $16.99 | Cauliflower tenders served with sliced bread, pickles, and a side of Dave’s sauce. |
| Cauli Dave’s #2: 2 Cauli Sliders w/ Fries | 1000–1200 | $18.99 | Cauliflower sliders on a potato bun with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave’s sauce. |
| Cauli Dave’s #3: 1 Cauli Tender & 1 Cauli Slider w/ Fries | 900–1100 | $17.99 | Combo of one tender and one slider, each with their respective accompaniments. |
| Cauli Dave’s #4: 1 Cauli Slider w/ Fries | 700–900 | $12.49 | Single cauliflower slider with fries. |
| Single Cauli Tender | 300–400 | $7.99 | Served with sliced bread, pickles, and a side of Dave’s sauce. |
| Single Cauli Slider | 620–680 | $8.99 | Served on a potato bun with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave’s sauce. |
| 10 pc. Cauliflower Tender Bites | 500–700 | $6.99 | Bite-sized cauliflower pieces with a slice of bread and Dave’s sauce. |
| 10 pc. Cauliflower Tender Bites w/ Fries | 800–1100 | $9.99 | Tender bites served with fries, bread, and Dave’s sauce. |
Cauliflower Nutrition Information
| Item | Total Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cauli Dave’s #1: 2 Cauli Tenders w/ Fries | 35 | 98 | 13 | 2050 |
| Cauli Dave’s #2: 2 Cauli Sliders w/ Fries | 1000–1200 | $18.99 | – | — |
| Cauli Dave’s #3: 1 Cauli Tender & 1 Cauli Slider w/ Fries | 900–1100 | $17.99 | 40 | — |
| Cauli Dave’s #4: 1 Cauli Slider w/ Fries | 700–900 | $12.49 | 15 | 1600 |
| Single Cauli Tender | 300–400 | $7.99 | 35 | 1400 |
| Single Cauli Slider | 620–680 | $8.99 | 31 | 1150 |
| 10 pc. Cauliflower Tender Bites | 500–700 | $6.99 | 5–7 | 950 |
| 10 pc. Cauliflower Tender Bites w/ Fries | 800–1100 | $9.99 | 13–19 | 2150 |
Cauli Slider Nutrition Facts Per Slider
While exact nutritional values may vary, here are approximate figures for the cauliflower slider and combo:
| Nutrient | Amount (per slider) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~680 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~32 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~63 g |
| Protein | ~32 g |
| Sodium | ~1,262 mg |
| Sugars | ~7.9 g |
Cauli Slider with Fries
A crispy, breaded cauliflower patty served on a toasted potato bun, topped with house-made kale slaw, pickles, and drizzled with Dave’s signature sauce. Accompanied by a side of seasoned fries.
Price: $12.49
Calories: Approximately 700–900 kcal
Dave’s Cauli Items – Allergen Information
| Allergen | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheat/Gluten | Present in the breading and bun. |
| Soy | Possible in frying oil and some sauces. |
| Milk (Dairy) | May be present in slaw dressing and sauce. |
| Egg | Likely used in batter or sauces. |
| Peanuts | Not typically used, but cross-contamination is possible. |
| Tree Nuts | Not listed in ingredients but caution is advised. |
| Fish/Shellfish | Not part of menu offerings. |
Highlights from Customer Reviews
Authentic Taste and Texture: Nancy Luna from Business Insider lauded the spicy cauliflower sandwich as “the best plant-based item I’ve ever tried at a fast-food restaurant”.
Impressive Imitation: Cauliflower sliders did a commendable job imitating the texture of chicken, with a crispy exterior and tender interio.
Flavorful Seasoning: Not Chicken offerings, especially the sandwich, delivered a pleasant, lingering spice without being overpowering, and the combination of kale slaw, pickles.
Positive Surprises: Drugstore Divas noted that, despite being slightly under-seasoned, the sandwich was delicious, with a crispy breading.
Related FAQs
Is the cauliflower at Dave’s Hot Chicken spicy?
Yes, you can make the cauliflower spicy! There are 7 spice levels you can pick from: No Spice, Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra Hot, and Reaper.
Is Dave’s Hot Chicken cauliflower vegan?
The cauliflower comes from plants, but it’s fried in the same oil used for chicken. The sauce has both dairy and eggs, so it’s not fully vegan. Still, if you’re vegetarian, it’s a solid option.
What comes with the cauliflower slider?
This plant-based slider delivers bold flavor with a golden, crunch-coated cauliflower patty, complemented by sharp pickles and a smooth layer of Dave’s signature sauce.
Can I order a cauliflower combo at Dave’s Hot Chicken?
Enjoy a satisfying combo featuring either cauliflower sliders or tenders, thoughtfully paired with crispy fries and a beverage of your choice.
