This copycat Chick-Fil-A cauliflower sandwich delivers that iconic chicken sandwich flavor while keeping things 100% vegetarian. It’s crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned (oh… and it’s super quick and easy to make at home!).

A Crispy Masterpiece

When Chick-Fil-A rolled out its fried cauliflower sandwich, it caused quite the stir (only to vanish from their menu just as quickly). No need to panic, though!

We’ve cracked the code on the infamous Chick-Fil-A cauliflower sandwich so that you can recreate all that crispy, tangy deliciousness right in your own kitchen—no drive-thru lines required.

This cauliflower sandwich recipe nails everything you love about the original: crispy breading, tangy pickles, and that signature sauce that takes it over the top. It’s crunchy, plant-based magic, friends. Let’s cook!

Reader rating

★★★★★

“This recipe made my vegetarian heart SO happy. It was crunchy, super flavorful yet so tender. We used sweet relish in place of pickles because that’s what we had on hand and it was incredible. Everyone, including meat eaters, should give this a try! Thank you for this recipe!” —Colleen

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Let’s Talk Ingredients

These copycat Chick-Fil-A cauliflower sandwiches have a few ingredients that may seem a little weird, but trust me on this one. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements!

Cauliflower: We’ll use cauliflower as our chicken substitute, which provides a hearty base that soaks up the marinade like a sponge.
Pickle Juice: Our secret marinade ingredient! Pickle juice adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the cauliflower, making it juicy and succulent.
Buttermilk: Adds a creamy tanginess to the marinade that balances the pickle juice. It also helps soften the cauliflower. If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
Egg: This is essential for binding the breading to the cauliflower. The egg acts as a glue, keeping the crispy coating attached during frying. For a vegan version, try aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas).
Salt And MSG: Salt enhances the flavors of the cauliflower, while MSG adds an umami boost (MSG can usually be found in the spice aisle of your grocery store or at specialty Asian markets). If you’re not an MSG fan, leave it out, but it’s a key player in emulating the Chick-Fil-A taste.
Breading: The breading mix—flour, cornstarch, powdered sugar, paprika, pepper, and baking soda—creates that iconic crispy, golden crust.
Peanut Oil: Peanut oil’s high smoke point makes it ideal for frying. And because Chick-fil-A uses this oil, we’re using it, too!

Peanut Allergies?

Fun fact: refined peanut oil is typically safe for most people with peanut allergies since refining removes the proteins that trigger allergic reactions (speaking from experience here as someone with a lifelong peanut allergy!). That said, always check with your doctor before making any decisions—better safe than sorry!

These Sandwiches Are So Easy To Make

Once you get the hang of breading and frying, these sandwiches are super simple to whip up! Jump to the recipe card for the full printable instructions.

Step 1: Cut The Cauliflower
Remove the leaves from the heads of cauliflower, leaving most of the stems intact as they hold everything together. Cut them into 1-inch steaks – aim for a total of 6 cauliflower slabs.

Cauliflower on a blue background. — The middle sections will remain more intact, while the ends may crumble, so using two heads ensures you have enough intact slabs for the sandwiches.

Step 2: Marinate The Cauliflower
Whisk the marinade ingredients (pickle juice, buttermilk, egg, salt, and MSG) in a large bowl. Gently add the cauliflower slabs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Cauliflower in a bowl of buttermilk. — Let the cauliflower soak in the marinade while you proceed with the next steps, letting the flavors infuse and work their magic.

Step 3: Prep Breading And Oil
Mix the breading ingredients in a separate bowl. Heat the peanut oil in a large pan or shallow pot until it reaches 365°F (185°C).

Step 4: Bread The Cauliflower
Working in batches, shake off excess buttermilk from each cauliflower slab before transferring it to the breading mixture. Ensure both sides are firmly pressed into the breading, ensuring a generous coating. Place the cauliflower on a plate after breading until ready to fry.

Cauliflower in a bowl of flour — The breading blend will create the iconic crispy texture and mouthwatering taste of the Chick-Fil-A cauliflower sandwich.

Step 5: Fry The Cauliflower
Carefully lower the breaded cauliflower into the hot peanut oil with metal tongs. Fry the slabs in batches, flipping them once during cooking to achieve an evenly golden brown and crispy texture.

Frying cauliflower. — Keep an eye on the oil temperature to prevent it from getting too hot or cold, which can affect the texture. (A candy thermometer will help you monitor it more accurately!)

Fried cauliflower on a paper towel. — Transfer the fried cauliflower pieces to a cookie rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve Your Sandwiches
Serve the crispy cauliflower slabs immediately on burger buns, topped with Chick-fil-A sauce and pickles!

Recipe tips

Extra Crispy: For an ultra-crispy coating, follow the breading sequence twice.

Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the cauliflower slabs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Too many pieces at once will lower the oil temperature, resulting in a soggy crust instead of the golden, crunchy exterior you’re after.

Switch Up The Filling: While cauliflower is great here, you could try pressed firm tofu or oyster mushrooms instead!

Let’s Get Saucy: The classic Chick-fil-A sauce is always a great choice, but feel free to shake things up! Try spicy mayo, ranch, or garlic aioli for a tasty twist.

4.75 from 4 votes

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