Dave's NOT Chicken Mini Sliders (Cauli)
The vegetarian take on Dave's Mini Sliders — a 4-pack of fried cauliflower on potato buns with kale slaw, pickles, and Dave's Sauce, at all seven heat levels. Same crunch, same Nashville spice, no chicken.
About the Dave's NOT Chicken Mini Sliders (Cauli)
Dave's NOT Chicken Mini Sliders deliver the full Nashville hot experience without the meat. Each of the four sliders swaps the fried chicken for a breaded, fried cauliflower piece, then layers it onto a soft potato bun with cool kale slaw, dill pickles, and Dave's Sauce. The cauliflower picks up the cayenne-forward spice rub just like the chicken does, so the flavor and heat read remarkably close to the original.
With all seven heat levels available, the Cauli Mini Sliders are a genuine option for vegetarians who don't want to settle for a side salad. The breading delivers the same satisfying crunch, and the potato bun and kale slaw buffer the heat the same way they do on the chicken version. Note that while the sliders are vegetarian, the batter and slaw dressing contain dairy and eggs, so they aren't vegan.
What's Inside the Dave's NOT Chicken Mini Sliders (Cauli)
Fried Cauliflower
Four pieces of cauliflower, battered and fried to a golden, crunchy crust, then dusted with the Nashville spice rub at your chosen heat level. The batter contains dairy and eggs.
Potato Buns
Soft, slightly sweet potato buns toasted to hold their shape — the same buns as the chicken sliders. The sweetness balances the cayenne spice rub.
Kale Slaw
Cool, tangy, slightly creamy slaw that contrasts the heat and adds crunch. It's the best built-in heat buffer in any Dave's slider.
Dill Pickles
Crisp, briny pickle slices that cut richness and reset the palate between bites.
Dave's Sauce
The signature creamy, tangy sauce swiped onto every bun, tying the slider together and tempering the heat.
The 7 Dave's Spice Levels
Every tender and slider comes in one of seven heat levels at no extra cost. The heat builds as you eat — order one level below what you think you can handle.
No Spice
Pure crispy flavor — golden, crunchy, zero heat. Great for kids.
Lite Mild
A gentle whisper of warmth — very manageable for spice-sensitive eaters.
Mild
Flavor-forward with a friendly kick. A safe first-timer choice.
Medium 🔥
The crowd favorite — real Nashville balance of flavor and burn.
Hot
Where the chili heat kicks in hard. The seasoning really sings.
Extra Hot
Intentional, lingering heat. Order this one on purpose.
Reaper ☠️
Carolina Reaper extract — most locations require a signed waiver.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Estimated values — may vary by location and preparation.
How to Customize
Free Heat, Any Level
All seven spice levels are included at no charge, from No Spice to Reaper. Set the whole 4-pack to one level or mix where your location allows.
Add Cheese
Melt cheese onto the cauli sliders for extra richness and a dairy buffer that softens the spice at higher levels.
Extra Dave's Sauce (+$0.50)
Order extra sauce on the side for dipping and re-saucing — the easiest way to fine-tune the heat across all four sliders.
Extra Pickles
Ask for extra dill pickles for more briny crunch and acid contrast against the spice rub.
Make It a Combo
Add fries to turn the 4-pack into the Cauli Mini Sliders w/ Fries for a complete meatless meal.
Best Pairings
Crinkle-Cut Fries
The classic side. Salty, neutral fries reset the palate between sliders and keep the cauliflower's spice rub front and center.
Classic Combo
Kale Slaw
A dedicated side of slaw adds cool, tangy cooldown bites — the most reliable heat buffer on the menu.
Best Pairing
Dave's Sauce
An extra side of the signature sauce for dipping. It modulates the heat and amplifies the creamy tang on every bite.
Must OrderVanilla Shake
For Medium and above, cold dairy fat is the best capsaicin neutralizer. Sip between sliders to keep the heat enjoyable.
Spice ReliefFrequently Asked Questions
How much do the Cauli Mini Sliders cost?
Dave's NOT Chicken Mini Sliders (Cauli) cost $7.99 for a 4-pack at most Dave's Hot Chicken locations in 2026 — the same price as the chicken version. Each slider includes a potato bun, kale slaw, pickles, and Dave's Sauce.
Are the Cauli Mini Sliders vegetarian?
Yes — the cauliflower replaces the chicken, making them vegetarian. However, they are not vegan: the batter and slaw dressing contain dairy and eggs, and the buns are not vegan. If you avoid all animal products, the Cauli Mini Sliders are not suitable.
How many calories are in the Cauli Mini Sliders?
A 4-pack of Cauli Mini Sliders contains approximately 620 calories total — roughly 155 per slider. This is an estimate that varies by location and preparation. The cauliflower version is a bit lower in protein and calories than the chicken version.
Do the Cauli Mini Sliders come in all seven heat levels?
Yes — all seven spice levels, from No Spice to Reaper, are available at no extra charge. The cauliflower takes the Nashville spice rub just like the chicken does, so the heat experience is nearly identical.
Are the Cauli Mini Sliders fried separately from the chicken?
Fryer setups vary by location, so the cauliflower may share fryer oil with breaded chicken. If you have a dietary or cross-contact concern, ask your local store about their frying setup before ordering.
Are the Cauli Mini Sliders gluten-free?
No. The cauliflower batter and the potato buns both contain wheat, so the sliders are not gluten-free and aren't suitable for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.
