Birds Eye Frozen Appetizer Taste Test

In the latest installment of taste-testing intriguing frozen things, I try two Birds Eye appetizers: Cheddar Broccoli Bake and Buffalo Cauliflower Wings.

Each cost around $4 at Target.

For these taste tests I don’t care if the food is healthy or trendy or beautiful. I care about the ultimate question. . . but is it good?

Cheddar Broccoli Bake

We’ve all had a vegetable side dish like this at a holiday or church basement lunch the midwest. .. . some kind of frozen or canned vegetable baked in a creamy sauce with something crunchy on top. I like these types of casseroles. I LOVE canned green bean casserole so naturally I’m the perfect person to comment on this dish.

The ingredient list is actually quite simple and concise. I baked it in the oven to give it a fighting chance.

Baking definitely crisps the edges and topping. The cheese sauce lacks depth but is ultimately fine and the broccoli, well, tastes like cooked frozen broccoli florets . This is a quick vegetable side dish, a good source of fiber, and unoffensive. The baby really liked it. Ultimately, it’s fine, it’s just fine.

Cauliflower Wings – Buffalo Style

Cauliflower wings – a true structural feat. Probably best enjoyed fresh from the fryer. Apt to get soggy and steamy. Rarely survives takeout.

Is a frozen cauliflower wing product too good to be true?

The best cauliflower wings I’ve had are from J Selby and they were even take-out! Their secret must lie in not frying completely cooked cauliflower.

I was surprised when I dumped out the bag and only found six pieces of cauliflower in completely different sizes. They ranged from the size of my fist to teeny-tiny.

I baked them per instructions and tossed immediately in the thawed buffalo sauce.

The cauliflower nuggets sogged immediately causing the breading to crumble away as I gently tossed hem.

I took a bite and found a smushy and mealy texture. Even with the buffalo sauce, they tasted kind of bland. Two bites was enough. The tiniest crispy wing was ok. Jake passed.

Someone online suggested air-frying the nuggets which makes sense. Another suggested adding your own sauce.

I have passed on the air fryer mainly because I simply don’t want to store another kitchen thing.

I was hopeful about the concept, but no, I don’t think these are good.

3 Comments

  1. Liz

    My favorite way to eat cauli wings are at a restaurant, where they do the breading and deep frying for you. At home, I crank the oven up to 450, then toss cauliflower florets in Franks Wings sauce and some extra garlic powder. Bake until browned on one side, then toss and bake until more browned, probably 30 minutes or so. It’s not the same but it’s mighty tasty!

  2. Marge

    I tried the cauliflower in the air-fryer. Not good. I had the same packaging experience – two giant pieces and 4-5 medium to small pieces. A waste of money for this product.

  3. Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids

    Bummer on the Buffalo Cauliflower appetizer. I’ve never had anything like that before but now am going to have to try at home.

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