The Best Homemade Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
If you’re looking for a snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, this buffalo cauliflower recipe is a winner. You’ll love how it brings the zesty taste of buffalo wings to a healthy veggie, making it perfect for game day or a quick bite. First, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients. Second, the crispy texture and tangy sauce combo are downright addictive. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser, even for those who aren’t big veggie fans!
Recipe
Buffalo cauliflower is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, offering the same spicy, tangy flavor without the meat. This recipe transforms cauliflower into crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect for game day or as a snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to form a batter.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off excess, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss baked cauliflower in the sauce until fully coated.
- Return to the oven for 5 minutes to crisp further.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes:
- For extra crispiness, use an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for desired spiciness.
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4-6 people
Nutrition
Buffalo cauliflower is a nutritious alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my buffalo cauliflower with cool, creamy dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat. For sides, I often go with crunchy celery sticks or a simple green salad to keep it light and fresh. Sometimes, I’ll even toss in some garlic breadsticks for a satisfying crunch.
Dipping Sauces
While I’m all about that spicy buffalo flavor, pairing it with the right dipping sauce can take this dish to the next level. For me, a classic blue cheese dressing is a must—it’s creamy, tangy, and cools down the heat perfectly. If you’re not a blue cheese fan, ranch is an easy go-to that works just as well. For something a little different, try a zesty yogurt-based dip with a squeeze of lemon or a smoky chipotle sauce. Even a simple drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add a sweet contrast to the spice. Each dip brings its own twist, making every bite exciting!
Side Dishes
Pairing your homemade buffalo cauliflower with the right sides can turn it into a meal that’s both satisfying and balanced. I love serving it with crisp celery sticks and carrot slices—they add a revitalizing crunch that balances the spicy kick. A cool ranch or blue cheese dressing dip is a classic choice to mellow the heat. For something heartier, I’ll add a simple green salad or roasted sweet potatoes. Sometimes, I’ll even whip up a quick batch of garlic Parmesan fries for extra comfort. Each option complements the bold flavors, making the dish feel complete and enjoyable for everyone.
