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If you’re on the lookout for a dish that truly blows traditional appetizers out of the water, you have to try this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe! Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly sauced, these cauliflower wings bring all the fiery, tangy goodness of classic buffalo wings without any meat. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to add a delicious and healthy twist to your snack game, this recipe is an absolute must-have. The combination of a light, crispy batter, vibrant spices, and that irresistible buffalo BBQ sauce creates a treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making the perfect Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe. Each item plays a key role—flour and sparkling water create a crispy coating, spices add depth and warmth, and the sauces bring that signature punch of buffalo flavor and creamy balance.
- Cauliflower florets: Fresh and firm, the star of the show that crisps up beautifully without getting soggy.
- All-purpose flour: The base for our batter, ensuring a light yet crispy crust; gluten-free alternatives work wonderfully.
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of smokiness, elevating the overall flavor.
- Garlic salt: Perfectly balances savory notes throughout the batter and dressing.
- Onion powder: Brings depth and a touch of sweetness to the coating.
- Sparkling water: Creates a light, airy batter that clings beautifully to each floret.
- BBQ sauce: Gives a smoky, tangy base that blends perfectly with buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo sauce: The essential spicy kick that defines this recipe’s bold character.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the homemade dressing; vegan mayo is an easy swap for plant-based eating.
- Dried dill, parsley, and chives: Herbaceous accents that bring freshness and complexity to the buffalo ranch dressing.
- Ground black pepper: A subtle spicy note that keeps things lively in the dip.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, which will help the cauliflower get crispy without burning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things clean and ensure your cauliflower doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Craft the Buffalo Ranch Dressing
Mix together the mayonnaise, dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and a few spoonfuls of buffalo sauce to make an irresistible dressing. Pop it in the fridge so the flavors marry nicely while you move on to the wings themselves.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Batter
In a big mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, and sparkling water. Stir until you have a thick, smooth batter just thinner than pancake batter. It should coat but not drip uncontrollably from the cauliflower.
Step 4: Dip and Arrange the Cauliflower
One by one, dunk each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it evenly, then place it on your parchment-lined baking sheet. This step ensures every bite is crispy and flavorful.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy
Bake the coated florets for 45 to 55 minutes, spraying halfway through to help them crisp up without drying out. The result is a golden, crunchy shell that still preserves the tender cauliflower inside.
Step 6: Prepare the Buffalo BBQ Sauce
While the cauliflower bakes, gently warm the BBQ and buffalo sauces together over medium heat. This blend creates a complex, spicy, and slightly sweet coating that perfectly complements the crispy bites.
Step 7: Toss, Serve, and Enjoy!
Once baked, toss the crispy cauliflower wings in the warm Buffalo BBQ sauce and plate them up immediately. Serve with that cool buffalo ranch dressing on the side for dipping — it’s pure magic.
How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh herb garnish like chopped parsley or chives gives a pop of color and freshness that brightens the bold sauce. Sprinkle some celery salt over the dressing for an extra savory touch, too.
Side Dishes
These wings pair beautifully with crisp celery sticks or crunchy carrot sticks to balance heat with freshness. Creamy coleslaw or a simple green salad rounds out the meal perfectly without overpowering the wings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauce scattered around. You can also try stacking them high in a deep dish for finger food parties or alongside sliders for a fun, finger-licking feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to deepen, and you can always reheat them for a quick snack or meal.
Freezing
If you want to save these wings for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cauliflower wings will keep up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you need them.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy texture, reheat the wings in a 375°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crunchy — the oven does all the magic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe?
Fresh cauliflower works best because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely. Frozen cauliflower tends to be too watery and may not get crispy, so fresh is definitely recommended for the best results.
Is this recipe vegan friendly?
Absolutely! Just swap out the mayonnaise for a high-quality vegan mayo, and ensure your buffalo sauce is vegan. That way, everyone can enjoy these flavorful wings without missing a beat.
How spicy are these wings?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Most buffalo sauces have a moderate heat that’s flavorful without being overwhelming, but you can adjust by adding more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make these wings gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free 1:1 flour substitute like Bob’s Red Mill or Cup4Cup, and double-check your buffalo and BBQ sauces for gluten-free labels. This swap keeps them delicious and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What’s the best way to make the wings extra crispy?
Using sparkling water in the batter is a key secret for crispiness, along with spraying them halfway through baking. Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet so the heat circulates well around each floret.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong making this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe. It’s comforting, exciting, and downright addictive all at once. Whether you’re serving guests, prepping game day snacks, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers big on flavor and fun. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy veggies with a kick!
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Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy baked Buffalo cauliflower wings coated in a spicy Buffalo BBQ sauce and served with a creamy Buffalo ranch dressing. This vegetarian appetizer mimics the flavors and texture of traditional chicken wings, making it a perfect snack or party dish that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 head of cauliflower (cut into florets, do not use frozen)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (For gluten-free, use gluten-free 1:1 flour like Bob’s Red Mill or Cup4Cup)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup sparkling water (Or use gluten-free beer.)
- Nonstick spray for baking sheet and cauliflower
Buffalo BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup Buffalo sauce (Check for gluten-free if required.)
Buffalo Ranch Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (For vegan dressing, use a vegan mayo.)
- 3 tablespoons Buffalo sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Make Buffalo ranch dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Buffalo sauce, dried dill, dried parsley, dried chives, garlic salt, onion powder, and ground black pepper until smooth. Refrigerate this dressing until ready to serve for a chilled, creamy dip.
- Prepare batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, and sparkling water. Whisk until smooth and thick but slightly thinner than pancake batter. If needed, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to achieve the right consistency that will cling to the cauliflower.
- Batter the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret individually into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then place them on the prepared baking sheet evenly spaced. Repeat until all florets are coated and arranged.
- Bake the cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the cauliflower wings are very crispy. About halfway through baking, remove the sheet and lightly spray the florets with nonstick spray to encourage even crisping, then return to the oven.
- Make Buffalo BBQ sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine the BBQ sauce and Buffalo sauce in a small pot over medium heat. Warm gently until heated through but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Toss cauliflower in sauce and serve: Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, transfer the florets to a large bowl and toss thoroughly with the warmed Buffalo BBQ sauce. Serve immediately with the chilled Buffalo ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen for best texture.
- Adjust the batter consistency by adding water gradually to ensure it coats the cauliflower well.
- Spraying the cauliflower with nonstick spray mid-baking helps achieve extra crispiness.
- For a vegan version, substitute vegan mayonnaise and confirm the Buffalo and BBQ sauces are vegan.
- The gluten-free version can be made by using gluten-free flour and checking dipping sauces for gluten content.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
