Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy snack. They perfectly combine crispy textures with spicy flavors, making them suitable for game day gatherings, casual get-togethers, or simply as a tasty treat. What sets these wings apart is their light batter and the tangy buffalo sauce that adds a kick to every bite. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: These wings bake up golden and crunchy without frying.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for game day, parties, or as a healthy snack option.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and buffalo sauce delivers a bold taste that everyone will love.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A great alternative to traditional chicken wings without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings effectively, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets: Ensure even cooking and crispiness by providing ample space for the florets.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making cleanup hassle-free.
- Large mixing bowl: Allows easy mixing of the batter without spills.
- Spatula: Great for flipping the wings without breaking them.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup water
For the Cauliflower Wings
- 1 large cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into large florets
- Buffalo sauce, for brushing
Optional Dipping Sauce
- Ranch dressing, vegan ranch, or blue cheese dressing
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature will help achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheets
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the following:
1. Flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Garlic powder
4. Onion powder
5. Paprika
6. Sea salt
Once combined, add the water gradually until you have a smooth batter.
Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to your batter:
1. Stir until all florets are evenly coated.
2. Lift each floret from the batter and let excess drip back into the bowl.
3. Arrange them in a single layer on prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake First Round
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. After this time, carefully flip each floret using your spatula.
Step 6: Bake Second Round
Continue baking for another 10 minutes while rotating the pans between oven racks for even cooking.
Step 7: Add Buffalo Sauce
Remove from oven and brush each floret generously with buffalo sauce.
Step 8: Final Bake
Return to oven and bake for an additional 12–15 minutes or until they are browned and crisp around edges.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Take out of the oven and brush with more buffalo sauce if desired. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply indulging in a snack at home, these crispy delights pair well with various accompaniments.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: This classic pairing provides a creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who enjoy bold flavors, blue cheese dressing adds a tangy element to the wings.
- Vegan Ranch: A great option for plant-based eaters, vegan ranch delivers the same creamy goodness without dairy.
On a Salad
- Buffalo Cauliflower Salad: Toss your baked buffalo cauliflower wings over a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a hearty salad.
- Cauliflower Wing Wrap: Wrap the cauliflower wings in lettuce with some crunchy veggies for a low-carb meal.
As Part of a Platter
- Snack Platter: Include your cauliflower wings on a platter with assorted veggies, chips, and dips for an enticing snack spread.
- Game Day Spread: Serve alongside other appetizers like buffalo chicken dip or nachos to create a festive atmosphere.
For Meal Prep
- Meal Prep Bowls: Add roasted cauliflower wings to meal prep containers with grains like quinoa or rice for easy lunches throughout the week.
How to Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
To make sure your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh florets will yield better texture and flavor compared to older ones.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It helps create that extra crispy coating, so be sure to include it in your batter.
- Preheat Your Oven Properly: A hot oven is essential for achieving that golden brown color and crispiness.
- Flip Halfway Through Baking: Turning the florets ensures even cooking and crispness on all sides.
- Add Extra Sauce Before Serving: Brush on more buffalo sauce after baking if you like it extra spicy!
- Serve Immediately: These wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re still crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings can stand alone, but they also shine when paired with side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Celery Sticks: A classic crunchy side that balances out the spice of buffalo sauce.
- Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy, carrots offer a refreshing contrast to the heat.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty complement to your wings.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or steamed corn adds sweetness and texture for a satisfying meal.
- Coleslaw: A creamy slaw can help cool down the spice while adding crunch.
- Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, cucumber salad offers a nice palate cleanser between bites of spicy wings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure a crispy texture.
- Using the wrong flour: Substituting all-purpose flour with another type may affect the batter’s consistency. Stick to all-purpose flour for best results.
- Overcrowding the baking sheets: Placing too many florets on a sheet can cause steaming instead of crisping. Bake in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation.
- Skipping the flipping step: Failing to flip the cauliflower can result in uneven browning. Be sure to turn them halfway through baking for even crispiness.
- Forgetting to brush with buffalo sauce: Neglecting this crucial step means missing out on that signature flavor. Brush generously before the final bake for maximum taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Place cooled wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use frozen cauliflower for Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just thaw and pat it dry before coating with batter.
How spicy are Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce used. For milder wings, choose a less spicy sauce or mix it with butter.
Can I make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
What should I serve with Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
They pair well with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for dipping.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a fantastic appetizer that brings joy and flavor to any gathering. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different sauces or dips, making them perfect for game day or casual snacking. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these irresistible bites!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 wings 1x
Description
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the ultimate game day snack, combining crispy, golden cauliflower with a fiery buffalo sauce. These vegetarian delights are not only healthier than traditional chicken wings but also bursting with flavor, making them perfect for parties or just a casual treat at home. The light batter gives these wings an irresistible crunch that’s complemented by the tangy heat of buffalo sauce. Serve them hot with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for a mouthwatering appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 large cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
- Buffalo sauce for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Gradually add water until smooth.
- Coat cauliflower florets in the batter and place them on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each floret and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Brush with buffalo sauce and bake for an additional 12–15 minutes until crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 wings (150g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
