Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the ultimate game day snack or appetizer for any occasion. Crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, they provide a fantastic vegetarian alternative to traditional wings. Coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and served with your favorite dipping sauce, these wings are sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy them as a healthy snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The baking method ensures these wings come out perfectly crispy without the need for frying.
- Packed with Flavor: A blend of spices and tangy buffalo sauce makes every bite burst with flavor.
- Healthy Alternative: These wings are lower in calories compared to traditional chicken wings, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even as part of a main dish alongside veggies or salad.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for even cooking and crisping of the cauliflower wings.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of the batter and coating of the cauliflower.
- Spatula: Essential for flipping the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
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
For Dipping (Optional)
- 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). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt.
2. Gradually add the water, whisking until you achieve a smooth batter.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets
Add the prepared cauliflower florets to the batter:
1. Stir gently until all florets are evenly coated in the batter.
2. Lift each floret from the batter so excess can drip back into the bowl.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on your lined baking sheets. Ensure they have space between them for even cooking.
Step 5: Bake First Time
Bake in your preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Flip and Rotate
After 10 minutes:
1. Carefully flip each floret using a spatula.
2. Bake for another 10 minutes while rotating pans between oven racks.
Step 7: Add Buffalo Sauce
Remove from oven:
1. Brush each floret generously with buffalo sauce.
2. Return them to bake for an additional 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crispy around edges.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once done, remove from the oven:
– Brush with more buffalo sauce if desired. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping!
How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a quiet night in, here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who love a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the spicy wings.
- Vegan Ranch: A great alternative for plant-based eaters who still want that creamy dip experience.
On a Salad
- Caesar Salad: Add crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings on top of romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing for a spicy twist.
- Mixed Greens: Toss the wings in with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite vinaigrette for a lighter option.
As a Taco Filling
- Cauliflower Tacos: Use the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings as a filling in soft tortillas. Top with avocado and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
In a Wrap
- Spicy Wrap: Roll the wings in a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of dressing for an easy-to-eat meal on the go.
How to Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
To ensure your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings turn out crispy and flavorful every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh florets will yield better texture and flavor than frozen ones.
- Ensure Even Coating: Make sure each floret is evenly coated in batter to achieve consistent crispiness.
- Preheat the Oven Properly: A hot oven ensures that your wings bake up perfectly crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your cauliflower space to cook evenly; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Brush Generously with Sauce: Don’t be shy with the buffalo sauce; it enhances both flavor and moisture.
- Experiment with Spices: Add your favorite spices to the batter for an extra kick or unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings pair wonderfully with various sides. Here are some delicious options to consider adding to your meal.
- Celery Sticks: Crunchy celery sticks provide a refreshing contrast and help cool down the spice from the wings.
- Carrot Sticks: Sweet carrot sticks make another great crunchy side that complements buffalo flavors well.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are perfect for dipping and soak up any leftover buffalo sauce.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the heat from the wings beautifully.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of these fries pairs nicely with spicy buffalo flavors for a satisfying combo.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a sweet bite that rounds out this savory dish nicely.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers protein and freshness alongside your spicy appetizer.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Cheesy garlic breadsticks are always a hit and great for dipping into ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the Coating: Ensure you fully coat each cauliflower floret in the batter. This gives you that crispy texture. If you’re hesitant, do a second dip for extra crunch.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This helps achieve that golden-brown finish and ensures even cooking throughout.
- Using the Wrong Sauce: Make sure to use a quality buffalo sauce that suits your taste. Experiment with different brands or homemade recipes for varied flavors.
- Crowding the Baking Sheet: Space out your cauliflower florets on the baking sheet. Crowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in soggy wings.
- Overbaking or Underbaking: Keep an eye on your wings as they bake. Overbaking can make them too dry, while underbaking will leave them soft and chewy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Place cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10 minutes for crispy results.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, but expect softer wings.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Buffalo Cauliflower Wings.
Can I make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
How can I make these cauliflower wings spicier?
Add more buffalo sauce or include cayenne pepper in the batter mix for an extra kick.
What dips pair well with Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even hummus make fantastic dipping options.
Are Buffalo Cauliflower Wings vegan?
Yes! This recipe uses vegetable-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegans as long as you choose vegan-friendly sauces.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
Experiment with additional spices like cumin or chili powder in your batter for added depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are not just an appetizer; they’re perfect for any gathering or snack time. Their crispy texture and spicy flavor will satisfy cravings without sacrificing health. Feel free to customize them with different sauces or spices to match your taste preferences!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 wings (4 servings) 1x
Description
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining crispy texture with bold flavor in a healthy, plant-based snack. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional buffalo wings, making them perfect for game days, parties, or as a satisfying appetizer. Coated in zesty buffalo sauce and paired with your favorite dipping sauce, these spicy cauliflower bites are sure to impress everyone at your gathering. Enjoy them alongside fresh veggies or even as a topping for salads and wraps for a deliciously versatile treat!
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) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Gradually add water until smooth.
- Coat cauliflower florets in the batter, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
- Place the coated florets on the lined baking sheets without overcrowding.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Brush generously with buffalo sauce and bake for another 12–15 minutes until crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
