Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
The ultimate buffalo cauliflower: crispy florets coated in spicy, tangy sauce—perfect for sharing!
As the chilly breeze rustles through the bustling streets of New York City, there’s nothing quite like filling your kitchen with the enticing aroma of freshly baked buffalo cauliflower. This dish not only captures the festive spirit but also adds a delicious pop of flavor to any Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering. With each bite, the contrast of the crunchy exterior and the spicy sauce brings warmth, making it the ideal comfort food as friends and family gather around the table.
A Flavorful Holiday Snack
This buffalo cauliflower recipe is a crowd-pleaser that elevates any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive get-together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight snack or party appetizer.
- Deliciously spicy with a creamy dipping sauce that perfectly balances the heat.
- Healthy and plant-based, a great way to enjoy cauliflower in a fun new way.
- Satisfies that crunchy, savory craving without the meat.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your buffalo cauliflower:
Cauliflower Coating
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup of buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
For Serving
- Fresh celery sticks, for serving
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for dipping
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create crispy buffalo cauliflower that everyone will love!
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter resembling a light pancake batter.
Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure they are fully coated. Place the battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 3: Bake the Cauliflower
Bake the florets for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and aromatic. While they are baking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a bowl.
Step 4: Toss the Cauliflower
Once the cauliflower is roasted, remove it from the oven and toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture until thoroughly coated.
Step 5: Bake Again
Return the sauced florets to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This will ensure they become crispy and caramelized.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with celery sticks and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy the flavorful combination!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using enough flour: The batter should coat the florets well. Too little flour can lead to a soggy texture.
- Crowding the baking sheet: This prevents the florets from crisping up; give them space to breathe!
- Skipping the second bake: This step is crucial for achieving that addictive crunch.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an extra kick, add more hot sauce to the batter depending on your heat tolerance.
- Consider garnishing with chopped chives or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Variations
- Use different sauces like BBQ or teriyaki for a unique flavor profile.
- Substitute cauliflower with broccoli for a different vegetable option.
- Experiment with various spices such as cayenne pepper or cumin in the batter.
How to Serve
- Serve immediately with fresh celery sticks.
- Offer blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Pair with crispy tortilla chips for an added crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: To regain crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture when reheated.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While perfecting this dish, I discovered that the key to truly crispy buffalo cauliflower is that second bake—it makes all the difference! Plus, I’ve learned that pairing them with a zesty dip elevates the entire experience to another level. Enjoy this delightful snack as a flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 4-5 florets
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 5g protein · 20g carbs · 6g fat
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter resembling a light pancake batter.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure they are fully coated. Place the battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the florets for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and aromatic. While they are baking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a bowl.
- Once the cauliflower is roasted, remove it from the oven and toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture until thoroughly coated.
- Return the sauced florets to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This will ensure they become crispy and caramelized.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy the flavorful combination!
Notes
FAQs
Can I make buffalo cauliflower vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the all-purpose flour with a vegan-friendly flour blend and use a plant-based buffalo sauce. You can also use a vegan butter alternative in the sauce mixture.
How can I make buffalo cauliflower spicier?
If you love heat, increase the amount of hot sauce in the batter and the sauce mixture. You can also add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Can I air fry buffalo cauliflower instead of baking?
Absolutely! Air frying is a great option for crispy buffalo cauliflower. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
