This Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a fantastic vegetarian alternative to traditional buffalo wings. It's crispy, spicy, and perfect for game day or as a tasty appetizer. The cauliflower florets are coated in a flavorful batter, baked to perfection, and then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a head of cauliflower and some buffalo sauce if you don't already have them. Cauliflower is typically found in the produce section, while buffalo sauce can be located in the condiments aisle.

Ingredients For Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Cauliflower: The star of the dish, providing a hearty and nutritious base.
All-purpose flour: Used to create the batter that coats the cauliflower, giving it a crispy texture.
Water: Combined with the flour to form the batter.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the batter.
Buffalo sauce: Provides the signature spicy and tangy flavor.
Melted butter: Mixed with the buffalo sauce to create a rich and smooth coating.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your cauliflower gets extra crispy, try placing the florets on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the cauliflower, promoting even cooking and a crispier texture. Additionally, make sure the batter is not too thick; it should just coat the florets lightly. If the batter is too thick, add a bit more water to achieve the right consistency.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli florets have a similar texture and can hold the sauce well.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free alternative and adds a slightly nutty flavor.
water - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk can add a bit of creaminess to the batter without altering the flavor too much.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a similar depth of flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
buffalo sauce - Substitute with sriracha mixed with melted butter: Sriracha mixed with melted butter can mimic the spicy and tangy flavor of buffalo sauce.
melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and help the sauce adhere to the florets.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the cauliflower to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the batter soggy.
- Transfer the cooled buffalo cauliflower to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of cauliflower snugly to minimize air exposure.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The buffalo cauliflower will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- For freezing, place the cooled buffalo cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until the florets are solid.
- Transfer the frozen cauliflower to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen buffalo cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can toss the reheated cauliflower in a fresh batch of buffalo sauce before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover buffalo cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.
For a quicker option, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you're in a rush, the microwave can be a handy tool. Place the buffalo cauliflower on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the buffalo cauliflower on a toaster oven tray and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even reheating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cauliflower florets at the specified temperature to achieve a crispy texture.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the cauliflower florets on for baking.
Parchment paper: Prevents the cauliflower from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.
Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the flour, water, and garlic powder to create a smooth batter.
Whisk: Helps in mixing the flour, water, and garlic powder thoroughly to ensure a lump-free batter.
Small bowl: Used to mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter together.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the cauliflower halfway through baking and for tossing them in the buffalo sauce mixture.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like flour, water, and buffalo sauce.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of smaller quantities like garlic powder and melted butter.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cut cauliflower: Buy pre-cut cauliflower florets to save time on chopping.
Use a whisk: A whisk mixes the batter faster and more smoothly than a fork.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to avoid cleaning up stuck-on batter.
Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin prepping to save time.
Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoon Butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, letting excess drip off, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a small bowl, mix buffalo sauce and melted butter.
- Remove cauliflower from oven and toss in buffalo sauce mixture. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Shrimp Stock Recipe55 Minutes
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe35 Minutes
- Triple Dipped Fried Chicken Recipe50 Minutes
- Vanilla Pudding Recipe20 Minutes
- Pot Stickers Recipe45 Minutes
- Salmon Cakes Recipe25 Minutes
- Fried Pork Chop Recipe30 Minutes
- Coffee Liqueur Recipe20 Minutes
Leave a Reply