Buffalo cauliflower is a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. This dish features crispy cauliflower florets coated in a spicy buffalo sauce that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for game day snacks or as a flavorful appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up a few items if they are not already in your kitchen. Buffalo sauce is a key ingredient that gives the dish its signature heat and flavor. If you don't have it on hand, you can find it in the condiment aisle of your supermarket. Additionally, make sure you have cauliflower and all-purpose flour to create the crispy coating.
Ingredients For Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Cauliflower: The main ingredient, cut into bite-sized florets for easy coating and baking.
All-purpose flour: Used to create the batter that gives the cauliflower its 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 spicy, tangy flavor characteristic of buffalo dishes.
Melted butter: Mixed with the buffalo sauce to create a rich, flavorful coating.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the batter for the cauliflower, ensure it is smooth and free of lumps to achieve an even coating. To enhance the crispiness of the cauliflower, consider adding a small amount of cornstarch to the flour mixture. This will help create a more textured and crunchy exterior. Additionally, when flipping the cauliflower halfway through baking, use a spatula to carefully turn each piece to avoid breaking the florets.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli has a similar texture and can hold up well to the batter and sauce.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is gluten-free and provides a similar consistency for the batter.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds extra flavor compared to plain water.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
buffalo sauce - Substitute with sriracha sauce: Sriracha sauce offers a similar level of heat and tanginess.
melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and still provides a rich flavor.
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 cauliflower soggy.
Transfer the cooled cauliflower to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
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). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
For freezing, place the cooled cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents the pieces from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the cauliflower to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Avoid microwaving as it can make the cauliflower soggy. Always opt for oven reheating for the best texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover buffalo cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and regain their crispiness. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Air Fryer Method: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method keeps the cauliflower crispy and delicious.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the buffalo cauliflower in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method adds a slight crispiness to the reheated cauliflower.
Microwave Method: Place the buffalo cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. This method is quick but may result in a softer texture.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the buffalo cauliflower on a toaster oven tray lined with foil or parchment paper. Heat for 10-12 minutes until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. This method is great for small batches.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cauliflower florets until they are crispy and golden brown.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking the cauliflower florets.
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 the batter.
Whisk: Helps to mix the batter ingredients until smooth.
Small bowl: Used to mix together the buffalo sauce and melted butter.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the cauliflower halfway through baking and for tossing them in the buffalo sauce mixture.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of the flour, water, and buffalo sauce.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of the garlic powder and melted butter.
Knife: Used to cut the cauliflower head into florets.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the cauliflower.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Cut the cauliflower into florets and measure out the flour, water, and garlic powder the night before.
Use pre-made sauce: Opt for a store-bought buffalo sauce to save time on mixing ingredients.
Line baking sheet: Use parchment paper to avoid scrubbing the baking sheet later.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Quick dipping: Use a large bowl to dip multiple cauliflower florets at once, speeding up the process.
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 your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown.
- In a small bowl, mix together the buffalo sauce and melted butter.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss with the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.
- Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Recipe
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Beef Bulgogi Recipe35 Minutes
- Cast Iron Cornbread Recipe35 Minutes
- Garlic Parmesan Orange Roughy Recipe30 Minutes
- Banana Nut Baked Oatmeal Recipe45 Minutes
- Greek Style Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe30 Minutes
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries Recipe17 Minutes
- Beef Shish Kabobs Recipe35 Minutes
- Filipino Fish Escabeche Recipe35 Minutes

Leave a Reply