Save to Pinterest The first time I made these, my meat-loving brother actually reached for seconds before realizing they were cauliflower. Now they are the most requested appetizer at every gathering, disappearing faster than I can bake them.
I once doubled this recipe for a Super Bowl party, thinking I would have leftovers for lunch the next day. The baking sheet was scraped clean before the fourth quarter even started.
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Ingredients
- Cauliflower: One large head cut into bite-sized florets creates the perfect vessel for that crispy coating
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the structure of the batter, creating that essential crunch
- Water: Room temperature water blends smoothly into a thick batter that clings perfectly to each floret
- Garlic powder: This adds depth to the batter so the flavor is not just about the heat
- Onion powder: Works with garlic to create a savory base that makes the coating irresistible
- Smoked paprika: A subtle smoky note that makes these taste like they came straight from a restaurant kitchen
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the heat from the buffalo sauce
- Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a gentle warmth that lingers after each bite
- Butter: Melted butter creates that rich restaurant-style buffalo sauce coating
- Hot sauce: Frank's RedHot delivers that authentic buffalo flavor everyone recognizes
- Honey or maple syrup: Just a tablespoon cuts through the heat and adds a caramelized finish
- Celery and carrot sticks: Classic cooling agents that provide fresh crunch alongside the spicy bites
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: The essential cooling dip that makes these wings complete
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Get your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks
- Make the batter:
- Whisk flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth
- Coat the cauliflower:
- Add florets to the batter and toss until every piece is evenly covered
- Arrange for baking:
- Spread battered florets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 20 minutes and flip halfway through so they brown evenly on both sides
- Whisk the sauce:
- Combine melted butter, hot sauce, and honey or maple syrup while cauliflower bakes
- Add the buffalo coating:
- Toss baked florets gently in the buffalo sauce until well coated
- Crisp them up:
- Return coated florets to the baking sheet and bake 10 more minutes until crispy and caramelized
- Serve immediately:
- Bring them to the table with celery, carrots, and your favorite dressing for dipping
Save to Pinterest My friend's daughter, who refuses most vegetables, ate an entire serving and asked if I could make them for her birthday party. That is when I knew this recipe was something special.
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Making Them Extra Crispy
Adding two to three tablespoons of cornmeal to the batter creates an irresistible crunch that holds up even after tossing in sauce.
Adjusting The Heat
Start with less hot sauce if you are serving people who prefer milder flavors. You can always serve extra hot sauce on the side.
Perfect Pairings
These work beautifully alongside other finger foods at parties or as a satisfying main course with a big salad.
- Let them cool for just a few minutes before serving so the sauce sets
- Reheat leftovers in the oven, not the microwave, to maintain crunch
- Prepare the sauce while the cauliflower bakes to work efficiently
Save to Pinterest These buffalo cauliflower wings have become the dish that proves plant-based eating can be just as crave-worthy as any comfort food classic.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the cauliflower crispy?
Coating cauliflower in a seasoned batter and baking at a high temperature helps develop a crunchy exterior. Flipping halfway and a second bake after saucing ensures extra crispiness.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based butter and use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?
Try a combination of hot sauce and melted margarine or vegan butter, or experiment with BBQ or chili sauces for different flavors.
- → How to adjust the spice level?
Reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder sauce to tone down the heat or add more for extra spiciness.
- → Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without compromising texture.
