It is game day and you want something spicy. These Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They are crispy, tangy, and surprisingly healthy. Your family will love this fresh veggie twist.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a budget-friendly favorite for busy families. It turns a simple vegetable into a star. You get all the flavor without the heavy frying. It is perfect for a cozy winter night. Your kids might even ask for seconds. This dish makes healthy eating feel like a treat.
Simple Method
Making these wings is very straightforward. You start with a simple flour batter. Then, you bake the florets until they are golden. A quick toss in buttery sauce adds the perfect spicy kick. Even beginners can master this in one try. No messy deep frying is required here.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are mostly pantry staples you already have at home.
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until fully coated.
- Place florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer with space between each piece.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter.
- Remove cauliflower from the oven and coat each piece thoroughly with the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the coating is crispy and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these wings while they are hot and bubbly. Add a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing. Crisp celery sticks provide a refreshing crunch between bites. These are wonderful for a cozy movie night. You can also serve them as a fun side dish.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven. Avoid the microwave as it makes them soft. You can also prep the cauliflower florets a day early. This saves time on busy weeknights.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Leave space between each piece so they get crispy.
- Use a high-quality buffalo sauce for the best flavor.
- Flip the florets halfway through for even browning.
- For a party, double the batch because they go fast.
- Shake off excess batter before placing them on the pan.
- Add a pinch of cayenne if you like extra heat.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe allergy-friendly.
- Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a milder taste.
- Try vegan butter to make this dish dairy-free.
- Add honey to the sauce for a sweet heat.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe. Frozen cauliflower tends to hold too much moisture. This will make the wings soft rather than crispy.
Are these very spicy?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce. You can choose a mild sauce for kids. Adding more melted butter also helps mellow the heat.
How do I know they are done?
The coating should look golden and feel firm. The sauce will begin to bubble and caramelize. They should have a nice crunch when you bite in.
I hope these spicy wings bring joy to your next family gathering. They are such a fun way to eat your vegetables. Give them a try and enjoy every bite!
— Lidia
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup all -purpose flour
- 1/2 cup wate r
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sal t
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until fully coated.
- Place florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer with space between each piece.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter.
- Remove cauliflower from the oven and coat each piece thoroughly with the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the coating is crispy and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
