Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the ultimate game day snack or appetizer, combining crispy textures with bold flavors. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, these wings offer a vegetarian twist on a classic favorite. They’re easy to make and are sure to impress your guests with their irresistible taste and delightful crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light batter that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Flavor-Packed: Seasoned with garlic, onion, and paprika, these wings deliver a satisfying flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce.
- Versatile Snack: Great as an appetizer or snack, they can be served at parties or enjoyed during a cozy movie night.
- Healthy Option: Baked instead of fried, these cauliflower wings are a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level by choosing your favorite buffalo sauce or adding more seasoning to the batter.
Tools and Preparation
To achieve the best results when making Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you need to get started:
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets: Provide even cooking space for multiple cauliflower florets.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowl: Allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Ensures a smooth batter by effectively combining dry and wet ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup water
For the Cauliflower Wings
- 1 large cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into large florets
- Buffalo sauce, for brushing
For Dipping (Optional)
- Ranch dressing, vegan ranch, or blue cheese dressing
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the following:
1. Add all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt.
2. Gradually pour in the water, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets into the batter. Stir gently until each floret is evenly coated in the mixture.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheets
Lift each floret out of the batter, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake First Time
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Carefully flip each floret using a spatula and bake for another 10 minutes, rotating the pans between oven racks halfway through.
Step 6: Add Buffalo Sauce
Remove from the oven and brush each floret generously with buffalo sauce.
Step 7: Bake Again
Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Once baked to perfection, remove from oven and brush with more buffalo sauce if desired. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Cauliflower Wings!
How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings make a fantastic appetizer for any gathering. They are crispy, spicy, and sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious wings.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: The coolness of ranch dressing complements the heat of the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: A classic pairing that adds rich flavor to your cauliflower wings.
- Vegan Ranch: Perfect for plant-based eaters who still want that creamy dip experience.
As a Game Day Snack
- On a Platter: Arrange the wings on a large platter with dipping sauces in the center for easy sharing.
- With Veggies: Add celery and carrot sticks beside the wings for a refreshing crunch.
In Tacos
- Cauliflower Wing Tacos: Use corn tortillas filled with buffalo cauliflower, topped with slaw or avocado for an exciting twist.
As Part of a Buffet
- Buffalo Cauliflower in Bowls: Serve them in individual bowls at a buffet-style meal, allowing guests to enjoy them at their leisure.
How to Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
To achieve the ultimate crispy texture and flavor, follow these key tips for making Buffalo Cauliflower Wings.
- Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh florets yield better texture and taste compared to older ones.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: This ingredient helps create that extra crunch that you desire in your wings.
- Bake, Don’t Fry: Baking gives you crispy edges without the extra oil from frying, making it healthier.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices into the batter for more flavor depth.
Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings pair well with various sides that can balance their spice. Consider serving these delightful options alongside your wings.
- Celery Sticks: Crisp and refreshing, they provide a nice crunch that complements the softness of the cauliflower.
- Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy, they are perfect for dipping in ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked wedges add heartiness to your meal while keeping things simple.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can offset the spiciness of the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Cornbread Muffins: These sweet muffins offer a great contrast to the heat of the buffalo wings.
- Garlic Bread: Soft and buttery garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with any dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding pitfalls can make your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings even better.
- Using too much batter – A thick layer of batter can lead to soggy wings. Ensure an even coating for a crispier finish.
- Not preheating the oven – Skipping this step may result in uneven cooking. Always preheat to 450°F for the best results.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet – This can cause steaming instead of roasting. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
- Ignoring flipping instructions – Failing to flip the florets can lead to uneven browning. Be sure to turn them halfway through baking.
- Skipping the buffalo sauce brush – Not brushing with buffalo sauce can make them less flavorful. Use a generous amount for that classic taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow wings to cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Note that they may lose some crispiness.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Buffalo Cauliflower Wings.
Can I make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How spicy are Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce used. Choose mild for less heat or extra hot for a fiery kick!
Can I bake these wings ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead and store them in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
What should I serve with Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
These wings pair well with ranch dressing, vegan ranch, or blue cheese dressing. Add celery sticks and carrots for crunch!
Are there any variations for Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
You can experiment with different seasonings or sauces, such as barbecue or teriyaki, for unique flavors.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. They make for a perfect appetizer or snack at any gathering. Try different sauces or serve with various dips to enjoy this delightful dish your way!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 18 wings (6 servings) 1x
Description
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the ultimate game day snack that combines a crispy texture with bold, spicy flavors. Perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, these oven-baked wings offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried options, making them an ideal choice for any gathering. Coated in a flavorful batter and brushed with zesty buffalo sauce, these wings are not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress your guests. Serve them with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for an irresistible appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 large cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
- Buffalo sauce for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and water until smooth.
- Coat cauliflower florets in the batter and arrange on baking sheets in a single layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flip each floret, and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Brush generously with buffalo sauce and bake for an additional 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 wings (150g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
