Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo Cauliflower is truly the greatest appetizer or game day snack. Fresh cauliflower florets breaded and baked to crispy perfection then brushed with tangy buffalo sauce!? Sign me up! Let's learn how to make it!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

Buffalo Cauliflower Ingredients

• Cauliflower (2 heads): Cauliflower serves as the main ingredient, providing a neutral and hearty base. When cut into florets, it allows for easy coating and baking, giving the dish its cauliflower "wings" resemblance.

For the Batter

• Nondairy Milk (1 ½ cups): Acts as a liquid component for the batter, helping to bind the dry ingredients and create a smooth consistency. Nondairy milk is often used to maintain a vegan or dairy-free recipe.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tsp): Combines with the nondairy milk to create a vegan buttermilk substitute, adding a tangy flavor to the batter. It also helps with leavening.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Forms the base of the batter, contributing to the crispy texture when baked. It adheres well to the cauliflower, creating a satisfying crunch.
• Garlic Powder (1 tbsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a savory and aromatic element.
• Onion Powder (1 tbsp): Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the batter, complementing the other savory flavors.
• Paprika (2 tsp): Introduces a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, contributing to the overall seasoning of the batter.
• Salt (2 tsp): Enhances the taste of the cauliflower and other ingredients while providing balance to the dish.
• Black Pepper (1 tsp): Adds a hint of spiciness and warmth to the batter.

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• Buffalo Sauce (½ cup): This is the signature spicy and tangy sauce that gives the dish its "buffalo" flavor. It typically contains a combination of hot sauce, vinegar, and also seasonings.
• Vegan Butter (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps mellow out the heat of the buffalo sauce. It contributes to the smooth consistency and flavor of the sauce.
• Agave Nectar (1 tbsp): Introduces a touch of sweetness to balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce, creating a well-rounded and flavorful coating for the cauliflower.

Steps to Make Buffalo Cauliflower (with pictures)

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (218 C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Make Buttermilk: In a measuring cup, stir together the nondairy milk and apple cider vinegar. Leave it to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. The vinegar will encourage the milk to curdle, giving it a buttermilk-like flavor.
3. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Pour in the “buttermilk” and whisk until just combined. 
4. Coat and Bake: Add the cauliflower florets (a handful at a time) to the bowl of batter and toss to coat. Tap off any excess batter and arrange the florets over the prepared baking sheets. Place one of the baking sheets on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. 
5. Mix Buffalo Sauce: While the first batch of cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, softened vegan butter and agave nectar. When 20 minutes is up, remove the cauliflower from the oven. Brush each piece with the buffalo sauce. Return cauliflower to oven to bake for another 20 minutes.
6. Prepare Dipping Sauce: To make the “ranch sauce,” combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Chill until ready to use.
7. Serve: When cauliflower is finished baking, give each piece an additional brush of the buffalo sauce. Serve with the prepared dipping sauce and fresh carrot/celery sticks if desired. Repeat baking process for second batch.*

Tips for Making Buffalo Cauliflower

1. Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated before baking the cauliflower. To explain, this helps achieve a crispy exterior.
2. Prepare Cauliflower Properly: Cut the cauliflower into uniform florets for even cooking. Likewise, try to keep them bite-sized.
3. Dry Cauliflower: Pat the cauliflower florets dry before dipping them in the batter. As a result, the batter will adhere better and the result will be crispier.
4. Even Coating: Ensure each cauliflower floret is evenly coated with the batter. This can be achieved by tossing them in the batter or also by using a brush.
5. Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Further, it will make cleanup easier.
6. Cooling Rack: If possible, place the buffalo cauliflower on a cooling rack after tossing in the sauce. To illustrate, this helps any excess sauce to drip off and keeps the coating crisp.
7. Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
8. Serve Immediately: Buffalo cauliflower is best enjoyed right after tossing in the sauce when it's at its crispiest. Serve it hot for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the buffalo cauliflower gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that the buffalo sauce and other ingredients used are gluten-free.

Can I make buffalo cauliflower ahead of time?

While you can cut up the cauliflower and prepare the batter and buffalo sauce ahead of time, baking and assembly should not occur until just before you plan to eat. While leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, their crispiness upon reheating won't be the same as when fresh.

What's the best dipping sauce for buffalo cauliflower?

A vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing makes an excellent dipping sauce. You can also serve it with celery sticks for a classic pairing.

FAQ's Continued

How do I make buffalo cauliflower less spicy?

To reduce spiciness opt for a milder buffalo sauce. You can also add a bit more vegan butter to mellow out the heat.

Can I make this recipe without vegan butter?

Yes, you can omit the vegan butter. Keep in mind that the butter adds richness, but the recipe will still be delicious without it.

How do I prevent the batter from becoming too thick?

If the batter becomes too thick, gradually add more non-dairy milk until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency.

How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo cauliflower can be served in various ways, and here are some popular and tasty options:

1. As an Appetizer: Serve buffalo cauliflower as an appetizer for gatherings or parties. Arrange the crispy cauliflower bites on a platter with toothpicks or skewers for easy picking.
2. In Tacos or Wraps: Create buffalo cauliflower tacos or wraps by placing the buffalo cauliflower inside tortillas or wraps. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.
3. On a Salad: Top a fresh salad with buffalo cauliflower for an extra kick. Combine it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite salad toppings. Drizzle with a vegan ranch or Caesar dressing.
4. In a Bowl: Serve buffalo cauliflower in a bowl over rice, quinoa, or your preferred grain. Add sautéed vegetables and a drizzle of buffalo sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
5. With Dipping Sauce: Provide a side of vegan ranch, blue cheese or another dipping sauce. This adds an extra layer of flavor.
6. On a Sandwich or Burger: Create a buffalo cauliflower sandwich or burger by placing the crispy cauliflower between buns. Add lettuce, tomato, and any other desired toppings.
7. With Celery Sticks: Serve buffalo cauliflower with classic celery sticks for a traditional "wings and celery" presentation. Include a side of vegan dip as well.
8. On a Pizza: Use buffalo cauliflower as a pizza topping. Spread vegan pizza sauce on a crust, add vegan cheese, and top with buffalo cauliflower.
9. As a Side Dish: Serve buffalo cauliflower as a flavorful side dish alongside other favorites like roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a grain salad.
10. At Game Day Gatherings: Buffalo cauliflower is a perfect addition to game day spreads. Serve it alongside other game day snacks.

Garnish with herbs like chopped chives or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Store Buffalo Cauliflower

While buffalo cauliflower is most enjoyable the day it is made, storing leftovers is an option. To store cauliflower and maintain its crispiness, follow these guidelines:

1. Refrigeration: Allow the buffalo cauliflower to cool to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Airtight Container: Use an airtight container to protect the cauliflower from moisture and odors in the refrigerator. This further helps maintain its crisp texture.
3. Separate Sauce: If possible, store the cauliflower separately from the sauce. This prevents the cauliflower from becoming soggy due to the moisture in the sauce.
4. Reheat in the Oven: To reheat, preheat the oven to around 375°F (190°C). Place the buffalo cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. Reheat for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature. This helps restore the crispiness.
5. Avoid Microwave for Reheating: While it's possible to use a microwave for reheating, the oven is preferable to maintain the crispy texture. Microwaving may result in a softer coating.
6. Consume Promptly: For the best flavor and texture, consume the stored cauliflower within 2-3 days. Beyond this timeframe, the cauliflower may lose its crispiness.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy delicious buffalo cauliflower even when prepared in advance. Proper storage helps maintain its texture and flavor until you're ready to enjoy it again.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

Print

More Vegan Appetizer and Snack Recipes

• Best Ever Guacamole
• Chicken Fried Cauliflower
• Vegan Animal Fries
• Vegan Garlic Butter Rolls
• Artichoke Pesto Fries