Buffalo Cauliflower

This crispy, spicy buffalo cauliflower delivers all the satisfaction of traditional wings while keeping things vegetarian!

The cauliflower gets golden and roasted in the oven. Then, it’s coated in delicious buffalo sauce.

Serve it with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing and fresh veggies for the full experience. 

Whether you’re vegetarian or just looking to switch things up, this dish proves cauliflower is anything but boring.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Cauliflower

Crave-Worthy Taste: Each floret delivers the perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce, buttery richness, and roasted sweetness. It’s an addictively delicious combination.

Budget-Friendly: Cauliflower costs significantly less than chicken wings. This is a wallet-wise alternative for feeding a crowd.

Party-Perfect: The bite-sized pieces make this an ideal finger food for game-day gatherings and cocktail parties.

Versatile: Adjust the spice level, experiment with different sauces, or serve it as a main course with additional sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower: The main ingredient creates a meat-free alternative to buffalo wings. When roasted, it becomes tender inside with crispy edges.
  
• Cornstarch: It creates a crispy coating when baked and helps the sauce adhere to the cauliflower florets.
  
• Olive Oil: It helps achieve golden-brown caramelization and prevents sticking during roasting.
  
• Seasonings: This blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper provides savory depth.
  
• Frank’s RedHot: The classic buffalo wing sauce delivers the signature tangy, spicy flavor.
  
• Unsalted Butter: It mellows the hot sauce’s heat and adds richness to the coating.
  
• Honey or Agave: It balances the sauce’s heat and adds a subtle sweetness.
  
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Traditional cooling dips complement the spicy cauliflower and provide a creamy contrast.
  
• Celery and Carrot Sticks: Fresh, crunchy vegetables offer a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy cauliflower.

How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower

This cauliflower is so easy-peasy!

1. Prep. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even roasting.

2. Season. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Add the cauliflower florets, then drizzle with the olive oil. Toss until the florets are evenly coated.

3. Roast Spread out the cauliflower on the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and toss or flip the florets. Continue roasting for another 10 minutes or until they develop a golden-brown color around the edges.

4. Make the buffalo sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey/agave (if using).

5. Toss and finish. Transfer the roasted florets to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Toss until well coated, then return them to the baking sheet. Roast for an additional 5–8 minutes to help the sauce set and slightly crisp the florets.

6. Serve. Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, plus celery and carrot sticks on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Cauliflower

Want perfect florets? Follow these simple tips.

• Keep things uniform. Cut cauliflower florets evenly. This ensures even cooking and avoids some pieces being overly crispy or undercooked.

• Don’t skip the cornstarch! It helps create a crispy exterior when roasting, giving a satisfying texture to the cauliflower.

• Measure carefully! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt are key for flavor balance before adding the buffalo sauce. Adjust the quantities to taste, but don’t skip them.

• Swap out the Frank’s sauce. Try other hot sauces. Cholula, Crystal, or Sriracha are great substitutes for Frank’s RedHot. For a smoky twist, use chipotle hot sauce.

• Adjust the heat. If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce; if you prefer milder flavors, use a little less or stir in extra honey/agave.

• Make it extra crunchy. For extra crunch, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Just watch carefully to prevent burning.

How to Store

Keep your leftover cauliflower fresh with these tips.

To Store: Place leftover buffalo cauliflower in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best results, store the cauliflower and sauce separately if making ahead.

To Freeze: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze the cauliflower without the sauce and add fresh sauce after reheating.

To Reheat: Place in a single layer in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, or heat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as this will make the cauliflower soggy.