Busy moms, this one is for you. These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings give classic game day flavor without the fuss of frying or the cost of takeout. They crisp up in the oven, toss in a quick buffalo sauce, and come out kid-friendly and satisfying.
If your family already loves spicy dips, this goes great alongside a warm bowl of buffalo chicken dip for a simple party-style spread on a game day.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
You get bold buffalo flavor with minimal hands-on time. The batter keeps the cauliflower juicy while the oven does the work, so you can prep a side, check homework, or set the table while they bake.
Kids often eat these without complaint because they look like wings. Parents like that they feel a bit healthier than traditional wings but still deliver comfort and spice.
Prep uses pantry ingredients, and the recipe scales easily. You can double it for a crowd or cut it in half for a small family dinner.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients
1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets, 3/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons butter, melted, 1/3 cup Buffalo Sauce (we used Frank’s!)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the spices, salt, and flour. Add the buttermilk and stir until combined; the mixture should be thick.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, coating each piece evenly. Place them on the prepared baking pans, ensuring there’s space between each piece.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the cauliflower to the other side and bake for another 20 minutes.
- While the cauliflower bakes, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a bowl and whisk to combine.
- Once baked, toss the cauliflower florets in the buffalo sauce mixture and enjoy!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Crispy oven-baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings that deliver classic game day flavor with minimal fuss, making them perfect for busy families.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/3 cup Buffalo Sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the spices, salt, and flour. Add the buttermilk and stir until combined; the mixture should be thick.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, coating each piece evenly. Place them on the prepared baking pans, ensuring there’s space between each piece.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the cauliflower to the other side and bake for another 20 minutes.
- While the cauliflower bakes, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a bowl and whisk to combine.
- Once baked, toss the cauliflower florets in the buffalo sauce mixture and enjoy!
Notes
Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and crunchy veggies. For extra crispness, spray with oil before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower
Serve these wings hot straight from the bowl. Offer ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and raw carrot and celery sticks for crunch.
Turn them into a family meal by serving over cooked rice or next to roasted potatoes and a simple green salad.
For game night, pile them on a platter with extra sauce on the side. They pair well with baked fries and any easy dip you already love.
How to Store
Cool leftovers completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 8 to 12 minutes to restore crispness. A toaster oven also works well for single servings.
Do not store tossed in sauce if you want to keep them crisp. Store plain baked florets separately and toss in sauce just before serving.
Tips and Variations
Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend if needed. Make the batter a touch thinner with a tablespoon more buttermilk if it feels too thick.
For extra crisp, spray the coated florets lightly with oil before baking. You can also broil for a minute at the end while watching closely.
If you like a milder flavor, reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup and add a tablespoon of honey. For a creamier twist try serving with a scoop of cottage cheese on the side or check out this cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip idea for a protein-packed pairing.
FAQs
Q: Can I air fry these instead of baking?
A: Yes. Air fry at 375°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking once, then toss in sauce.
Q: Will kids eat them if they are spicy?
A: Try a smaller amount of buffalo sauce or mix the sauce with a bit of plain yogurt to tone down heat.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Bake them ahead, store plain in the fridge, and reheat in the oven just before guests arrive. Toss in sauce right before serving.
Q: Are these vegan friendly?
A: Swap melted butter for a vegan butter and use a plant-based buttermilk to make them vegan.
Conclusion
Give these Buffalo Cauliflower Wings a try the next time you want bold flavor with low stress. They come together quickly, fit into busy weeknights, and please both kids and adults. Pin or save this recipe so you can pull it out when you need a fast, crowd-pleasing meal.
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