Buffalo Cauliflower Crispy Florets (Print)
Crispy oven-baked cauliflower tossed in spicy buffalo sauce for a zesty, vegetarian party snack.
# What You Need:
→ Cauliflower
01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
→ Batter
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Buffalo Sauce
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or plant-based butter)
10 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and free of lumps.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
04 - Spread coated cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, turning each piece halfway through to ensure even cooking.
05 - While cauliflower bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in hot sauce and honey or maple syrup, if using, until fully combined.
06 - Carefully remove cauliflower from oven and transfer to a large clean bowl. Drizzle buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently to coat thoroughly.
07 - Return sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet. Bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until crispy and caramelized at the edges.
08 - Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and celery sticks on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Uses simple pantry ingredients so no extra shopping trips needed
- Oven-baked for a crispy crust without messy deep frying
- Versatile and vegetarian everyone at the table can enjoy
- Perfect for parties or a healthier movie night snack
02 -
- High in fiber and Vitamin C thanks to the star cauliflower
- Can be made vegan or gluten-free with simple swaps
- Totally customizable on spice level for any crowd
03 -
- For extra crunch toss a little cornmeal or panko into the batter and do not skip flipping the florets halfway during baking
- Always taste your sauce before tossing the cauliflower your hot sauce may be stronger or milder than expected and you can add more butter or maple syrup to balance
- Bake immediately after saucing to lock in the crispness and get the perfect caramelized finish that makes these wings truly crave-worthy