Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious

If you’re craving the bold, tangy kick of classic buffalo wings but want to keep things vegetarian, buffalo cauliflower wings are your new best friend. These crispy, spicy bites pack all the flavor of traditional wings without the meat, making them perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or simply a tasty snack.

Cauliflower’s natural firmness and ability to soak up flavors make it an ideal canvas for that signature buffalo sauce heat.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to cut down on meat, this recipe is easy to follow and yields deliciously crispy results every time. The combination of a light, crunchy batter and a vibrant, buttery buffalo sauce ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.

Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture. Ready to spice up your snack game?

Let’s dive into this irresistible buffalo cauliflower wings recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This buffalo cauliflower wings recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and satisfying. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

• Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly: Easily adaptable to vegan diets by using plant-based butter.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh vegetables, no complicated prep needed.
• Lightly Baked, Not Fried: Gives you crispy texture without the grease.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce spice to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
• Optional: celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving

Equipment

• Mixing bowls for batter and sauce
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat
• Wire rack (optional, for crispier results)
• Whisk or fork for mixing batter
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan to melt butter and mix sauce
• Tongs or a slotted spoon for coating cauliflower

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if you have one. This helps the cauliflower stay crispy all around.
2. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the florets but still pourable.
3. Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Arrange them in a single layer on the wire rack or directly on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even baking.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to promote even crisping. The batter should start to turn golden brown.
5. Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the buffalo hot sauce and mix well. Remove from heat.
6. Toss the baked cauliflower in the buffalo sauce: Once the florets are crispy and baked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss to coat evenly.
7. Return to oven for 10 more minutes: Place the coated cauliflower back on the baking sheet or rack. Bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and get a bit sticky.
8. Serve immediately: Enjoy your buffalo cauliflower wings with celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy wings, use a wire rack and flip the florets midway through baking.

• Make it vegan: Swap butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil.
• Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter for an extra kick.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Air fryer method: Cook the battered cauliflower in an air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for an even crispier texture.
• Dipping sauces: Try serving with homemade vegan ranch, blue cheese, or a cooling cucumber yogurt dip.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition varies depending on the exact ingredients and serving size.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo cauliflower wings shine as a versatile snack or appetizer. Serve them alongside crunchy celery and carrot sticks with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip to balance the heat.

They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crispy fries for a more substantial meal.

For a party spread, arrange the wings on a platter garnished with chopped parsley or chives and offer a variety of dipping sauces to please all palates. Looking for a complete meal?

Try pairing them with a refreshing cucumber salad or roasted sweet potato wedges.

For more tasty vegetarian appetizers, check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or add a hearty main like the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

Conclusion

Buffalo cauliflower wings are a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of buffalo wings without meat. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion — from game day gatherings to weeknight snacks.

With a light, crispy batter and tangy, buttery buffalo sauce, these wings satisfy cravings while keeping things vegetarian and healthier.

Feel free to customize the spice level and dipping sauces to suit your preferences. Once you try this recipe, you might find it becoming a staple in your kitchen!

For more delicious recipes that combine flavor and convenience, don’t miss our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the mouthwatering Halibut Dip Recipe.

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