Who said spicy goodness can’t be vegetarian? This crispy, spicy Buffalo cauliflower is here to prove otherwise! Imagine tender, roasted cauliflower enveloped in a tangy buffalo sauce, delivering all the satisfaction of traditional wings while keeping it meat-free. It’s an easy recipe that can bring a restaurant-worthy experience right to your home.

The secret lies in the oven roasting, which gives the cauliflower a delightful golden finish. Pair it with a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing and some fresh veggies, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s perfect for parties or a cozy movie night. Ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor haven? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Cauliflower

• Crave-Worthy Taste: Each cauliflower floret is packed with a perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce and buttery richness, creating an addictively delicious dish that keeps you coming back for more.
• Budget-Friendly: Compared to chicken wings, cauliflower offers a significantly more economical option. This is an amazing choice if you’re looking to feed a crowd without breaking the bank!
• Party-Perfect: These bite-sized pieces are ideal for game day gatherings, cocktail parties, or just about any occasion where fun food is a must.
• Versatile: You can easily tweak the spice level, experiment with different sauces, or enjoy them as a main course paired with sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower: The star of the dish, offering a meat-free alternative to buffalo wings. Roasting transforms it into a tender delight with a crispy exterior.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient works wonders to create a crispy outer layer while ensuring the sauce clings to the cauliflower.
• Olive Oil: It’s essential for achieving a golden, caramelized texture and preventing sticking during roasting.
• Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper adds deep savory notes.
• Frank’s RedHot: The classic buffalo sauce that gives this dish its iconic spicy and tangy flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: This softens the heat of the hot sauce and introduces a rich, creamy element to the coating.
• Honey or Agave: A touch of sweetness that helps balance out the spicy sauce.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These are traditional dipping sauces that provide a creamy contrast to the heat of buffalo cauliflower.
• Celery and Carrot Sticks: Fresh veggies add a crunchy, refreshing balance to the spicy cauliflower.

How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower

This recipe is a breeze to make! Here’s how:

Step 1: Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for simple cleanup and even roasting.

Step 2: Season

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the cauliflower florets and drizzle them with olive oil. Mix well until all the florets are nicely coated.

Step 3: Roast

Spread the seasoned cauliflower evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast it in the oven for about 20 minutes. After that, take it out, give it a toss or flip the florets, and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare your buffalo sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or agave (if you’re using it).

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Once the cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to the bowl with your buffalo sauce. Toss until each floret is generously coated. Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet and roast for an additional 5-8 minutes to allow the sauce to set.

Step 6: Serve

Enjoy the buffalo cauliflower hot from the oven with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and plenty of celery and carrot sticks for dipping!

Tips for the Best Buffalo Cauliflower

Want to nail that perfect crunch and flavor? Here are some helpful tips:

• Keep things uniform. Cut your cauliflower into evenly sized florets for consistent cooking.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch! It’s essential for creating that sought-after crispy texture.
• Measure carefully! The right blend of seasonings will set the base for your flavor profile. Adjust as necessary, but don’t omit them.
• Experiment with hot sauces. Feel free to swap Frank’s with your favorite brand; Cholula, Sriracha, or even a smoky chipotle sauce can add a unique twist.
• Adjust the heat. If you love a kick, add more hot sauce; if you prefer it milder, simply use less or sweeten it with more honey.
• Make it extra crunchy. At the end, turn your oven to broil for just 1-2 minutes for an added crisp, but keep a close watch to avoid burning.

How to Store

Want to save some of that deliciousness for later? Here’s how to keep your buffalo cauliflower fresh:

To Store

Place your leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For the best quality, store the cauliflower and the sauce separately if you prepare it in advance.

To Freeze

Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for one hour. After that, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe container, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze them without the sauce and add fresh sauce after you reheat.

To Reheat

For a quick reheating method, place your cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Alternatively, heat them in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. Steer clear of the microwave, as it will leave the cauliflower soggy.