Transform your appetizer game with our irresistible Cauliflower Buffalo Wings. Crispy cauliflower florets are tossed in spicy buffalo sauce for a vegetarian twist on the classic favorite. Perfect for game-day gatherings or as a tasty snack, these cauliflower wings are sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this flavorful dish step by step.

Ingredients:

For the Cauliflower Wings:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Equipment Needed:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Tongs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower:

• Wash the cauliflower head and cut it into bite-sized florets, discarding the stems. Dry the florets thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

3. Prepare the Batter:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or flour as needed to achieve a thick, pancake-like batter.

4. Coat the Cauliflower:

• Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess batter and place the coated florets onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.

5. Bake the Cauliflower:

• Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the cauliflower florets for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through the baking time for even cooking.

6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:

• While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the hot sauce, honey (or maple syrup), garlic powder, and salt, whisking until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

7. Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce:

• Once the cauliflower florets are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the baked cauliflower and gently toss until the florets are evenly coated in the sauce.

8. Serve:

• Transfer the Cauliflower Buffalo Wings to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, and celery sticks.

Tips:

• For extra crispy cauliflower wings, you can double-dip the florets in the batter before baking them.
• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce recipe to suit your taste preferences.
• Serve the cauliflower wings immediately after tossing them in the buffalo sauce to maintain their crispy texture.

With their crispy texture and spicy buffalo sauce coating, these Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy this vegetarian twist on a classic favorite and watch them disappear in no time.