Buffalo Cauliflower
On November 29, 2024
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This crispy, spicy Buffalo Cauliflower with homemade sauce is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings the heat of Buffalo with a veggie twist.
Buffalo Cauliflower
If you’re looking for a killer appetizer that brings the heat without the meat, look no further than my crispy Buffalo Cauliflower. This recipe combines tender cauliflower florets with a light, crispy coating and a rich, buttery Buffalo sauce. The florets get perfectly golden brown in hot oil, creating an irresistible crunch before your teeth sink into the steamy cauliflower inside. I’ve perfected a homemade Buffalo sauce that coats each piece with the perfect blend of heat, butter, and spices.
Whether you’re hosting game day or just craving something different for snack time, these Buffalo cauliflower bites deliver all the bold flavor and sticky fingers you want in wings. If you’re ready to spice up your wing night menu, let’s get started.
What is Buffalo cauliflower?
Buffalo cauliflower is kind of like Buffalo wings, but without the wings. It turns ordinary cauliflower into a satisfying, saucy dish that captures the bold flavors of classic Buffalo wings. While some people treat it as a meat substitute, I think of it more as its own unique dish that uses the versatility of cauliflower. The crispy batter creates a perfect foundation for the spicy, buttery Buffalo sauce, while the cauliflower adds a tender bite and mild flavor that balances the heat. With the familiar kick of Buffalo sauce with the lighter profile of fresh vegetables, this appetizer brings together the best of both worlds.
The Best Cauliflower for Buffalo Bites
I love using cauliflower florets for this Buffalo Cauliflower recipe. They’ve already been prepared, so there’s less work for me. Plus, I get fairly uniform pieces without having to cut them myself. You can also use a head of cauliflower if that’s what you’ve got available. One head should give you close to the 4 cups the recipe calls for. Just make sure to use a sharp knife and cut into fairly even-sized pieces if you go that route.
Crispy Batter for Cauliflower
Frying your cauliflower provides that perfect, crispy layer between the Buffalo sauce and your steamy florets. I made mine using the Crispy Chicken Wing Batter because the blend creates a light, crisp exterior my family loves. You can pick some up in the Wing Night Kit in my store, or use any frying batter you like. The important part is getting that crusty, golden-brown coating on your cauliflower before tossing them in the Buffalo sauce.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
You can make a basic Buffalo sauce with just butter and hot sauce, or you can add just a few more panty items to take your sauce over the top. Here’s what you need for this rich and delicious sauce:
- 1 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Check out my post for Spicy Sweet Buffalo Sauce if you want to hear how this stuff turned out using different hot sauces.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, you’re ready to turn these humble cauliflower florets into a crave-worthy appetizer. These simple steps will guide you to perfectly crispy, sauce-coated bites that rival any Buffalo wings:
- Batter cauliflower. Getting perfectly crispy cauliflower starts with using the batter. You want your batter to be smooth but thick enough to cling to each floret. This way, you get that signature crunch in every bite.
- Fry cauliflower. Get your cooking oil up to around 350 degrees F in a 12-inch cast iron skillet. I used vegetable oil, but any frying oil you like to use will be fine. Give your battered cauliflower 3-5 minutes, until they transform into crispy, golden-brown bites. Remove your cauliflower to a wire rack or a plate lined with a paper towel to dry and cool a few minutes.
- Make Buffalo sauce. While your cauliflower is cooling, whip up your Buffalo sauce. Combine all the ingredients in a small pot over medium-low heat and stir until the brown sugar dissolves fully and everything is incorporated. Remove from the heat, and DO NOT let it come to a boil. If the butter boils, your sauce will separate. You want a thick, rich sauce, so make sure to remove your sauce from heat before it boils.
- Toss cauliflower in sauce. This is where everything comes together. Place your crispy cauliflower pieces in a medium-size bowl, then drizzle with your Buffalo sauce. Toss gently until each piece is fully coated in the sweet, spicy sauce.
- Serve and enjoy. This crispy, saucy cauliflower is ready to devour right away.
Serving Suggestions
Treat these Buffalo cauliflower bites just like traditional wings. I love serving them with crisp celery sticks and carrots for freshness and crunch. A side of my Homemade Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Crumble Dressing provides the perfect cool, creamy contrast to the spicy cauliflower. The dressings complement the heat while adding another layer of flavor to each bite. If you’ve got a dip you love with Buffalo wings, odds are it will go great with this cauliflower as well.
More Buffalo-Style Recipes
My love for Buffalo sauce runs deep, and I’ve created plenty of creative ways to enjoy these bold flavors. From traditional wings to unexpected twists, these recipes bring the perfect balance of heat and flavor to your table.
Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
When you’re done licking your fingers, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. You can share your Buffalo cauliflower creations with the Hey Grill Hey community on Facebook and Instagram by tagging @heygrillhey.
Want more grilling tips, recipes, and inspiration? Join The Grill Squad for exclusive content, and check out my YouTube channel for step-by-step tutorials. Remember, with recipes like this in your arsenal, you’re well on your way to becoming a Backyard BBQ Hero.
Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup Crispy Chicken Wing Batter
- ¾ cup cold water
- vegetable oil as needed for frying
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup Frank's RedHot Sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat skillet. Heat up your cooking oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet on your grill or oven until it reaches around 350 degrees F.vegetable oil
- Batter cauliflower. Mix 1 cup of batter with ¾ cup cold water until combined, then dunk your cauliflower florets until coated completely.1 cup Crispy Chicken Wing Batter, ¾ cup cold water, 4 cups cauliflower florets
- Fry cauliflower. Using tongs, place your battered cauliflower florets in your oil, and allow to cook 3-5 minutes until golden-brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes before adding sauce.
- Make Buffalo sauce. Combine all ingredients for the buffalo sauce in a small pot on your grill or stovetop. Warm over low heat until the butter is melted. Whisk to incorporate the ingredients and remove the pan from heat. Do NOT bring to a boil or the sauce will separate.1 cup Frank's RedHot Sauce, ¼ cup salted butter, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Toss cauliflower in sauce. Place your fried cauliflower in a medium-size bowl, then pour on your Buffalo sauce. Toss until each piece is evenly coated in sauce.
- Serve and enjoy. Your Buffalo cauliflower is best enjoyed immediately. Serve with homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing, or however you enjoy Buffalo wings.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
