Spice up your meals with delicious cauliflower recipes
Are you ready for a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite? Look no further than my Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower “wings” recipe. As a vegan chef, I’ve perfected the art of taking traditional dishes and transforming them into meatless masterpieces.
When it comes to game day or any social gathering, buffalo wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. But what about those who choose to stay away from meat or just want to try something new? Enter my Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower “wings.” These savory, spicy bites will satisfy meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Why settle for frozen veggie burgers or humdrum veggie trays when you can feast on crispy bites of roasted cauliflower that pack all the flavor of buffalo wings? With the perfect balance of spice and tangy goodness, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
So grab your mixing bowl and join me in discovering why cauliflower wings are the new craze. You won’t even miss the chicken – I promise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Consider yourself warned, because once you try my Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Wings recipe, you’ll be hooked! I’m talking about finger-licking deliciousness that will leave your taste buds dancing in pleasure.
Now, listen up, because I’m about to give you all the reasons why you’ll love this recipe. First and foremost, it’s a great option for those who want to substitute meat with a healthier and equally satisfying alternative. Yes, I’m talking about cauliflower – the star player in this recipe. But hey, don’t knock it until you try it. Trust me; these cauliflower wings are so scrumptious that even meat-lovers won’t miss the chicken wings.
What makes my recipe stand out from other buffalo cauliflower recipes is that it’s baked instead of fried, making it a low-carb and healthy option. And let me tell you; they won’t get soggy and will remain crispy on the outside while being tender and juicy on the inside.
Moreover, if you’re gluten-free or vegan, then this recipe is perfect for you as well. The sauce is made with vegan buffalo sauce that packs all the spicy goodness without sacrificing flavor. You can also make it keto-friendly by using almond flour as a substitution for regular flour.
And let’s not forget about how quick and easy it is to prepare! All you need are a few simple ingredients and an oven or air fryer. In under 30 minutes, these crispy buffalo cauliflower wings will be ready to devour.
So go ahead and give my Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Wings recipe a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Before diving into making these vegan buffalo cauliflower wings, let’s make sure we have all of the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1/2 cup of flour (can use almond flour for low carb option)
- 1/2 cup of 1% low-fat milk (almond milk for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons of margarine or olive oil
- Optional: BBQ sauce, blue cheese or vegan buffalo sauce for dipping
All of these ingredients are easy to find and available at most local grocery stores. Make sure you purchase a good quality buffalo sauce that meets your dietary needs. You can also substitute regular flour for gluten-free flour if you need to follow a gluten-free diet. Are you ready to start cooking? Let’s get into the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make these delectable Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Wings:
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup flour (use almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- ½ cup unsweetened 1% low-fat milk (use almond milk for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon margarine (use vegan butter for a vegan option)
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce (I prefer using Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce)
- Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing (for dipping)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil and garlic powder.
- Toss cauliflower pieces in the bowl of olive oil mixture until they are fully coated.
- Add flour to cauliflower and toss until all pieces are coated evenly.
- Spread out the cauliflower on the lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
While the cauliflower is baking:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add margarine and buffalo sauce until it comes to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the cauliflower from oven:
- Transfer baked cauliflower into the mixing bowl once more.
- Pour buffalo sauce over the cauliflower while tossing continuously until all pieces are coated in the sauce.
Transfer back onto the same baking sheet:
- Place them back into the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
- After that, remove from oven, let them cool down just enough before serving with your preferred dip!
Voila! You now have crispy and delicious Baked Buffalo Cauliflower wings ready to be savored!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations for this recipe. Fortunately, this recipe is quite customizable to cater to your taste preferences! It’s always great to experiment with different ingredients – you never know, you might come up with something even better.
Firstly, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap the flour for almond flour or any other gluten-free flour of your choice. This will give you crispy baked cauliflower wings that are still as delicious as ever.
For those who like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper or paprika into the buffalo sauce recipe. You can also use a hot pepper sauce like Sriracha or Tabasco instead of the traditional buffalo sauce.
If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, skip the flour and use pork rinds for that extra crunch in your “wings”. Pork rinds act just like breadcrumbs and they give the wings an extra savory flavor.
Cauliflower kicks butt because it can take on so many flavors. So, you could mix things up by using a different dipping sauce other than blue cheese. Ranch dressing pairs nicely with cauliflower bites too, so give it a try!
Want a BBQ spin on things? Try adding some barbeque sauce into the mixture or drizzle some over them after they’ve been baked. You’ll love it!
Or you can even switch up how you cook them! Instead of baking, try making them in an air fryer or shallow frying in a pan with some olive oil. Whatever method you choose, crispy buffalo cauliflower is the ultimate indulgence.
Overall, this vegan buffalo cauliflower wings recipe provides a great base for experimentation to fit your cravings and dietary preferences. Give them all a try and see which one becomes your favorite!
Serving and Pairing
Let us talk about the best way to devour these crispy, tangy, and spicy cauliflower wings. These baked vegetarian buffalo cauliflower wings are absolute crowd-pleasers and can be served at any gathering, party or event. Trust me; your guests will beg you for this recipe.
Cauliflower wings are filling and packed with flavor. They are a healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings that are loaded with unhealthy fats and processed ingredients. Serve them as an appetizer or a side dish; they will be a hit either way.
But what shall we pair them with? There are so many options depending on your preference. You can serve them with some cool ranch dip, vegan blue cheese dressing, or even some sweet chili sauce.
If you want to keep it simple, serve them with some carrot and celery sticks on the side along with your preferred dip. The combination of creamy dips with spicy cauliflower bites will make your taste buds scream in pleasure.
If you’re feeling experimental, try making buffalo cauliflower wraps by stuffing them into tortillas along with some veggies and a creamy dressing for a delicious lunch or dinner option.
These crispy baked buffalo cauliflower bites go well with various drinks, including fresh juices and fruity cocktails for those hot summer days. You can also opt for an ice-cold beer or a glass of wine for a more relaxed vibe.
In conclusion, don’t hesitate to serve vegan buffalo cauliflower wings as an appetizer or side dish at your next party or event. With so many different pairing options and serving ideas, everyone can build their perfect plate of saucy goodness that won’t disappoint!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve perfected your baked vegetarian buffalo cauliflower “wings,” it’s time to start thinking about the best way to store and reheat them. Don’t worry; I’m here to help.
First, let’s talk about make-ahead. Yes, you can make these buffalo cauliflower wings ahead of time! Simply follow the recipe as usual until it’s time to put them in the oven. Instead of baking them right away, transfer your prepared baking sheet to the fridge and leave it there until ready to bake. You can do this up to a day ahead of time!
Next, let’s talk about storage. To ensure that your buffalo cauliflower wings stay crispy, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Finally, let’s talk reheating. The best way to reheat your buffalo cauliflower wings is by popping them back into the oven at 425°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. This will ensure that they stay crispy and delicious just like when they were fresh out of the oven.
Now that you know how to make-ahead, store and reheat these baked vegetarian buffalo cauliflower “wings,” you can enjoy them anytime you want! So crispy! So tasty! So good!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, before we dive into the recipe how-to, I have some tips to make sure your Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower “wings” come out perfect every time.
First tip: shake off the excess batter. When coating the cauliflower pieces with the batter mixture, make sure to shake off any excess to prevent them from getting too soggy. Only a light coating is needed for these “wings” to crisp up nicely in the oven.
Second tip: use a mixing bowl with high sides. When tossing the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce, it’s important to use a mixing bowl with high sides to prevent any splattering or mess. You want each piece to be fully coated in the delicious sauce!
Third tip: rotate halfway through baking. To ensure even cooking and crispy edges on all sides, rotate your baking sheet halfway through cooking time.
Fourth tip: serve immediately for maximum crispiness. While these Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower “wings” can be stored and reheated later, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness.
Fifth tip: try different dips and sauces. While blue cheese dressing is a classic dipping option for buffalo wings, don’t be afraid to experiment with other dips and sauces like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce or vegan aioli to add a tasty twist to this recipe.
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying perfectly crispy and flavorful Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower “wings” every time!
FAQ
With any recipe, there may be questions that arise during the cooking or prep process. This section will address some commonly asked questions about this baked vegetarian buffalo cauliflower “wings” recipe. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or a first-time chef, read on to ensure that your recipe turns out to be a success.
Are the cauliflower wings at Buffalo Wild Wings vegetarian?
The cauliflower wings and other fried food items at Buffalo Wild Wings are not vegan because they are fried in beef shortening. Are the black bean burgers at Buffalo Wild Wings suitable for vegans?
Why are my cauliflower wings soggy?
Cauliflower wings can quickly become soggy if too much Buffalo sauce is applied before going back into the oven. To maintain their crispiness, lightly coat the wings with the sauce. Another option is to serve the sauce as a dip and allow individuals to coat their wings at the table.
What’s in the cauliflower wings at Buffalo Wild Wings?
Buffalo Wild Wings has recently added a modern and vegan-friendly item to their menu called Cauliflower Wings. These vegetable-based wings are coated in Asian Zing sauce and garnished with a pretzel spice blend, garlic, pepper, sesame seeds, Fresno peppers, salt, and scallions.
Is buffalo cauliflower healthier than wings?
If you’re looking for a healthier option for your Super Bowl party without sacrificing flavor, consider trying buffalo cauliflower wings instead of traditional chicken wings. These cauliflower wings are low in fat and saturated fat, and don’t contain any cholesterol.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower “wings” recipe is the perfect substitute for those who crave the tangy and spicy flavors of chicken wings, but want to opt for a healthier and more ethical option. This recipe is not only vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also crispy, savory, and satisfying. With its simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe will be a favorite among plant-based eaters and meat-lovers alike.
The versatility of this recipe is notable too! You can make buffalo cauliflower bites, BBQ sauce baked cauliflower wings, roasted cauliflower wings or even toss the cauliflower wings Buffalo Wild Wings style. Additionally, you can use almond flour instead of regular flour for a low carb option.
With the added benefit of being able to make it ahead of time and store it for later use, this dish is perfect for busy individuals looking for a quick and easy meal. And let’s not forget about the dipping sauce possibilities! Whether you prefer vegan blue cheese or vegan buffalo sauce, there are so many ways to enjoy these wings.
In summary, this baked vegetarian Buffalo cauliflower “wings” recipe offers a healthier option for indulging in our cravings without sacrificing taste. So next time you’re in the mood for some buffalo wings, give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and conscience) will thank you!
Baked Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower “wings” Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 head cauliflower (chopped into pieces)
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce or 1 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (melted) or 1 tablespoon margarine (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Combine the milk, flour, and garlic powder in a bowl and stir until well combined.
- Coat the cauliflower pieces with the flour mixture and place in a shallow baking dish. Bake for 18 minutes.
- While the cauliflower is baking, combine your buffalo sauce and olive oil or margarine in a small bowl.
- Pour the hot sauce mixture over the baked cauliflower and continue baking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes.
- Serve alongside blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.