Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings
- 2 heads of cauliflower, separated into large florets (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Buffalo Sauce
- 2 Tbsp salted butter, melted
- ¼ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
To Serve
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Fresh carrots and celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Break the cauliflower heads into “drumstick-size” large florets for uniform baking.
- Make Spice Mixture: In a bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and olive oil, blending well to create a flavorful coating for the cauliflower.
- Toss Cauliflower in Spices: Add cauliflower florets to the spice mixture, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Arrange the florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without touching to avoid steaming.
- Bake First Side: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the edges to start crisping up.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While baking, melt the butter and combine it with the Frank’s RedHot sauce to create a rich buffalo sauce.
- Flip Cauliflower: After the initial 15 minutes, use tongs to flip each cauliflower floret to promote even browning on all sides.
- Bake Second Side: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Brush with Buffalo Sauce and Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the oven, brush generously with the prepared buffalo sauce, and serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing alongside fresh carrot and celery sticks.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to prevent the cauliflower from steaming.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your desired heat level.
- Buffalo cauliflower wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Use gluten-free hot sauce and dressings if needed for a gluten-free version.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauces such as blue cheese or ranch for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
