Description
This Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a spicy, tangy twist on a classic appetizer, featuring crispy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter and baked to perfection. Paired with a creamy homemade ranch dip and crisp celery sticks, it’s a delicious vegetarian alternative to traditional buffalo wings that’s perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Batter
- 1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika
- 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 100g plain flour
- 200ml buttermilk or kefir
- 1 head of cauliflower (500g), broken into florets
- 1/2 tsp salt (for batter)
Buffalo Sauce
- 80g hot sauce
- 1½ tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp butter
Ranch Dip
- 100g Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt (for dip)
To Serve
- Celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/gas mark 7 and line a baking tray with baking parchment to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, mix the sweet smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, plain flour, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Create a well in the center and gradually whisk in the buttermilk (or kefir) until you get a smooth batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the seasoned mixture.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Spread the coated cauliflower florets out evenly on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the edges are crisp and golden.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, gently warm the hot sauce, maple syrup, and butter in a small pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is combined.
- Brush the Cauliflower: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and liberally brush the buffalo sauce over each floret to ensure they’re well coated.
- Final Bake: Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes to caramelize the sauce and deepen the flavors.
- Make the Ranch Dip: Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped chives, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the buffalo cauliflower alongside the ranch dip and fresh celery sticks for a crunchy, refreshing contrast.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with kefir or a mixture of milk and lemon juice if needed.
- The hot sauce can be adjusted to taste if you prefer milder or spicier heat levels.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan-friendly mayonnaise and yogurt.
- Ensure the cauliflower florets are evenly coated with batter for the best crispy texture.
- Serve immediately while hot for the crispiest experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo cauliflower, spicy cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, buffalo wings alternative, baked cauliflower, homemade ranch dip
