This gluten free buffalo cauliflower is an addictive and incredibly flavorful appetizer! This crispy, spicy buffalo cauliflower is the perfect vegan, plant-based, gluten-free and grain-free snack that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, planning a game day get together or simply enjoying a movie night at home, this simple and healthier take on a classic favorite is guaranteed to be a delicious crowd-pleaser! Baked to perfection, these savory cauliflower florets are perfectly seasoned with a zesty buffalo sauce that will have you reaching for more. This snack is delicious paired with my dairy free ranch as well! If you love this game day snack, be sure to also try my chicken nugget charcuterie board, football strawberries and dairy free buffalo chicken dip!
What Is Buffalo Cauliflower?
Buffalo cauliflower is a popular vegetarian and vegan alternative to traditional buffalo wings!
Here’s the gist:
- Cauliflower is the star: Instead of chicken wings, cauliflower florets are used.
- Coating and flavor: The cauliflower is often coated in a batter or breading and then baked or air-fried until crispy. It’s then tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, typically made with hot sauce and other seasonings.
- Flavor profile: Buffalo cauliflower delivers that classic tangy, spicy and slightly sweet flavor you know and love from buffalo wings.
Why it’s popular:
- Healthier option: Lower in calories and fat than chicken wings.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack or even as part of a main course.
- Easy to customize: You can adjust the spice level to your liking and experiment with different seasonings.
Why You’ll Love This Snack
It’s so easy to make!
You need minimal ingredients.
This snack or appetizer is perfect for game day or your next Super Bowl party!
It is super customizable.
This dish is also dairy free and plant-based.
It is a lighter take on the classic chicken wings.
This appetizer is perfect paired with delicious dipping sauces!
Equipment Needed
All you need to make this gluten free buffalo cauliflower is a baking sheet, bowl, mixing spoon and measuring cups and spoons.
Ingredients Needed
Cauliflower: I used precut cauliflower to make this super easy, but you could also buy a cauliflower head and cut it up! Cauliflower is the star of this recipe and takes on the delicious buffalo flavor!
Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce makes up the bulk of the flavor in this recipe. My favorite brand is Primal Kitchen.
Hot Sauce: If you really like your food spicy, add additional sriracha for a kick! This is totally optional.
Spices: I used garlic, salt, onion flakes and paprika in this recipe to give it tons of flavor.
Oil: I used avocado oil for these gluten free buffalo cauliflower wings.
Flour: I used gluten free flour in this recipe to make it gluten free. I love using Bob’s Red Mill Paleo Flour.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients. Preheat oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until evenly coated.
Step 3: Place cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!
Storage
Store this gluten free buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. I recommend serving it warm. If you are going to reheat it make sure you put it back in the oven or air fryer instead of microwaving it.
How to Serve
Here are some delicious ways to serve your buffalo cauliflower:
Classic Presentation:
- As an appetizer: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces on the side.
- Dipping sauces:
- Ranch dressing (classic!)
- Blue cheese dressing
- Vegan ranch or blue cheese alternatives
- Honey mustard
- Greek yogurt dip with chopped chives
Get Creative:
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wraps: Fill tortillas with the cauliflower, shredded lettuce and your favorite toppings (like avocado, tomato, red onion).
- Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos: Serve on small corn or flour tortillas with toppings like shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bowls: Serve over a bed of greens, quinoa or brown rice with other veggies and a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
- Pizza Topping: Use the cauliflower as a topping on your favorite pizza.
- Salad Addition: Toss cooled cauliflower with a simple salad of greens, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.
Tips for Serving:
- Keep it warm: Serve the cauliflower immediately after baking for the best crispy texture. Serve alongside dipping sauce and add it to your game day spread!
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
- Customize: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to the cauliflower.
Enjoy your delicious and versatile buffalo cauliflower!
Variations
Sauce: I used hot buffalo sauce in this recipe but you can also use mild buffalo sauce!
Spice: I used paprika, garlic, salt and onion flakes! Add additional spice by using sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! These can also be made in the air fryer. Air fry buffalo cauliflower at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping them halfway through cooking.
Is buffalo sauce vegan?
Not all buffalo sauce is vegan, but Primal Kitchen is!
Can I use another flour for this?
I have only tried this recipe with 1:1 gluten free flour, but I think chickpea flour or brown rice flour would also work well!
How can I make these bites less spicy?
Use a mild buffalo sauce to make these bites less saucy and skip the sriracha!
How can I make these bites spicier?
To make this gluten free buffalo cauliflower spicier, use hot buffalo sauce and add sriracha!
Can you eat buffalo wings if you’re gluten free?
Most of the time buffalo wings are not gluten free. If you are looking for gluten free buffalo wings, be sure to try my recipe! These cauliflower wings are gluten free though too!
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these fun gluten free snack ideas next:
Gluten Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
If you make this gluten free buffalo cauliflower and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.
Gluten Free Buffalo Cauliflower
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 spoon
- 1 baking sheet
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup gluten free flour
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional)
- 1 tsp onion flakes
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- dash salt
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until evenly coated.
- Place cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!
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