Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Blue Cheese Dip

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a bold, flavorful vegetarian take on the iconic Buffalo chicken wings. Crispy roasted or air-fried cauliflower florets are coated in a spicy Buffalo-style hot sauce, creating a dish that’s both crunchy and tangy with just the right amount of heat.

Served with a creamy homemade blue cheese dip, these wings are an irresistible combination of texture and flavor — ideal for game day, parties, or even as a snack when you crave something indulgent yet wholesome.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect guilt-free comfort food — all the zesty satisfaction of Buffalo wings, without the heaviness of fried chicken. The cauliflower becomes beautifully crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, absorbing the spicy buttery sauce perfectly.

Plus, it’s fun to make and always a crowd favorite — even meat lovers can’t resist these flavorful bites! The contrast between the fiery Buffalo sauce and the cool, creamy blue cheese dip is pure bliss in every bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s a healthier, vegetarian (and can be vegan) alternative to Buffalo wings.
• Packed with flavor, crunch, and spice — it doesn’t feel like a compromise.
• Perfect as a party appetizer, game-night snack, or side dish.
• The homemade blue cheese dip balances the spice perfectly.
• It’s easy to prepare, and you can bake, air-fry, or fry — your choice!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~220 kcal per serving (with dip, ~280 kcal)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings:

• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• ¾ cup milk (or almond/soy milk for vegan)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter substitute)
• Cooking spray or oil for baking

For the Blue Cheese Dip:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking tray.
2. Make a seasoned batter and coat cauliflower florets.
3. Bake until crisp, then toss in hot Buffalo sauce.
4. Serve immediately with blue cheese dip and celery sticks.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with oil.
3. Wash and cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets (not too small, to retain texture).

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • Flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth — the batter should be thick enough to coat the florets but not too runny.

Step 3: Coat and Bake

1. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off excess.
2. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer (avoid overcrowding).
3. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy.

Step 4: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
2. Stir in Buffalo hot sauce, mixing until combined and smooth.
3. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Toss the Wings

1. Once the baked cauliflower is crisp, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the Buffalo sauce over and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 6: Make the Blue Cheese Dip

1. In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well until creamy.
3. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.

How to Serve

Serve your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings hot, arranged on a platter with:

• A side of blue cheese dip
• Celery and carrot sticks for crunch
• A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top

Perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a zesty starter before dinner!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking tray — it prevents crispiness.
• For an even lighter version, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
• If making vegan, use vegan butter and plant-based milk.
• The key is to serve immediately after tossing in Buffalo sauce — that’s when they’re at their crispiest!
• You can also sprinkle a bit of panko breadcrumbs before baking for an extra crunch.

Variations

1. BBQ Cauliflower Wings: Swap Buffalo sauce with smoky barbecue sauce.
2. Garlic Parmesan Wings: Toss in garlic butter and grated Parmesan instead of Buffalo sauce.
3. Asian-Inspired: Use a mix of soy sauce, sriracha, and honey.
4. Vegan Ranch Version: Replace blue cheese dip with vegan ranch made of cashews or tofu.
5. Spicy-Sweet: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the Buffalo sauce for a sweet heat balance.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezing:

• Best to freeze the baked (un-sauced) cauliflower wings.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
• Reheat directly from frozen, then toss in fresh Buffalo sauce before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Oven or Air Fryer
• Baking sheet + parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Tongs for tossing wings
• Serving platter

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use chickpea flour or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Q2: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry completely before coating, or they’ll become soggy.

Q3: How do I make it less spicy?
Mix your hot sauce with a bit more butter or add 1–2 tsp honey.

Q4: Can I skip the blue cheese dip?
Of course — try it with ranch dip, yogurt dip, or even garlic mayo.

Q5: How do I keep them crispy for longer?
Avoid covering them immediately after baking — steam softens the coating. Serve right away for best texture.

Conclusion

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Blue Cheese Dip are a brilliant modern twist on a classic American favorite. They’re spicy, crispy, and satisfyingly tangy — a dish that proves vegetarian snacks can be just as exciting and indulgent.

Perfect for parties, game nights, or just when you want a fun, fiery snack — these cauliflower wings are the kind of appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).