This crispy buffalo cauliflower recipe features tender florets coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. Oven-baked for a healthier twist, it’s perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack.

I keep crispy buffalo cauliflower recipe in regular rotation because it delivers big flavor without fuss. On busy weeknights, it comes together fast with pantry staples I always have on hand.

What I love most is the balance—rich, savory notes with a clean finish that never feels heavy. It’s reliable for meal prep and easy to scale when friends drop by.

I usually serve it with a crisp salad or warm flatbread, and leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.

Quick Facts

Recipe Highlights

This recipe has become a favorite for several reasons.

• Reliable weeknight option
• Minimal ingredients
• Rich, crowd-pleasing flavor
• Scales well for guests

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create a crispy, spicy buffalo cauliflower that’s full of flavor and texture.

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

How to Make It

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare and bake the buffalo cauliflower with a crispy coating and spicy sauce.

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth to create the batter.
3. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
4. Arrange the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
6. While the cauliflower bakes, mix the buffalo hot sauce, melted butter, olive oil, and cayenne pepper in a separate bowl.
7. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and gently toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.
8. Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Helpful Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your buffalo cauliflower turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time.

• Use a light hand when coating the florets to avoid clumps of batter that won’t cook through.
• Make sure the cauliflower pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
• If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce.
• Let the cauliflower cool slightly before tossing in sauce to keep the coating crisp.
• Serve immediately after baking for the best texture.

Ingredient Swaps

If you need to swap out ingredients, here are some practical alternatives that won’t compromise the dish’s flavor or texture.

• Use olive oil instead of butter.

Storage Tips

To keep your buffalo cauliflower fresh and tasty, follow these storage tips.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Nutritional Info