Introduction
Super Bowl Sunday is not just about football; it’s also a celebration of great food. With a lineup of snacks that are perfect for gathering around the TV, one standout dish is Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. This delicious vegetarian alternative is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to lighten up your game-day menu, these wings deliver all the spicy flavor you crave without the meat.
Ingredients
– ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
– ¼ cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon sea salt
– ¾ cup water
– 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), broken into large florets
– Buffalo sauce, for brushing
– Vegan ranch, for dipping (optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
32 to 35 minutes
Total Time
52 to 55 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy these Buffalo Cauliflower Wings as a perfect addition to your Super Bowl spread, along with other creative snack ideas like guacamole, jalapeño popper dip, and BBQ jackfruit sandwiches. These dishes not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring a healthy twist to your game-day festivities.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 450°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Add the water and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir until they are completely coated.
Step 4: Arrange Cauliflower on Baking Sheets
Lift the cauliflower florets out of the batter, letting any excess batter drip back into the bowl. Place the florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 5: Initial Baking
Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, use a spatula to carefully flip the florets and bake for another 10 minutes. Swap the baking sheets on the oven racks halfway through.
Step 6: Brush with Buffalo Sauce
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush them with some buffalo sauce. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is dark and crisp around the edges.
Step 7: Final Coating and Serving
Remove the cauliflower from the oven again and brush with additional buffalo sauce. If desired, serve with vegan ranch for dipping.
Notes
Serve Fresh
Buffalo cauliflower wings are best served fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness.
Customization
Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by using more or less buffalo sauce according to your taste.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but note that they may lose their crispiness upon reheating.
Dipping Sauce Options
While vegan ranch is suggested, other dip options like blue cheese or a yogurt-based dip can also complement the flavors well.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F to ensure an even and crispy texture for the cauliflower.
Whisking the Batter
Combine the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding water to create a smooth batter that evenly coats the cauliflower.
Coating the Cauliflower
Make sure each cauliflower floret is well-coated in the batter without excess, allowing for a crisp finish.
Baking and Flipping
Bake the cauliflower in a single layer and flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
Brushing with Buffalo Sauce
Brushing the cauliflower with buffalo sauce during the last baking phase enhances flavor and gives it a signature saucy finish.
FAQ
Can I make these wings gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make the cauliflower wings spicier?
Add more buffalo sauce or incorporate hot sauce into the batter before coating the cauliflower.
Is there an alternative for vegan ranch?
You can substitute with any other dip such as hummus or guacamole.
Can I use frozen cauliflower florets?
Fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before coating.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for better crispiness.
Conclusion
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are an excellent, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, perfect for any Super Bowl gathering. These wings capture the essence of buffalo flavor while providing a satisfying crunch and tenderness. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, they are sure to be a hit during your game-day festivities.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Guacamole
A classic and creamy dip made with ripe avocados, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips for a refreshing appetizer.
Jalapeño Popper Dip
A creamy, cheesy dip packed with spicy jalapeños that pairs perfectly with crackers or tortilla chips.
Deviled Eggs
Traditional deviled eggs with a twist, featuring flavors like sriracha or smoked paprika to elevate this timeless appetizer.
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Savory and sweet pulled jackfruit simmered in barbecue sauce, served on a bun and topped with coleslaw for a hearty plant-based option.
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Colorful mini sweet peppers stuffed with cheese, herbs, and spices, then baked until bubbly and golden for an eye-catching finger food.
Chili Con Queso
A rich and creamy cheese dip with a kick, perfect for dipping tortilla chips or drizzling over nachos.
Vegetable Platter with Hummus
An assortment of fresh vegetables served with creamy hummus for a lighter and healthy snacking option.
