Buffalo Cauliflower {Vegan + Gluten Free + Whole30}

This buffalo cauliflower recipe is a delicious veggie dish that makes the perfect game day appetizer, snack, or side dish! All the flavors you love in buffalo chicken wings but 100% vegan friendly. Easy to make and super healthy! Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, paleo, Whole30 compatible.

The best buffalo cauliflower bites

Cauliflower has to be one of our favorite roasted vegetables of all time.

When combined with high heat, simple spices, and a flavorful buffalo sauce, the florets transform into the most delicious saucy golden brown bites that are absolutely impossible to resist. So good that sometimes the whole tray is devoured before anything else on our dinner table is eaten!

And this buffalo style roasted cauliflower is an easy hands off cooking method that gives you just enough time to throw the rest of your meal together on the stove top while they crisp up in the oven.

They are the perfect thing to serve as an appetizer with vegan ranch as a dip, or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein. Also so good on top of a grain bowl, in a salad, or with some dairy free pasta!

Why you’ll love this buffalo cauliflower

It is:

• Easy to make
• Zippy and flavorful
• A little bit spicy!
• Oven baked
• Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside
• Gluten free and dairy free (vegan friendly!)
• Healthy and nutrient dense
• So very tasty!

Ingredients and substitutions

All you need to make this buffalo cauliflower recipe is cauliflower florets, your buffalo sauce of choice, a simple spice blend, and a high heat friendly oil.

It’s super tasty with vegan ranch dressing and celery sticks if you’re serving it as a snack or appetizer, but they’re not necessary!

Here’s what you need

• Cauliflower – A large head of cauliflower cut into florets, or about 5-6 cups worth if you’re using pre-cut cauliflower.
• Buffalo sauce – I love using a store bought buffalo sauce to save time but feel free to make your own if you prefer! This is our favorite buffalo sauce. It’s super flavorful and just the right amount of spicy! It’s also paleo, Whole30 compatible, and made with plant based ingredients.
• Avocado oil – Avocado oil is my first choice for roasting any vegetable because it’s liquid at room temperature and remains stable at high heat.
• Simple spice blend – Garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper add the perfect backbone of flavor for these cauliflower bites.

How to make sure this buffalo cauliflower is vegan and Whole30 compatible

The only ingredient in the line up that you have to watch out is your buffalo sauce, as it can often contain butter or other dairy products.

This is our favorite vegan / Whole30 compatible store bought buffalo sauce.

If you want to try making it yourself this is a great recipe for homemade buffalo sauce!

How to make buffalo cauliflower

Making buffalo cauliflower is as easy as prepping your cauliflower and roasting it in the oven. To keep the cauliflower crisp and not soggy you’ll roast it twice – once with just oil and spices, and a second time after tossing it with the buffalo sauce.

Here’s the step-by-step

• Preheat oven and prep ingredients. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut cauliflower and gather and measure ingredients.
• Roast cauliflower. Add cauliflower to a large bowl and toss to coat with avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Transfer to a large baking sheet and spread out flat side down in a single layer. Reserve the bowl for the next step. Roast for 15-17 minutes – until just barely tender and starting to brown.
• Toss with buffalo sauce. Remove cauliflower from the oven and increase the heat to 475°. Transfer cauliflower florets back to the large bowl and pour buffalo sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat, and transfer back to the baking sheet, leaving any excess sauce behind.
• Roast again. Transfer back to the oven and continue to roast for an additional 6-8 minutes, until nicely caramelized on the edges. For extra crispy bits you can broil for 1-2 minutes before pulling from the oven – just keep an eye on it so the cauliflower and/or parchment don’t burn.
• Serve and enjoy! Remove from the oven and lightly drizzle with any remaining buffalo sauce. Serve with ranch and celery sticks if desired and enjoy!

Can I use frozen cauliflower florets?

I would not recommend using frozen cauliflower florets. They won’t have the same integrity as fresh and the extra moisture in them will make the florets soggy and soft before they ever have a chance to crisp up.

Most grocery stores sell pre-cut florets if you’re looking to save some time on prep!

Is this buffalo cauliflower spicy?

The cauliflower bites will only be as spicy as the buffalo sauce that you use. For a milder kick look for mild buffalo sauce. To turn the spice level up a notch look for a spicy buffalo sauce or add a generous pinch of cayenne to the dried spice mix!

Serving suggestions

Buffalo cauliflower is the perfect easy side dish for any meal and makes a delicious appetizer or snack for a game day!

Also super delicious served on top of a salad, with pasta, for tacos, or on a grain bowl.

Storage and reheating

Storing: To store leftover cauliflower in the refrigerator, allow it to cool and then transfer to an air tight container. Will keep for to 3-4 days.

Reheating: You can easily reheat roasted cauliflower in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, warm in the oven at 350° F, or gently reheat in a skillet, tossing occasionally, until heated through.

Love this healthy side dish? Try these other recipes!

• Mexican Roasted Cauliflower
• Cauliflower Mash
• Dairy Free Cauliflower Mac and “Cheese”
• Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
• Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Simple Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus
• Healthy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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