We use frozen cauliflower florets to make this delicious 4 ingredient frozen buffalo cauliflower wings recipe! They’re so easy to make, and perfect in a pinch since most of us have a bag of cauliflower in our freezers, just ready for this exact moment to shine!
You ever crave buffalo wings and quickly realize that satisfying this craving is impossible due to your lack of buffalo wings? This used to happen to me ALL of the time.
Of course, there are an abundance of buffalo cauliflower wing recipes out there to help with this exact scenario. Unfortunately, I usually do not have fresh cauliflower sitting in my fridge.
I DO, however, have bags of frozen cauliflower florets that have been shoved in the corner of my freezer for months, just waiting for their time to shine!
How To Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings – Tips
This is one of the easiest snack recipes you will make.
The NUMBER ONE most important thing to remember when making buffalo cauliflower bites from frozen cauliflower is that the cauliflower MUST be completely thawed before you cook them.
I have made the mistake (it was more of an ‘I can’t wait an hour to thaw these delicious buffalo bites‘ conscious decision) of battering and baking the bites fully frozen. When the cauliflower thaws in the oven, the batter melts off of it and you get a giant puddle.
As for the batter, you will find a lot of recipes out there that mix spices with the flour for ‘extra‘ flavor. I actually don’t recommend that, because buffalo sauce is such a strong flavor on it’s own.
I find that after the bites are dipped in the buffalo sauce, the flavor that you would get from the spices gets masked by the buffalo sauce. And I hate the thought of wasting spices! Especially since I practice a Mediterranean Diet and need my spices for other recipes like this Shrimp & Orzo Dinner!
One Skillet Shrimp Orzo Recipe
One skillet is all it takes to make this delicious shrimp and orzo dinner with buttery shiitake mushrooms and rich, sharp kalamata olives! It’s really easy to make, is loaded with incredibly healthy ingredients, and is very filling. Trust me when I say this is one of the best shrimp dinner’s you will ever have! …
The Baking Process
Frozen cauliflower recipes don’t have to be boring, and these spicy baked buffalo cauliflower wings are double baked for an extra flavorful bite!
I don’t know about you, but I would MUCH rather my chicken wings be baked in their sauce than tossed in it after they are done baking. I feel the same way about my cauliflower wings.
Baking them in the sauce really helps to integrate the flavor into the wing, and it is less messy. I also find that baking wings in buffalo sauce decreases the spiciness you get from the sauce, which I appreciate! (I have sensitive taste buds!)
You always have the option to toss them in more sauce after they are done baking. But I definitely recommend double baking them in buffalo sauce for the best flavor and texture.
FAQ
They absolutely can be! Just substitute the milk for your favorite dairy-free milk alternative! Many buffalo sauces are vegan, just check the ingredients on yours to make sure.
Absolutely 100% YES! Unless you want a big puddle of batter goo on the baking sheet and no batter on the cauliflowers! (trust me, this is no bueno)
I say don’t bother. They are going to be tossed in buffalo sauce which is so flavorful as it is, you won’t even taste if you add garlic powder to the batter.
I am TOTALLY that person that tried to just dump the entire batch in the batter. The issues with this is that when you place them on the baking sheet, the extra batter will pool and your bites will bake into weird shapes. I recommend individually dipping the bites and shaking off the excess batter. (but I won’t judge you if you decide ‘TO HELL WITH IT’)
These wings are definitely best served right away. If you do end up making them ahead of time, I would re-heat them in the oven instead of the microwave.
When To Eat Frozen Cauliflower Wings
When I first developed this recipe, it was game day. The Patriots were on, and being a normal red blooded American, I was craving buffalo wings while I watched football.
They make a GREAT easy tailgate snack, because you most likely already have all of the ingredients in your pantry and freezer! You can also serve these baked cauliflower buffalo wings as a healthy snack for parties! Trust me, everyone is going to LOVE them!
More Game Day Treats
Check out these other recipes that I think you will love!
Did you make this frozen cauliflower wings recipe? It would mean so much to me if you would rate it below the recipe card and tag me in your creation on Instagram so I can admire your work! @RecipeHippie
Frozen Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 24 oz bag frozen cauliflower
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or regular flour)
- 1 cup milk or milk alternative
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (I use Frank's)
Instructions
- Thaw the cauliflower by placing the unopened bag in a bowl filled with hot water. Flip the bag occasionally and continue to replace the water until the florets have completely thawed. Pat dry with a towel.
- Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour and milk. Taking 1 floret at a time, dip the cauliflower in the batter, shake off the excess, and place flat on the baking sheet. Do this for every floret.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Pour buffalo sauce in a bowl, and dip each of the florets in the sauce. (I do this to maintain shape, however if you are in a time crunch, it is okay to 'toss' them in sauce). Place them back on the baking sheet, and continue to bake for 10 more minutes.
- Remove, serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy!
Need a good baking sheet? This ‘Sur La Table’ platinum pro baking sheet is the one I use, and I love it!
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