Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower with Creamy Garlic Dip

🌶️ Description

This dish features crispy roasted cauliflower florets coated in a bold, tangy buffalo-style sauce, then baked until golden and sticky. Served with a cool, creamy garlic dip, it is a perfect appetizer, snack, or meat-free alternative to buffalo wings.

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⏱️ Time Required

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 30–35 minutes

• Total time: About 45–50 minutes

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the Cauliflower

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup buffalo sauce (or hot sauce mixed with butter)

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (if using plain hot sauce)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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For the Creamy Garlic Dip

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Chopped parsley or chives (optional)

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Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Grated Parmesan cheese

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the cauliflower florets and toss until evenly coated.

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Step 2: Bake Until Crispy

Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the baking tray.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until lightly golden and crisp.

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Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

If using plain hot sauce, mix it with melted butter until smooth.
Adjust heat level to taste.

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Step 4: Coat with Sauce

Remove cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a bowl.
Pour buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently to coat evenly.

Return the cauliflower to the baking tray and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until sticky, caramelized, and deeply golden.

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Step 5: Prepare the Dip

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Chill for 10 minutes for best flavor.

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Step 6: Serve

Transfer buffalo cauliflower to a serving bowl.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot with the creamy garlic dip on the side.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer or party snack

• Pair with celery sticks or carrot sticks

• Great as a vegetarian main with salad or wraps

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🥦 Nutrition Highlights (Approximate per serving)

• Plant-based and fiber-rich

• Baked, not fried

• Flavorful with adjustable spice level