Name: Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with Vegan Ranch Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small head of cauliflower; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (use chickpea flour for a gluten-free version); 3/4 cup unsweetened almond or soy milk; 1/4 cup water; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons paprika powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon dried dill; 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 73 reviews

If you are craving a bold, spicy snack that’s packed with flavor yet completely plant-based, this Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with Vegan Ranch Dip Recipe is an absolute game changer. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these cauliflower wings are coated in that iconic Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce and paired perfectly with a creamy vegan ranch dip that cools down the heat. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or just want a satisfying snack, this recipe hits all the right notes with its vibrant colors, irresistible texture, and delightfully tangy complement.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with many cauliflower florets placed inside, showing their off-white color and bumpy texture with small stem parts visible at the bottom of each floret, all sitting on a white marbled surface with a folded white and blue striped cloth partially visible behind the bowl, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Everything in this Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with Vegan Ranch Dip Recipe is simple but essential. Each ingredient plays a unique role in delivering that perfect balance of crispy texture, tangy heat, and creamy coolness that makes the dish stand out. Let’s break down these kitchen staples that come together to create pure magic.

Cauliflower: The star of the show, providing a hearty base that crisps up beautifully while soaking in all the buffalo flavor.
All-purpose flour (or chickpea flour): Forms the flavorful batter that helps the cauliflower achieve that indulgent wing-like crunch.
Unsweetened almond or soy milk: Moistens the batter and keeps it dairy-free and smooth.
Water: Balances the batter’s consistency for the best coating.
Garlic powder and paprika powder: Add a smoky, pungent kick and deepen the flavor profile with their savory warmth.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible crispness lining the cauliflower, especially when baked.
Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce: Brings the tangy, spicy signature buffalo taste that’s so iconic.
Olive oil: Enhances the richness and promotes an even, golden bake.
Vegan mayonnaise: The creamy base of the ranch dip, smooth and cooling against the heat of the wings.
Dried dill and dried parsley: Infuse the vegan ranch with fresh herbal notes that lift and balance every bite.

How to Make Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with Vegan Ranch Dip Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Florets

Start by carefully cutting a small head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. This first step is crucial because uniform pieces ensure they cook evenly, giving you those perfect “wing” bites that pack flavor in every mouthful.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, blend 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free), 3/4 cup unsweetened almond or soy milk, 1/4 cup water, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons paprika powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir this until it forms a smooth, thick batter ready to hug every cauliflower floret with flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring every inch is well-coated. Then, roll the battered pieces in 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs which will make these wings tantalizingly crunchy. If you’re gluten-free, you can skip the breadcrumbs, but do know the texture will be a bit different.

Step 4: First Bake

Place the coated florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re spaced out without touching. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. This initial bake locks in the texture and prepares the cauliflower to soak up that famous buffalo sauce.

Step 5: Add the Buffalo Sauce

Mix 1 cup of Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then drizzle or toss your baked cauliflower wings in this spicy mixture until every piece is beautifully coated with that signature buffalo tang.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the sauce-coated florets to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake again at 350°F for 20 more minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce and crisps the wings to perfection, giving you that addictive buffalo texture you love.

Step 7: Prepare the Vegan Ranch Dip

While the wings bake, combine 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon dried dill and 1 teaspoon dried parsley in a small bowl. Stir until the herbs are fully incorporated, resulting in a luscious, herbaceous dip to calm the heat.

How to Serve Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with Vegan Ranch Dip Recipe

A close-up view of a soft tortilla folded to hold four crispy, golden-brown fried nuggets with a textured coating, layered with chunks of bright green avocado, fresh green cilantro leaves, and thin strips of purple cabbage. There are small dollops of red sauce and white creamy sauce drizzled over the nuggets. A wedge of light yellow lemon is also tucked inside near the top. The taco is held in a woman’s hand against a soft, blurred background and white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or parsley on top of your cauliflower buffalo wings to add a pop of color and a fresh bite that complements the spicy sauce. A little sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add an unexpected nutty crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This dish shines best with classic sides like crisp celery and carrot sticks, which offer a cooling crisp alongside the heat of the wings. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a fresh garden salad or some crunchy roasted potatoes for extra comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cauliflower wings piled high on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of the vegan ranch dip and extra buffalo sauce on the side. For a fun twist, serve them inside soft slider buns topped with crunchy coleslaw for buffalo sandwich sliders that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cauliflower buffalo wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld, though the wings are best enjoyed within a day or two for maximum crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked wings by placing them on a baking sheet to flash freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen wings keep well for up to 2 months and are great to have on hand for quick snacks or spontaneous gatherings.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the frozen or refrigerated cauliflower wings in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy, and the texture is part of what makes this dish so delightful.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for chickpea flour and skip the panko breadcrumbs. While the texture won’t be quite as crispy, the flavors remain just as delicious.

Is the vegan ranch dip easy to customize?

Yes, it’s very versatile. Feel free to add fresh garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar to give it your personal twist and extra zing.

Can I use a different hot sauce instead of Frank’s Red Hot?

Of course! Frank’s is iconic for buffalo wings, but you can experiment with your favorite hot sauces. Just keep in mind some may be sweeter or less tangy, so adjust the quantity to taste.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can try regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, but panko is preferred for that distinct crispy coating. If avoiding breadcrumbs, just bake the battered cauliflower directly for a lighter texture.

How spicy are these cauliflower buffalo wings?

The spice level is moderate and comes mainly from the buffalo sauce, which has a nice tangy kick without being overwhelming. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne powder to the batter or drizzle extra sauce before serving.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with Vegan Ranch Dip Recipe because it’s the kind of dish that turns skeptics into enthusiasts. With its crunchy, spicy, and creamy elements all perfectly balanced, it’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy plant-based cooking that feels indulgent without any guilt. Treat yourself and your friends to this crowd-pleaser — you won’t regret it!