She Strengthens

Game-Day Showstopper: Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings”

Get ready to score big with this meat-free twist on traditional Buffalo wings! Our cauliflower “wings” are a game-changer, packed with flavor and texture that’s sure to please even the most dedicated wing lovers.

The Magic of Chickpea Flour

The secret to our “wings’” success lies in the chickpea flour batter, which adds a satisfying crunch and helps them hold their own against the spicy, buttery wing sauce. And the best part? No frying required! A hot oven does all the work, making this recipe a healthier, easier alternative to traditional wings.

Saucy Details

For an authentic Buffalo flavor, we recommend using Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce. If you prefer a milder heat, feel free to substitute with another medium-spicy brand. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Make-Ahead Mastery

Need to prep ahead of time? No problem! Let the sauced cauliflower pieces cool completely, then bake in a 450°F oven for 20 minutes to heat and crisp them up before serving.

More Meatless Marvels

Looking for more game-day inspiration? Check out our Easy Potato Skins, Texas Queso Dip, and Mozzarella and Fresh Basil Grilled Pizza (with a Cauliflower Pizza Crust for a fully vegan option).

Recipe Breakdown

Yields: About 24 “wings”
Difficulty: Medium
Total Time: 1 hour
Active Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Blue Cheese Dressing:

• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

For the “Wings”:

• 1 cup garbanzo flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large heads of cauliflower (about 5 pounds total), separated into 24 evenly sized florets

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or ghee
• 2/3 cup medium-spicy hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Optional: Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Make the blue cheese dressing by whisking together the sour cream, blue cheese, milk, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 450°F and oil 2 baking sheets. Combine the garbanzo flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk until well combined, then toss in the cauliflower florets until coated.
3. Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer on the baking sheets and bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. While the cauliflower is baking, make the sauce by combining the butter, hot sauce, honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat until the butter has melted, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
5. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and gently add it to the mixing bowl with the sauce. Toss to coat, then serve immediately with the blue cheese dressing and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, if desired.