Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch.

If you’re looking for a game-day snack or a flavorful side dish that will impress your friends and family, look no further than Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch. This dish is not only packed with flavor, it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies in a fun and exciting way. The crispy, spicy cauliflower florets are perfectly complemented by the creamy, zesty tahini ranch dressing. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a casual weeknight dinner, or simply indulging in a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Top Reasons to Make Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch.

• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy tahini ranch creates a bold flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
• Vegetarian Delight: This dish is entirely plant-based and a great alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or game days.
• Healthier Option: Cauliflower is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a nutritious choice without sacrificing taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it solo, it’s a dish that everyone will love.

Shopping List

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups finely crushed corn flake crumbs
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to your taste
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (I use Frank’s)
• 1/3 cup melted butter or extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons dried chives
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to your taste
• Kosher salt and pepper

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.
• Whisk: To beat the eggs and mix the tahini ranch dressing.
• Baking Sheet: To roast the cauliflower florets.
• Parchment Paper: For easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
• Oven: To bake the cauliflower until crispy.

Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch.: How It’s Done

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to getting those crispy, delicious cauliflower bites.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower

Begin by cutting your large head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Step 3: Set Up the Dipping Station

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until well-beaten. In another bowl, combine the finely crushed corn flake crumbs, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the corn flake crumb mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated and set aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake the Cauliflower

Once all the florets are coated, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through baking, flip them to ensure even crispiness.

Step 6: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce, melted butter or olive oil, and seasoned salt. Once the cauliflower is done baking, toss the hot florets in the buffalo sauce until well-coated.

Step 7: Make the Spicy Tahini Ranch

In another bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more cayenne for extra heat if desired.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the buffalo cauliflower hot, drizzled with the spicy tahini ranch. Enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness paired with the creamy sauce for the perfect bite!

Health-Conscious Tweaks

• For a gluten-free option, substitute corn flake crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal.
• Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat option.
• Reduce the amount of hot sauce for a milder flavor, or use a low-sodium version.
• Incorporate more fresh herbs into the tahini ranch for added nutrients and flavor.

Missteps & Fixes

• Cauliflower Not Crispy: Make sure to properly coat the florets and bake at a high temperature. Flipping them halfway through helps achieve that crunch.
• Dressing Too Thick: If the tahini ranch is too thick, add a splash of water or more lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
• Too Spicy: If you find the dish too spicy, balance it out with a dollop of yogurt or serve with extra tahini ranch for cooling.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prepare the cauliflower florets and the spicy tahini ranch dressing ahead of time. Store the coated cauliflower in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. The tahini ranch dressing can also be made in advance and kept in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. Just give it a good stir before serving!

Handy Q&A

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if you must use frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained well before coating.

What can I serve with Buffalo Cauliflower?

This dish pairs wonderfully with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh garden salad. Serve it alongside your favorite dipping sauces for a complete snack experience!

How do I make this dish vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter or olive oil for the sauce.

Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed for baking, which is a healthier alternative to frying while still achieving that crispy texture.

What to Make After This

• Crispy Chickpea Tacos
• Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Zesty Quinoa Salad
• Creamy Avocado Pasta

Ready, Set, Cook

Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch is not only a delicious dish but also a great way to enjoy healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. The spicy, crispy bites of cauliflower paired with the creamy tahini ranch make for a truly irresistible combination. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this scrumptious recipe. It’s time to elevate your veggie game!

Buffalo Cauliflower with Spicy Tahini Ranch.

This Buffalo Cauliflower is a flavor explosion! Crispy, spicy cauliflower paired with a creamy tahini ranch dressing make it a must-try!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets
• 3 large eggs
• 1.25 cups finely crushed corn flake crumbs
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your taste
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 0.5 cup hot sauce (I use Frank's)
• 0.33 cup melted butter or extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon seasoned salt

For the Spicy Tahini Ranch:

• 0.25 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons dried chives
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your taste
• Kosher salt and pepper

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Oven

Method

 

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to getting those crispy, delicious cauliflower bites.
2. Begin by cutting your large head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until well-beaten. In another bowl, combine the finely crushed corn flake crumbs, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper.
4. Dip each cauliflower floret first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the corn flake crumb mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated and set aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Once all the florets are coated, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through baking, flip them to ensure even crispiness.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce, melted butter or olive oil, and seasoned salt. Once the cauliflower is done baking, toss the hot florets in the buffalo sauce until well-coated.
7. In another bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more cayenne for extra heat if desired.
8. Serve the buffalo cauliflower hot, drizzled with the spicy tahini ranch. Enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness paired with the creamy sauce for the perfect bite!

Notes

• For a gluten-free option, substitute corn flake crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal.
• Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat option.
• Reduce the amount of hot sauce for a milder flavor, or use a low-sodium version.