Dinner

Cauliflower Wings with Hot Sauce and Ranch Recipe

ByMaya Arden February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

Cauliflower wings are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken wings. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these veggie bites are tossed in a flavorful buffalo sauce that’s perfect for snacking or game day.

A white bowl filled with many pieces of bright orange buffalo cauliflower bites, each piece showing a crispy texture with a glossy, saucy coating; in the center sits a smaller gray bowl filled with creamy white ranch dipping sauce. Above the bowl, a woman's hand with light-colored nail polish dips one buffalo cauliflower piece halfway into the sauce. The background is a white marbled texture, slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower, cut into large florets
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup hot sauce (such as Franks)
4 Tbsp. melted butter
Ranch dressing, for serving

Celery sticks, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, and garlic powder until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and whisk again to combine.

Step 3: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess batter and place the florets on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is crispy and golden around the edges.
Step 4: While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the buffalo sauce by whisking together the hot sauce and melted butter in a large bowl.
Step 5: Once the cauliflower is baked, toss the “wings” in the buffalo sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately with ranch dressing and celery sticks, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, flip the cauliflower halfway through baking and use a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
Try swapping ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo flavor experience.
Use dairy-free milk and vegan butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white rectangular plate filled with many bright orange buffalo cauliflower bites, each piece coated in a smooth, shiny sauce giving a crispy texture look. To the right of the plate is a small white bowl with a honeycomb pattern, filled with creamy white ranch dipping sauce with tiny black specks. The plate and bowl sit on a white marbled surface with a blurry cloth and celery sticks in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cauliflower wings gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice to make the batter gluten-free. Ensure the hot sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I serve with cauliflower wings?

Cauliflower wings pair well with classic sides like celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them alongside fries, salads, or your favorite dipping sauces.