Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Avocado Dip (Printable)
Golden crispy cauliflower florets tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, paired with smooth cool avocado dip for the ultimate appetizer.
# List of ingredients:
→ For the Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower
01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 3/4 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
09 - 1 cup buffalo-style hot sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
11 - Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ For the Creamy Avocado Dip
12 - 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
13 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
17 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
18 - Pinch of ground black pepper
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or olive oil.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - Add the milk to the dry ingredients and whisk until a smooth batter forms without lumps.
04 - Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until each piece is evenly coated.
05 - Place the battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring pieces don't overlap.
06 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until lightly golden and beginning to crisp.
07 - While cauliflower bakes, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl until fully incorporated.
08 - Remove cauliflower from the oven and gently toss or brush each piece with the buffalo sauce mixture.
09 - Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy and well coated with sauce.
10 - Combine avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
11 - Serve the crispy buffalo cauliflower immediately while hot, accompanied by the creamy avocado dip on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between spicy crispy coating and cool creamy dip hits every craving at once
- You can eat an entire platter without the heaviness that comes after traditional wings
02 -
- Don't skip the cornstarch in the batter, it's what creates that satisfying crunch instead of a soggy coating
- Letting the cauliflower cool even a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving helps it get even crispier
03 -
- Pat your cauliflower florets completely dry before battering, excess water prevents the coating from sticking properly
- Line your baking sheet with fresh parchment after the first bake if you want to avoid sticky sauce residue on the final pieces