Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dip

Reach for the Buffalo Cauliflower when you want to feel like you're indulging in something sinful, but you're really not.

*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2013. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.

Over the past few years, I've become a huge fan of all things hot and spicy.

Not quite sure what in my brain made the switch from mild to wild, but as I age I enjoy feeling the burn from something other than a hot flash!

I felt that this recipe was a good way for me to get my heat on and yet not feel too terribly guilty because cauliflower takes the place of those nasty chicken wings (I really don't mean nasty, I love them too, but sometimes you just have to chew the right thing)!

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER WITH BLUE CHEESE DIP   {PRINT THIS RECIPE}


For the cauliflower
1 large head of cauliflower, cut into 2" - 3" florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
8 ounces beer
¼ cup Frank's hot sauce
2 tablespoons butter

For the blue cheese dip
½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
¼ cup half and half
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2-3 ounces of Gorgonzola blue cheese
celery sticks for dipping

-Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
-Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and a baking rack. Spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
-Wash and chop the cauliflower into florets.
-In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-Pour in the beer and mix well to form a thick coating that will stick to the cauliflower.
-Add the cauliflower florets to the coating mixture and turn to coat each piece liberally.
-Using a slotted spoon, remove the florets and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the florets are lightly browned.
-Meanwhile, in a small bowl, microwave the hot sauce and butter until it's hot and melted.
-Remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush each floret with the hot sauce.
-Return the cauliflower to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.
-In a small bowl, combine all the dip ingredients (except the celery sticks) and stir well.
-Serve the Buffalo cauliflower with the blue cheese dip and the celery sticks.

As I was taking the photos of these hot little morsels of spicy goodness, I seriously could not stop snacking on them.  

But you know what? I don't feel one bit guilty! Well, except for all that blue cheese dip I ate (but that's a whole other story) and hey, I did have two helpings of veggies here, ya' know! LOL