Made by coating broiled chicken wings in hot sauce, buffalo wings are a bar food that have increased in popularity over the past several years. Vegetarians -- or those who simply do not like chicken wings -- can still enjoy the flavor of this snack by substituting cauliflower for the chicken. Be sure to experiment with different types of dipping sauces for an appetizer or party snack that can't be beat!
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower
Buffalo cauliflower is a tasty snack that can easily be made at home.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a sharp paring knife to cut the cauliflower into bite-size florets and place them in a bowl. You should end up with about seven cups of cauliflower florets after trimming.
- Mix the melted butter and hot sauce in a bowl and set aside for later use.
- Combine the water, olive oil, and salt in a large bowl, and toss thoroughly with the cauliflower florets.
- Spread the florets on a rimmed baking sheet, and roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender.
- Pour the hot sauce and butter mixture over the roasted cauliflower and use a pair of tongs to toss thoroughly.
- Roast the cauliflower for another five to eight minutes, or until brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and serve with the dipping sauce(s) of your choice.
Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
Blue cheese dipping sauce has long been a favorite pairing to buffalo wings. This blue cheese dipping sauce recipe is low in fat, making it a great choice for those looking for a healthier snack food.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
- 3 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tablespoons skim milk
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Add the blue cheese crumbles, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or until chilled.
Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli Dipping Sauce
Aioli is a form of mayonnaise traditionally made by whisking garlic paste into a mixture of egg yolks, lemon juice, mustard and olive oil. In addition to being low-carb and paleo-friendly, this aioli dipping sauce gets a boost from the addition of sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor, and process for 20 seconds, or until thoroughly combined.
- Use a rubber spatula or spoon to scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.
- Place in a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or until chilled.
Greek Sauce
Greek sauce is a great alternative for individuals who want a tangy, creamy dipping sauce, without the taste of blue cheese.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup yogurt, plain
- 1/2 cup peeled, finely diced cucumber
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- 1 garlic clove, finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and salt and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Add the feta cheese crumbles, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or until chilled.
Snack Attack
While this treat is often served at football games, you might want to make a batch just for yourself! Be sure to try out a variety of dipping sauces to find the one that keeps you -- and your guests -- coming back for more.
