Sliders with Buffalo Cauliflower

Name: Sliders with Buffalo Cauliflower
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 8 slider buns; Lettuce leaves; Sliced tomatoes; Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Highlighted under: Modern Comfort Food Recipes

When I first tried making sliders with buffalo cauliflower, I was amazed at how well the spicy, tangy flavor mimicked traditional buffalo wings. Each bite is bursting with vibrant taste, and the cauliflower provides a satisfying texture that keeps me coming back for more. I love serving these sliders at gatherings, as they appeal to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, and you can customize them with your favorite toppings to make them your own.

Created by

Florence Keaton

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:06:34.421Z

I've always loved buffalo sauce, but when I decided to create a slider featuring buffalo cauliflower, it changed my game. The key is to roast the cauliflower until it’s crispy, allowing it to soak up that spicy sauce perfectly. I experimented with different cooking times, and landing on 25 minutes really enhances the flavor, giving it that perfect crunch.

Whether I’m entertaining guests or looking for a quick bite, these sliders are always a hit! I like to serve them with crisp lettuce and a dollop of ranch dressing to balance the heat, making them irresistible. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to add them to your regular menu!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Spicy buffalo sauce that delivers a flavor punch
Crispy cauliflower offers a satisfying crunch
Perfectly paired with cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing

      

Perfecting the Cauliflower

Choosing the right cauliflower is essential for this recipe. Look for a head that feels heavy for its size with tightly packed florets and no brown spots. A fresh cauliflower will yield a crunchier texture after baking, enhancing the overall bite of the sliders. If you're in a rush, you can use pre-cut cauliflower florets, but be sure they are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

The batter for the cauliflower plays a crucial role in achieving that crispy exterior. Mixing until smooth is key—this will help the batter adhere better to the cauliflower during baking. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can mix in a tablespoon of hot sauce into the batter itself for added flavor before dipping the florets.

Assembling Your Sliders

When it comes to assembling your sliders, the order of ingredients can impact both taste and structure. Start with the buffalo cauliflower as the base, allowing the heat from the cauliflower to slightly wilt the lettuce, which enhances both flavor and texture. I recommend using butter lettuce for this recipe due to its tender leaves and ability to hold up without overpowering the rest of the components.

For added depth, consider toasting the slider buns lightly in the oven for about 3-5 minutes. This not only enhances their flavor but also creates a barrier that prevents them from getting soggy from the dressing or moisture from the cauliflower. Feel free to add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños or pickles for a crunch that complements the spicy cauliflower.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create delicious sliders!

For the Buffalo Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup buffalo sauce

For the Sliders

8 slider buns
Lettuce leaves
Sliced tomatoes
Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Once you have your ingredients ready, you can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your sliders.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Cauliflower

In a bowl, mix the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter and arrange them on the baking sheet.

Bake the Cauliflower

Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and toss with buffalo sauce.

Assemble the Sliders

Place a few pieces of buffalo cauliflower onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of dressing before adding the top bun.

Your sliders are now ready to serve! Enjoy them with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some jalapeños or crispy onions on top of the sliders before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make these sliders ahead of time, it’s best to keep the components separate until serving. The baked buffalo cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and when reheating, a quick blast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes will help restore its crispiness.

The slider buns will also benefit from being stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigerating the buns as this can cause them to dry out. You can slice and toast them before serving, ensuring they're crispy and ready for the buffalo cauliflower and toppings.

Serving Variations

This recipe lends itself well to customization, making it easy to switch things up based on your personal preference or dietary needs. Try substituting the buffalo sauce with a teriyaki glaze for a sweeter twist or use a vegan ranch dressing to maintain plant-based eating. If you want to add more substance, include avocado slices for creaminess.

For a party setting, consider creating a slider bar where guests can assemble their own, complete with various toppings like shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and different dressings. This not only enhances the experience but allows each guest to tailor their slider to their tastes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the buffalo cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the buffalo cauliflower ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before assembling the sliders.

→ What can I substitute for the flour?

You can use chickpea flour or gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option.

→ How spicy is the buffalo sauce?

The spice level can vary by brand, but you can adjust it to your liking by adding more or less sauce.

→ Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying?

Yes! Baking is a great method to get crispy cauliflower without excess oil.