Sliders with Buffalo Cauliflower

Name: Sliders with Buffalo Cauliflower
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 sliders
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup water; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 slider buns; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; Creamy ranch dressing for drizzling

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I absolutely love these sliders with buffalo cauliflower! Every bite is packed with flavor and a perfect blend of spice and crunch. Whether you’re hosting a game night or looking for a healthy alternative to traditional sliders, these are a fantastic choice. They’re simple to prepare, and the buffalo sauce lends an irresistible kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t want to go back to regular sliders!

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-01-06T12:02:35.368Z

When I first experimented with buffalo cauliflower, I was blown away by its versatility. By roasting the cauliflower with spices, I found it develops an incredible charred flavor that really elevates the dish. I love using a blend of cayenne pepper and garlic powder for a deep, exciting taste, and tossing it in buffalo sauce at the end gives it an addictive kick! Each slider becomes a gorgeous, colorful presentation on the plate.

To enhance these sliders even more, I created a creamy ranch dressing to drizzle on top. The coolness of the dressing perfectly balances the spicy cauliflower, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up with just a few ingredients. This slider recipe has quickly become a go-to favorite in my house!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Crispy, flavorful buffalo cauliflower with a zesty kick
Creamy ranch dressing to balance the heat
Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a fun family dinner

      

The Art of Cauliflower Preparation

The foundation of these sliders is the cauliflower, and getting it right is crucial. When cutting the cauliflower into florets, aim for even sizes to ensure uniform cooking. If you have larger or smaller pieces, they may cook at different rates, resulting in some being perfectly crispy while others remain soft. For best results, about two-inch florets are ideal—they provide a hearty bite while allowing the batter to adhere properly.

Creating the batter is another essential step. Whisk the dry ingredients together before adding water to ensure an even distribution of spices. You want a consistency that’s thick enough to coat the florets without being overly cakey. If your batter is too thin, add a touch more flour; too thick? A dash of water will help. The correct texture will allow for a crispy finish once baked.

Enhancing Flavor with Buffalo Sauce

The buffalo sauce is where these sliders gain their signature flavor. Rather than drenching the cauliflower right after it comes out of the oven, I recommend tossing it in the sauce a couple of minutes before serving. This method keeps the batter crispy while ensuring the florets are robustly flavored. If you want a milder flavor, feel free to mix half buffalo sauce with half melted butter or plant-based oil.

Once your cauliflower is tossed in buffalo sauce, put it back into the oven for those last five minutes. This step helps the sauce caramelize slightly, enhancing the overall taste and adding a sticky, sweet element to each floret. The visual cue here is a slightly glossy coating on the cauliflower, ensuring it’s ready to be assembled into sliders.

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Cauliflower

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup water
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sliders

6 slider buns
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Creamy ranch dressing for drizzling

Adjust the spice level using more or less cayenne according to your taste!

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and water until a smooth batter forms. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter to coat evenly.

Bake the Cauliflower

Spread the batter-coated cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Toss with Buffalo Sauce

Remove the cauliflower from the oven and drizzle with buffalo sauce. Toss to coat the florets evenly and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns and layer on the shredded lettuce, roasted buffalo cauliflower, and diced tomatoes. Drizzle with ranch dressing before placing the top bun.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy!

Pro Tips

Adjust the spice level to suit your taste and feel free to add additional toppings like pickles or onions for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re planning to serve these sliders for a party or gathering, you can prepare the buffalo cauliflower ahead of time. After baking and tossing in the buffalo sauce, let the florets cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crunch.

The creamy ranch dressing can also be made in advance. Blending together mayonnaise, buttermilk, garlic powder, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley will yield a dressing that gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed jar or bowl, and it will be ready whenever you need it.

Serving Suggestions

These buffalo cauliflower sliders are versatile and can be modified to suit various palates. Consider adding additional toppings such as avocado slices, pickles, or even jalapeños for extra heat. You can also switch out the traditional slider bun for lettuce wraps or sweet potato buns to cater to gluten-free guests or those looking for a low-carb option.

If you find you're not a fan of the spicy kick, you can use barbecue sauce instead of buffalo sauce. This swap offers a completely different flavor profile while still keeping everything deliciously crispy. Serve these sliders alongside a veggie platter or sweet potato fries for a satisfying meal or snack that everyone can enjoy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use a plant-based flour and a vegan ranch dressing to keep it fully vegan!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the cauliflower and buns separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen. Just ensure to thaw and drain excess moisture.

→ What can I serve these sliders with?

These sliders pair well with sides like sweet potato fries, a simple salad, or even with a cold beer!