The wraps feature crispy buffalo cauliflower florets baked and tossed in a spicy sauce, paired with crunchy lettuce, carrot, celery, and red onion. Creamy blue cheese dressing adds richness, all nestled in soft flour tortillas. Simple steps include baking batter-coated cauliflower, preparing tangy dressing, and assembling the wraps with fresh fillings. Easily adapted for vegan diets and perfect as a satisfying main dish, these wraps offer a bold, zesty flavor with every bite. Enjoy with extra veggies or a refreshing beverage for a complete meal.
Buffalo cauliflower wraps are loaded with spicy crisped florets and cool creamy dressing tucked inside a soft tortilla with loads of fresh veggies. They are my weeknight cheat meal whenever I want something satisfying without the heaviness of fried wings. The combination of tangy blue cheese and hot sauce always makes this dish a crowd pleaser in my home.
These wraps became a family favorite last football season. My spouse could not believe cauliflower could taste this good. Even my usually picky kids ask for seconds.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets: choose a firm head with bright white color for best texture
- All purpose flour: makes a crisp coating. Use unbleached or organic for more flavor
- Water: just enough for a thick batter that will stick to cauliflower
- Garlic powder: boosts savory depth. Fresh will not cling as well as powder in batter
- Smoked paprika: gives mild heat and smoky barbecue aroma
- Salt: enhances all flavors. Kosher salt is ideal
- Black pepper: for subtle spice. Use coarsely ground for best results
- Olive oil: helps crisp the coating while baking
- Hot sauce: choose Franks RedHot or similar for classic buffalo flavor
- Unsalted butter: creates the rich base of buffalo sauce
- Honey or maple syrup: optional but balances acidity and heat
- Flour tortillas: look for fresh and soft ones so they roll up neatly
- Shredded lettuce: pick crunchy romaine or iceberg for fresh bite
- Carrot: choose firm and sweet young carrots for julienning
- Celery: goes perfectly with buffalo flavors
- Red onion: adds punchy tang and color
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: thickens the creamy dressing
- Mayonnaise: smooths out the dressing
- Blue cheese: choose a quality creamy type for maximum sharp taste
- Lemon juice: fresh squeezed for brightness
- Salt and pepper: season to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to high heat around two hundred twenty degrees Celsius or four hundred twenty five Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment and spreading a thin layer of oil so nothing sticks.
- Make the Batter:
- Whisk flour with water garlic powder smoked paprika salt and pepper until you have a smooth lump free batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat but not so heavy it globs off.
- Coat the Cauliflower:
- Toss your cauliflower florets into the batter to cover each piece completely. Use a spoon or tongs for less mess. Lay out the battered florets on the oiled baking sheet with space between each for even crisping.
- Bake the Cauliflower:
- Drizzle a little olive oil across the florets. Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for twenty minutes. Turn each piece halfway through to ensure both sides crisp up.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk hot sauce melted butter and honey or maple syrup until glossy and uniform. Adjust the sweetness if you prefer more balance or extra heat.
- Sauce and Finish Baking:
- Remove the partially baked cauliflower. Gently toss the florets in buffalo sauce making sure each is saturated. Return to the oven and bake ten more minutes until the edges are golden and the coating has caramelized.
- Mix Blue Cheese Dressing:
- Combine sour cream mayonnaise crumbled blue cheese lemon juice salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until the dressing is creamy and thick. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Briefly heat tortillas in a dry pan or microwave to make them flexible for wrapping. Warm tortillas will not tear or crack when rolled.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Spread a generous spoonful of blue cheese dressing on each tortilla. Lay down a layer of buffalo cauliflower then top with lettuce carrot celery and onion. Add more dressing if desired.
- Roll and Serve:
- Roll tortillas tightly so all fillings are enclosed. Cut in half or keep whole to serve. Present with extra carrot or celery sticks and more dressing if you love a dip.
Blue cheese is my absolute pick for this recipe. Its bold flavor makes every bite irresistible. My best memory is making these wraps for my friends on game night and everyone fought over the last piece.
Storage Tips
Store leftover baked cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap tortillas separately to avoid sogginess. Reheat cauliflower in a hot oven before assembling to retain crispness.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream in the dressing for a tangier touch. Use vegan butter and vegan mayo with vegan cheese for a dairy free option. Choose gluten free flour and tortillas to suit gluten sensitive diets.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps pair well with a crisp green salad. Serve as a party platter cut into halves. Add avocado slices for an extra creamy texture.
Cultural and Historical Notes
Buffalo sauce as a recipe staple comes from Buffalo New York where wing shops serve spicy buttery chicken wings. Vegetarian twists like this wrap honor the classic flavors but add freshness and nutrition. Wraps are an American lunch favorite for portability.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use grilled zucchini or peppers in summer. Try roasted sweet potato with cauliflower for autumn elegance. Add sprouts or radishes in spring for crunch.
This is a great recipe for both game nights and quick lunches. Serve with extra blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → How do I make the cauliflower crispy?
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Coat cauliflower florets in the seasoned flour batter and bake at high heat, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
- → Can these wraps be made vegan?
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Yes! Substitute plant-based mayo, butter, and blue cheese, and use vegan tortillas for a fully vegan option.
- → What veggies work well as fillings?
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Lettuce, carrot, celery, and red onion add crunch. Try adding avocado or tomato for more freshness.
- → How spicy are these wraps?
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The heat level comes from the hot sauce. Adjust by reducing hot sauce or using a milder variety to taste.
- → Any tips for assembling the wraps?
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Warm tortillas for flexibility, layer dressing and fillings, then roll tightly to keep everything contained.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
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Use gluten-free flour and tortillas to accommodate dietary needs while keeping wraps delicious and satisfying.