Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs are a fun and tasty twist on classic meatballs. Instead of using meat, these little bites are made from chopped cauliflower mixed with breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices. They are rolled into balls, baked until crispy, and then coated in bold buffalo sauce. The outside gets golden and slightly crunchy, while the inside stays soft and flavorful. They are spicy, tangy, and perfect for people who like a little heat in their food.
These meatless meatballs are great for kids and adults because they turn a simple vegetable into something exciting. They can be served as a snack, party appetizer, or even as the main part of a meal. They are easier to make than they look, and you don’t need fancy cooking skills. If you can chop, mix, and roll, you can make them. Plus, you can control how spicy they are by choosing mild or hot buffalo sauce.
You Should Try the Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs
You should try Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs because they are crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor while still being veggie-based. They are lighter than traditional meatballs but still feel filling and satisfying. They are also a smart way to eat more vegetables without feeling like you are eating “just veggies.” Even picky eaters are often surprised by how good they taste.
Another reason to try them is how flexible the recipe is. You can bake them or air-fry them. You can make them mild, medium, or extra spicy. You can serve them with dips, in wraps, over rice, or with pasta. They also freeze well, which makes them great for planning ahead. If you want something fun, different, and crowd-pleasing, this recipe is a great choice.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients you’ll need for Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs
Here is everything you need to make Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs:
- 1 medium head cauliflower about 4 cups chopped florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs regular or panko
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or oat flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup buffalo sauce store bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil to mix with buffalo sauce
- Cooking spray or a little oil for the pan
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the cauliflower and cut it into small florets. Steam or microwave the florets for about 5–7 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. Let them cool, then chop them very finely with a knife or pulse them in a food processor. The pieces should be small, like rice grains, not big chunks. Place the chopped cauliflower in a clean towel and gently squeeze out extra moisture so the meatballs hold together better.
Step 2
Put the cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. Add breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, milk, flour, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Mix everything well until it forms a thick, sticky mixture. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If it feels too dry, add a splash of milk. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs can soak up moisture.
Step 3
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly spray it with oil. Scoop about one tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place each ball on the tray with a little space between them. You should get about 18–22 meatballs. Spray or brush the tops lightly with oil so they brown nicely.
Step 4
Bake for about 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the meatballs are golden and slightly crisp on the outside. While they bake, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter or oil in a bowl. When the meatballs are done, place them in the bowl and gently toss until fully coated. Put them back on the tray and bake for another 5 minutes so the sauce sticks well and becomes glossy.
Step 5
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They will firm up a bit more as they rest and will be easier to pick up and dip.
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Kitchen equipment you will need :
Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or small scoop
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Food processor optional but helpful
- Clean kitchen towel
- Oven or air fryer
Tips and Variation Ideas
Don’t skip squeezing moisture from the cauliflower or the balls may fall apart.
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Pulse instead of chopping if you have a food processor it’s faster and more even.
Add a little ranch seasoning to the mix for extra flavor.
What can I serve with this Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs ?
I usually enjoy this Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs with other dishes like salad, and sometimes I serve it with soup as well. I also like to serve it with drinks like fruit juice or smoothies, and sometimes I eat it on its own.
Commonly Asked Questions
How long do leftovers last ?
They last about 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Can I use frozen cauliflower ?
Yes, thaw it fully and squeeze it dry before mixing.
Can I freeze them ?
Yes, freeze them baked but without sauce for up to 2 months.
How do I make them crispier ?
Use panko breadcrumbs and lightly spray with oil before baking.
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs
Course: Appetizers, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes25
minutes180
kcal45
minutesSpicy Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs are crispy baked veggie balls made with chopped cauliflower, cheese, and spices, then tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. They are fun, flavorful, and perfect as a snack, party food, or easy meatless meal.
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower about 4 cups chopped florets
1 cup breadcrumbs regular or panko
½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or oat flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ cup buffalo sauce store bought or homemade
1 tablespoon melted butter or oil to mix with buffalo sauce
Cooking spray or a little oil for the pan
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the cauliflower and cut it into small florets. Steam or microwave the florets for about 5–7 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. Let them cool, then chop them very finely with a knife or pulse them in a food processor. The pieces should be small, like rice grains, not big chunks. Place the chopped cauliflower in a clean towel and gently squeeze out extra moisture so the meatballs hold together better.
- Put the cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. Add breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, milk, flour, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Mix everything well until it forms a thick, sticky mixture. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If it feels too dry, add a splash of milk. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs can soak up moisture.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly spray it with oil. Scoop about one tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place each ball on the tray with a little space between them. You should get about 18–22 meatballs. Spray or brush the tops lightly with oil so they brown nicely.
- Bake for about 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the meatballs are golden and slightly crisp on the outside. While they bake, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter or oil in a bowl. When the meatballs are done, place them in the bowl and gently toss until fully coated. Put them back on the tray and bake for another 5 minutes so the sauce sticks well and becomes glossy.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They will firm up a bit more as they rest and will be easier to pick up and dip.
Notes
- Wet your hands slightly when rolling to stop sticking.
- Turn meatballs halfway through baking for even crisping.
- For extra flavor, add a spoon of ranch seasoning to the mix.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
