Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsDatz - St. PeteBuffalo Cauliflower Popcorn Recipe

Buffalo Cauliflower Popcorn Recipe

Inspired by Datz - St. Pete
Time40m
Serves4

Fried bite-sized cauliflower, tossed in hot sauce with a ranch dressing drizzle.

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Ingredients

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Cauliflower

Ranch Dressing

Method

Preparation of Cauliflower

  1. 1

    Prepare the Cauliflower

    Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets.

  2. 2

    Make the Batter

    In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and water. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

  3. 3

    Coat the Cauliflower

    Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow excess batter to drip off.

Frying the Cauliflower

  1. 4

    Heat the Oil

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  2. 5

    Fry the Cauliflower

    Carefully add the battered cauliflower florets to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Buffalo Sauce and Ranch Dressing

  1. 6

    Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the hot sauce until well combined. Remove from heat.

  2. 7

    Make the Ranch Dressing

    In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Serving

  1. 8

    Toss in Sauce

    In a large bowl, toss the fried cauliflower with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

  2. 9

    Drizzle Ranch Dressing

    Serve the buffalo cauliflower popcorn on a platter and drizzle with ranch dressing. Enjoy!

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