Buffalo cauliflower is already a cult favorite for a reason—it’s crispy, spicy, tangy, and ridiculously good. Now imagine that on top of pizza with melty cheese and a drizzle of ranch. Yep. We’re going there.
You can use store-bought pizza dough to keep it easy (or go cauliflower crust for bonus veggie points), and the cauliflower gets roasted separately so it stays crisp and bold, not soggy. This pizza’s got heat, texture, flavor, and just enough creaminess to keep everything balanced.
Why You’ll Love It
- Bold buffalo flavor + creamy drizzle = perfection
- Vegetarian & can be made vegan or gluten-free
- Crispy roasted cauliflower (no mushy toppings here!)
- Customizable! Add blue cheese, ranch, more veggies, or go spicy-spicy
- Perfect for weeknights, game days, or meatless Mondays
Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories per slice: ~220 (varies with crust and toppings)
Ingredients
For the Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower:
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot or your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (or vegan butter)
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough, store-bought or homemade (or use cauliflower crust)
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
- Optional toppings: red onion, sliced jalapeños, chopped scallions, fresh cilantro
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza
1. Roast the Cauliflower
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
- Toss hot cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside.
2. Prep the Dough
- Roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches on a floured surface or parchment.
- Transfer to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Pre-bake for 5–6 minutes if the dough is very soft or sticky—this helps it crisp up later.
3. Assemble the Pizza
- Spread a thin layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing over the crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.
- Add roasted buffalo cauliflower pieces.
- Optional: Sprinkle with red onion slices, jalapeños, or blue cheese crumbles.
4. Bake
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Want extra crisp? Broil the pizza for 1–2 minutes at the end, but watch closely!
5. Finish & Serve
- Drizzle with more ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions.
- Slice and serve hot!
Variations to Try
- Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan ranch/blue cheese
- Gluten-free: Use a GF pizza crust or cauliflower crust
- Extra protein: Add chickpeas, seitan, or grilled tofu
- Super spicy: Add more buffalo sauce, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce drizzle
- Buffalo BBQ twist: Mix a little BBQ sauce into the buffalo sauce for sweet heat
What to Serve With It
- Crunchy slaw with lemon or ranch dressing
- Oven-baked sweet potato fries
- Cucumber salad to cool things down
- Sparkling lemonade or limeade for a refreshing sip
Tips for Pizza Success
- Roast the cauliflower first. Don’t skip this—it keeps it crisp and flavorful.
- Don’t overload the toppings. Less is more when it comes to baking evenly.
- Use parchment paper. Makes it easier to transfer and prevents sticking.
- Let it rest for a minute after baking. Helps everything settle and makes cleaner slices.
- Preheat your oven fully. A hot oven = crispy crust.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: In a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375°F until warmed through
- Freezer: Not ideal for this one—fresh is best with buffalo cauliflower!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
You can, but thaw and dry it thoroughly to avoid soggy cauliflower.
Is this pizza spicy?
It has a kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy—adjust the heat with your choice of buffalo sauce and toppings.
Can I use naan or flatbread instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut for individual pizzas.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella for meltiness, with optional blue cheese or cheddar for bite.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza is bold, spicy, comforting, and just plain fun. It’s a veggie-forward twist on pizza night that feels indulgent but still totally weeknight-friendly. Whether you’re making it for Meatless Monday, game day, or a laid-back Friday night, it hits every craving.
