These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a tasty twist on classic wings! Made from crispy cauliflower tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, they make a great snack or appetizer.
If you’re like me, you might want to keep a plate nearby—because they disappear fast! I love pairing them with a cooling dip for that perfect balance. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is essential for this recipe, giving it that perfect bite. If you’re in a pinch, broccoli florets also work well for a different flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a crunchy coating. You can use gluten-free flour if you need to. Almond flour or chickpea flour can also add a nice texture.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is popular, but any hot sauce you love will do. For a milder version, try mixing hot sauce with a bit of honey or maple syrup!
Butter: This adds richness to the sauce. You can skip it or use a vegan alternative if desired. Olive oil is also good for a lighter touch.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: A cooling dip complements the heat. Feel free to use a homemade version or your favorite store-bought dressing to keep it easy.
What’s the Best Way to Get Extra Crispy Cauliflower Bites?
Getting those Buffalo Cauliflower Bites perfectly crispy is the key to enjoying them! Follow these simple steps:
- Make sure to coat each cauliflower floret well in the batter. This helps create a good crunch.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Crowding them can make them soggy.
- Flipping halfway through baking is important to ensure even cooking and browning.
- For that extra crunch, bake them a bit longer after tossing in the buffalo sauce. Just watch to make sure they don’t burn!
With just a little attention, you’ll achieve that perfect crispy, spicy bite that everyone loves!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional for traditional buffalo flavor)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Celery sticks, for serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour. Most of that is baking time, so you can relax and let the oven do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This will help your bites get nice and crispy! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so nothing sticks.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too gunky!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take the cauliflower florets and dip them into the batter, making sure they’re fully coated. Let any excess batter shake off before placing them onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd the pan so they can crisp up nicely!
4. First Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to flip the florets halfway through so they cook evenly. You want them to be golden brown and the batter to be set.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, mix together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl. This combination will give your bites that spicy, buttery kick!
6. Toss in Sauce:
Once the cauliflower is done baking, take it out of the oven and transfer the florets to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over them and gently toss until they’re well coated.
7. Final Bake:
Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This helps them get extra crispy and charred at the edges, making them even more delicious!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites hot with celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites! They’re perfect for game day, parties, or just a tasty snack at home!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before coating it in the batter. This helps achieve the desired crispy texture.
How Do I Make These Cauliflower Bites Spicier?
If you want to ramp up the heat, you can add a bit of cayenne pepper directly into the batter or mix extra hot sauce into the buffalo sauce. Just adjust according to your taste preference!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the battered cauliflower ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just toss them in the buffalo sauce right before the final bake for freshness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp them up again.
