Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a fun and spicy snack that everyone loves! These little florets get baked until crispy and are tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce—yummy!
They’re a great healthy alternative to chicken wings, and trust me, they disappear fast at gatherings. I like to serve them with ranch dressing for dipping—it’s a tasty match! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star ingredient! Choose a fresh, firm head with vibrant florets. If you’re not a cauliflower fan, you can use broccoli instead!
Flour: I use all-purpose flour for the batter. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or chickpea flour work great as substitutes.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but any hot sauce that you enjoy will do. For a milder version, choose a hot sauce with lower heat or mix it with some honey.
Butter: Vegan butter keeps this recipe plant-based. If you’re not vegan, regular butter works just as well. You can also use olive oil for a lighter dip.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crisp?
Getting those cauliflower bites crispy is key! Start by baking them once coated in batter. Here’s how:
- Make sure your oven is preheated. A hot oven helps achieve that crispy exterior.
- Bake the coated florets on parchment paper. This prevents sticking and allows for even cooking.
- Flipping the florets halfway through the first bake ensures all sides get that golden texture.
- If using breadcrumbs, make sure they’re evenly sprinkled over the batter before baking to add crunch!
After tossing in the buffalo sauce, a quick return to the oven helps set the flavor and maintains that desired crunch!
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko for extra crispiness (optional)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or regular butter, melted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. So in total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes from start to finish, and then you can enjoy these crispy, spicy bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot when you put the cauliflower in! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too thick that it clumps.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. If you want extra crunch, you can then roll it in breadcrumbs or panko.
4. Bake the Bites:
Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they get golden and crispy all around.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, mix together the hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl. This will be the spicy, flavorful coating for your bites!
6. Toss in the Sauce:
When the cauliflower bites are done baking, take them out of the oven and toss them gently in the buffalo sauce until they’re all coated. Be careful not to break them!
7. Bake Again:
Place the sauce-coated cauliflower back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to stick and get even more flavorful.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, serve your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites hot, garnished with sliced green onions. Pair them with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, spicy snack!
This crispy, spicy appetizer is perfect for game days or as a tasty snack! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but it’s best to thaw and drain it completely before coating it with the batter. This way, you avoid excess moisture that can make the bites soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness!
What if I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No worries! If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can skip that step altogether. The batter itself will still provide a nice texture. Alternatively, crushed crackers or cereal can work as a substitute for breadcrumbs to add a bit of crunch!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that crispiness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the batter. Alternatively, toss the baked bites in a spicy coating or serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick!