Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a tasty twist on wings! They are made by coating fresh cauliflower in a spicy buffalo sauce and baking them until crispy. Yum!
These bites are perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer. I love making them for game days—just grab some ranch dip and watch them disappear! 🍴😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is essential for that crunch. If you can’t find it, you might try using broccoli for a different twist. It won’t be the same, but it’s still tasty!
All-purpose flour: This helps create a nice coating. For gluten-free options, use almond flour or gluten-free flour blends. I’ve had success with both!
Buffalo hot sauce: Frank’s is classic, but if you prefer a milder or spicier option, feel free to experiment with other brands. Just taste as you go!
Butter: I often use vegan butter to keep it dairy-free. Coconut oil could also work if you like its flavor. But regular butter is just as delicious!
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Cauliflower Bites?
The trick to a crispy bite lies in your baking technique. Start by creating a thick batter that coats the florets evenly. Here’s how to ensure they come out crispy:
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature—450°F (230°C). This helps in browning and crisping up the batter.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet! Leave some space between the florets so hot air can circulate around them.
- Shake off excess batter after dipping. Too much moisture can lead to soggy bites.
- Drizzle a little oil before the last bake. It promotes great crispiness on the outside.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious, crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking time!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or regular butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Crumbled blue cheese or vegan blue cheese (optional), for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 35 minutes baking time. So, overall, you’ll have scrumptious Buffalo Cauliflower Bites ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is key for getting those bites crispy! While you’re at it, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. You want a thick batter that will coat the cauliflower well.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully covered. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the coated florets on your lined baking sheet, keeping some space between them.
4. Bake the Battered Cauliflower:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the battered cauliflower for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for them to start crisping up and turning golden.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower bakes, mix the buffalo hot sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. This will bring fantastic flavor to your bites!
6. Toss in the Sauce:
After 15 minutes, take the cauliflower out of the oven. Carefully toss the florets in your buffalo sauce mixture until they are evenly coated, then return them to the baking sheet.
7. Add a Crunchy Finish:
For extra crispiness, drizzle the cauliflower with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. Pop them back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the coating is crispy and the cauliflower is tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese if you like. Serve your delicious Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy!
These spicy bites are a hit at parties and a delicious vegetarian snack — enjoy every crispy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before coating it. This will help ensure a crispy texture when baked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, or chickpea flour. The recipe will be just as tasty!
Can I Make These in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and follow the same battering instructions. Cook them in batches for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness. Microwaving is an option but may make them a bit soft.