Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Once you've tossed your cauliflower florets in the batter, it's time to bake them to crispy perfection. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). When baking, it's essential to arrange the cauliflower in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This promotes even cooking and prevents the florets from steaming, which can result in a soggy texture.

Discover the irresistible Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, a healthy and plant-based twist on classic buffalo wings! These crispy, flavorful bites provide the perfect crunch and bold taste, making them ideal for parties or a satisfying snack. With low calories and high fiber, cauliflower is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe offers easy steps and customizable options for everyone to enjoy, whether you're a health enthusiast or a spice lover. Elevate your appetizer game with these healthier bites that don't compromise on taste!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 cup water (or non-dairy milk for richness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)

Optional: celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be similar to pancake batter in consistency; adjust with more water if too thick.

Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s well-coated. Shake off excess batter and place the floret on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all florets are coated.

Bake: Bake the coated cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and slightly golden brown. Flip the florets halfway through for even crispiness.

Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the hot sauce until combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Toss and Bake Again: Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the Buffalo sauce over the florets. Toss to ensure they’re evenly coated. Return the cauliflower bites to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, cooking until the sauce is slightly caramelized.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with celery sticks and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4