These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, spicy, and oh-so-tasty! They are perfect as a snack or party appetizer, giving you all the flavor without the meat.
Honestly, they might even trick your friends into thinking they’re eating chicken wings! I love dunking them in ranch dressing for an extra kick. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this dish! Choose a fresh head with firm florets. If you can’t find cauliflower, broccoli can work as a substitute for a similar texture.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create the batter. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my favorite for this recipe! However, you could use your favorite brand or reduce the spice by picking a milder hot sauce.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, but you can use olive oil for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind it won’t be quite as creamy.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These are classics for dipping. You can make a homemade version if you have time or swap in any salad dressing you like!
How Do You Get the Cauliflower Crispy?
Getting your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites crispy may seem tricky, but it’s all about the baking process!
- First, ensure the florets are evenly coated with batter to help crisp up.
- Use high heat (450°F) for baking. Higher temperatures help remove moisture from the cauliflower quicker.
- Arrange the florets in a single layer without touching each other. This allows hot air to circulate, leading to crispiness.
- Flipping the cauliflower halfway through baking ensures all sides get golden.
- After the initial bake, tossing them in Buffalo sauce before a final bake helps achieve that spicy crunch.
Enjoy making your crispy, delicious Buffalo Cauliflower Bites—perfect for game day or a fun snack!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g. Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Celery sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes baking the cauliflower to crispy perfection. So, gather your ingredients and get ready for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is key to getting those cauliflower bites nice and crispy! While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and lump-free. This batter will help coat the cauliflower and give it a tasty crunch.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets into the batter and toss them around gently until they are all coated evenly. You want every piece to be covered so they’ll all get crispy in the oven!
4. Arrange and Bake:
Spread the coated cauliflower florets out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching, as this will help them bake more evenly. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides get that crispy texture.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, mix together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl. This will give your bites that delicious spicy flavor!
6. Coat and Final Bake:
Once the cauliflower has baked for 20 minutes and is starting to get crispy, take it out of the oven. Carefully toss the hot cauliflower pieces in the buffalo sauce mixture until they’re coated thoroughly. Then, spread them back out on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes—that’s when they really start to brown!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven once the cauliflower is crispy and golden. If you like, sprinkle the bites with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve them immediately with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing and crunchy celery sticks on the side.
Enjoy your spicy, crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites—they’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cauliflower?
Absolutely! While traditional cauliflower is commonly used, you can also try using different colors of cauliflower, such as purple or green, for a fun twist. The cooking process remains the same, and the flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Vegan?
Yes! To make the recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. You can also use a plant-based milk to replace the water in the batter if you’d like a richer flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread the cauliflower bites on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, which will help restore their crispiness!
What Should I Serve with Buffalo Cauliflower Bites?
These bites pair perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing, but you can also serve them alongside fresh veggies, like celery sticks and carrot sticks, for a complete snack spread. They also make a great addition to any game day platter!
