Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a fun and tasty twist on wings! These crispy pieces of cauliflower are tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, giving them a kick that everyone loves.
They’re a great snack for game day or just for munching on during a movie night. I usually pair them with some cool ranch dip—perfect for balancing that heat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is the star here. If needed, frozen florets can work too; just thaw and dry them thoroughly before battering.
Flour: All-purpose flour is traditional, but you can swap it for gluten-free flour if you need. I’ve also used chickpea flour for added protein and flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for its bold flavor. If you’re looking for less heat, try a milder hot sauce or combine ketchup with a dash of hot sauce!
Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, I recommend using melted coconut oil or vegan butter instead.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Bites Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispiness is all about the batter and baking technique. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure to fully coat each floret in the batter, but don’t let excess drip off too much. A good coating helps them crisp in the oven.
- Bake them in a single layer; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Flip them halfway through the first bake to ensure even browning and crispness.
- For the second bake, keep an eye on them! A few extra minutes can turn a good crunch into an amazing one!
Serve these bites immediately for the best texture, and enjoy them with your favorite dips!
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Bites:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Celery sticks for serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Lemon wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe generally takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Buffalo Cauliflower Bites in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, or you can lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter—there should be no lumps!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Toss each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it gets completely coated. Give it a little shake to remove any excess batter, and then place the florets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
4. First Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Be sure to flip the florets halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
5. Mix the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, grab a large bowl and combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Stir until they’re well mixed and ready for coating.
6. Coat with Buffalo Sauce:
When the cauliflower is done baking and has a nice golden color, remove it from the oven and carefully toss the hot florets in the buffalo sauce mixture until they’re thoroughly coated.
7. Second Bake:
Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will help set the sauce and make the bites extra crispy!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re finished baking, take them out of the oven and transfer the cauliflower bits to a serving plate. Top with sliced green onions for a bit of freshness.
9. Enjoy!
Serve these spicy, crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites warm with celery sticks, lemon wedges if you like, and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. Enjoy your delicious creation!
These bites are a sure hit whether you’re having a snack or serving them at a party. They bring a great crunch and flavor that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before battering to get the best results.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, use a plant-based milk mixed with flour for the batter instead of water and substitute the butter with vegan butter or melted coconut oil in the buffalo sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can mix the buffalo sauce with a bit of ketchup or choose a milder hot sauce. You can also control the amount of sauce you toss the cauliflower in for less heat.