Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a tasty and spicy snack that everyone will love! These little bites are made from crispy cauliflower, tossed in zesty buffalo sauce.
They’re great for game day or just a fun snack at home. I serve mine with a cool ranch dip to balance the heat. Trust me, you won’t miss the wings! 🥦🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key. If you can’t find a large head, use two smaller ones. You could also use frozen cauliflower, just ensure it’s thawed and well-drained.
All-purpose flour: This forms the batter. If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend; it works just as well and keeps the bites crispy.
Buffalo hot sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a favorite for its balance of heat and flavor. If that’s too spicy, try a milder hot sauce or even a mix of hot sauce with some barbecue sauce for a different twist.
Butter: I like using vegan butter for a dairy-free option, but regular butter will offer a richer taste. You can skip it altogether if you want fewer calories.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crispy Coating?
Getting that crunchy texture is important for these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to preheat your oven properly—450°F (230°C) is key for crispiness.
- Let your battered cauliflower rest briefly before baking; this helps the batter stick better.
- Bake on a wire rack if you have one. This allows air to circulate, keeping the bottoms from getting soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them space to breathe so they crisp up!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or regular butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious Buffalo Cauliflower Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature ensures your cauliflower pops get nice and crispy! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or use a greased wire rack for extra crunch.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure there are no lumps; the batter should be smooth and a little thick.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, and toss them around to ensure they are completely covered. You want every piece to get a good coating!
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the battered cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Make sure to shake off any excess batter, so they aren’t dripping and get crispy!
5. Bake the Cauliflower:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color and a bit of crispiness on the edges.
6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl. This delicious sauce is what gives your bites that iconic flavor!
7. Toss in Sauce:
After 20 minutes, take the cauliflower out of the oven. Carefully toss the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce mixture, making sure each piece is well coated.
8. Bake Again:
Return the sauce-coated cauliflower back to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and the edges to become super crispy!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately!
10. Enjoy:
Serve your spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy this tasty, spicy treat!
Enjoy your delicious, spicy, and crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just ensure it’s completely thawed and well-drained before coating it in the batter. This helps achieve a crispy texture.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands are available, making it easy to create gluten-free Buffalo Cauliflower Bites without sacrificing flavor!
Can I Prepare These Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the batter and coat the cauliflower up to 24 hours in advance. Store the coated florets in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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 at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
