Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Get ready for the most addictive healthy appetizer that rivals any buffalo wing with these incredible Buffalo cauliflower bites.

These crispy, golden cauliflower florets are coated in a perfectly spiced batter and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce that delivers all the bold flavors you crave.

Each bite offers the satisfying crunch and spicy kick that makes buffalo wings so irresistible, but with a fraction of the calories and a powerhouse of nutrients.

Baked to crispy perfection instead of fried, these plant-based beauties prove that vegetables can be every bit as exciting and crave-worthy as traditional bar food, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or any gathering.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 95 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cauliflower

• large head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Buffalo Sauce

• 1/4 cup hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For Serving

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Celery sticks
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut cauliflower into uniform bite-sized florets, about 1-2 inches.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a smooth batter.
• Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off.
• Place coated florets on prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Meanwhile, prepare buffalo sauce by whisking together hot sauce, melted butter, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Remove cauliflower from oven and brush or toss with buffalo sauce.
• Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with ranch dressing and celery sticks.

Notes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 95
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 385mg

Keyword Buffalo, Cauliflower

Equipment Needed

• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Small bowl for sauce
• Pastry brush (optional)

Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for maximum crispiness
• Pat cauliflower dry before coating for better adherence
• For extra crispy results, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end
• Serve immediately while hot and crispy

Substitutions

• All-purpose flour: Use gluten-free flour blend or almond flour
• Hot sauce: Try sriracha or chipotle sauce for different heat levels
• Butter: Use olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free option
• Honey: Substitute with maple syrup or agave for vegan version
• Cauliflower: Try broccoli or Brussels sprouts for variety