Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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Published: 22/02/2025


Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Looking for a delicious, spicy appetizer that will wow your guests at your next gathering? Our Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the perfect solution! This vegetarian-friendly dish combines the bold and tangy flavors of traditional Buffalo wings with the nutritious benefits of cauliflower, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Each bite is crispy on the outside while tender on the inside, offering a satisfying crunch with every mouthful. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to pair with a variety of dipping sauces, from classic ranch to creamy blue cheese.

Begin by cutting fresh cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Dip them in a seasoned batter to lock in the flavor, then bake or air-fry until golden brown and irresistible. Toss the crispy bites in a homemade Buffalo sauce made from hot sauce, butter, and a hint of garlic for an extra kick. Serve these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites as a mouthwatering appetizer or a flavorful side dish. They are perfect for game day, parties, or even as a unique addition to your meal prep routine.

Not only are these bites a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings, but they are also suitable for those following a vegetarian diet. So, whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a spicy snack, these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Serving size :4 people
Calories :250 kcal
Sugar :3.00 g
Fat :15.00 g
Carbohydrates :350.00 g
Protein :12.00 g
Cholesterol :20.00 g

Ingredients :

Instructions :

1Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
3Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
4In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until you have a smooth batter.
5Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching to ensure even cooking.
6Lightly spray the coated cauliflower with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
7Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through to ensure even cooking.
8While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by combining the buffalo hot sauce and melted unsalted butter in a small bowl. Mix until well combined.
9After 20 minutes of baking, remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush each floret generously with the buffalo sauce mixture.
10Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the cauliflower is tender.
11Once done, remove the cauliflower from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
12Transfer the buffalo cauliflower bites to a serving platter.
13Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
14Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes :

  • Choose a firm, fresh cauliflower head with no brown spots for the best texture.
  • Ensure the cauliflower florets are cut uniformly to promote even cooking and coating.
  • Mixing the flour and water into a smooth batter ensures an even coating on the cauliflower.
  • Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add flavor depth; adjust amounts based on personal taste preferences.
  • Use a whisk to mix the batter to avoid lumps for a smooth coating.
  • Olive oil spray helps achieve a crispier texture without adding excess fat.
  • Flipping the cauliflower halfway through baking ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
  • Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on desired spice level; more sauce for spicier bites, less for a milder taste.
  • Melting the butter before mixing it with the buffalo sauce allows for a smoother sauce consistency.
  • Brushing the cauliflower bites with sauce after the initial bake enhances flavor absorption.
  • Baking the sauced cauliflower a second time crisps the edges and intensifies the buffalo sauce flavor.
  • Allowing the cauliflower to cool slightly after baking helps the coating set and prevents burns when eating.
  • Fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish; it can be omitted if desired.
  • Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling contrast to the spicy cauliflower bites.
  • If using ranch or blue cheese dressing, consider offering both for guests with different preferences.
  • For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Tips :

  • Choose a firm and fresh cauliflower for best results.
  • Make sure to cut the cauliflower florets into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
  • Whisk the batter well to avoid lumps and ensure even coating on the cauliflower.
  • Allow excess batter to drip off the cauliflower to prevent sogginess.
  • Use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet for extra crispiness, allowing air to circulate around the cauliflower.
  • Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure the cauliflower crisps up properly.
  • Olive oil spray helps in achieving a crispy texture; do not skip this step.
  • Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce, depending on your preference.
  • For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter alternative.
  • Monitor the cauliflower closely during the last baking phase to prevent burning.
  • Let the cauliflower bites cool slightly to allow the coating to firm up.
  • Garnish with parsley for a touch of freshness and color.
  • Serve with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
  • If making ahead, reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven to regain some crispiness.

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3.6 from 14 reviews

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Servingsize: 4 people Calories: 250 kcal Sugar: 3.00 g Fat: 15.00 g Carbohydrates: 350.00 g Protein: 12.00 g Cholesterol: 20.00 g

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Readers comments and reviews

Henry says: 26/03/2025 18:47
I can't believe how easy these were to make. They turned out perfectly crispy!
Charlie says: 23/03/2025 11:33
I love how healthy these are compared to traditional buffalo wings. So good!
Abigail says: 21/03/2025 05:17
These cauliflower bites are a must-try! I can't get enough of them!
Aiden says: 19/03/2025 23:27
I’m obsessed with these buffalo cauliflower bites! The flavor is incredible!
Leo says: 19/03/2025 19:46
These bites are so flavorful and the perfect snack for any occasion. Highly recommend!
William says: 13/03/2025 12:44
I made these for my party and they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them!
William says: 10/03/2025 04:24
I regret trying this recipe. It took a long time, and the result was not worth it.
Michael says: 09/03/2025 09:49
These are the best vegan appetizer I've ever tried! So satisfying and tasty!
Aria says: 08/03/2025 21:51
I followed the recipe exactly, but my cauliflower bites turned out soggy and flavorless.
Mason says: 08/03/2025 09:37
I was really looking forward to these, but they were a complete fail. I ended up throwing them away.
Oscar says: 08/03/2025 07:23
Absolutely delicious! These crispy buffalo cauliflower bites are a game changer!
Michael says: 05/03/2025 22:09
The perfect combination of spice and crunch! I’ll definitely be making these again!
Ella says: 01/03/2025 13:06
The texture was off and the seasoning didn't stick. I won't be making this again.
Michael says: 26/02/2025 21:21
This was a huge disappointment! They just didn't crisp up at all and the sauce was way too hot.