Description
These Best Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a crispy, flavorful vegetarian appetizer that captures the spicy zest of classic buffalo wings using cauliflower. Coated in a seasoned batter, baked until crispy, then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, they make a perfect snack or party treat that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup flour (all purpose or gluten-free)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets, about 6 cups)
Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup Frank’s hot sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the cauliflower properly.
- Batter Cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together water, flour, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth. Add cauliflower florets and toss well to coat each piece with the batter.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer without touching to ensure they crisp up during baking. Bake for 20-22 minutes until the batter is crispy and golden.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine Frank’s hot sauce, melted butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Whisk until well blended.
- Toss with Sauce and Bake Again: Remove baked cauliflower from the oven and transfer to the bowl with buffalo sauce. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Return cauliflower to the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake an additional 10-15 minutes to set the sauce and achieve desired crispiness. If soggy, continue baking in 5-minute increments until crisp.
- Serve: Serve the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites immediately with homemade ranch dressing, vegan if desired, and celery sticks for a classic presentation. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, ensure cauliflower pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too heavy.
- Adjust salt and spice levels to taste, especially if you prefer milder bites.
- Serve with vegan ranch dressing to keep the dish vegan-friendly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and crisped up in a hot oven before serving.
