Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a spicy and crispy treat that everyone will love! They are made from cauliflower florets tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, then baked until golden.
These bites are perfect as a snack or party food. Honestly, they are so tasty that I often forget they are good for me. Plus, they are super easy to whip up—just coat, bake, and munch away!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: A whole head of cauliflower is essential for this recipe. You can use broccoli florets if you’re looking for a twist. Both veggies roast beautifully and soak up that spicy sauce!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for the batter, but if you need a gluten-free option, rice flour or chickpea flour can be used. I love the nutty flavor of chickpea flour in this dish!
Water or Non-Dairy Milk: Regular water keeps it simple, but using non-dairy milk adds a little richness. Almond or oat milk are good choices, especially if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a wonderful crunch! If you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs or cornmeal will also do the trick. Cornmeal can add an even more interesting texture.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic for heat and flavor. If you want something milder, try a wing sauce or even a BBQ sauce for a different twist.
How Do You Get the Cauliflower Bites Extra Crispy?
Getting that crispiness is key to a great cauliflower bite! Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Make sure to coat the cauliflower evenly in the batter and breadcrumbs. Too much excess batter can make them soggy.
- Don’t crowd your baking sheet! Give the cauliflower space so the heat can circulate around each piece.
- Baking at a high temperature is crucial. It helps to dry out the coating, creating that crunchy texture. Keep an eye on them, especially during the last few minutes!
- If you want extra crisp, consider a quick spray of cooking oil over the coated bites before baking.
Enjoy these tips and your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites will turn out deliciously crispy every time!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water (or non-dairy milk for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or cornmeal for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted (or regular butter)
- Chopped green onions or chives for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time to make these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites is about 40 minutes. This includes 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for baking. It’s a quick snack or appetizer that offers fantastic flavor in no time!
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 or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easier too!
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or non-dairy milk), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too thick!
3. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
Place the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl. This will be used to coat your cauliflower florets for that crunchy texture.
4. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess batter drip off. Then, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out.
5. Bake the Cauliflower:
Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they become crispy and golden on all sides.
6. Prepare the Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo hot sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. This will add a wonderful kick to your bites!
7. Coat with Sauce:
Once the cauliflower is baked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the florets and gently toss them until evenly coated. Don’t be too rough; you want to keep them intact!
8. Bake Again:
Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This helps set the sauce and ensures everything is hot and delicious.
9. Garnish:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions or chives over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Serve:
Serve your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy the yumminess!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before coating them in the batter and breadcrumbs.
How Can I Make These Cauliflower Bites Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, you can add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter or mix some hot pepper sauce into the buffalo sauce. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Can I Make These Cauliflower Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cauliflower bites and bake them, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Bites 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 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
