Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a fun and tasty twist on the classic buffalo wings, but totally vegetarian and just as spicy! These little bites are crispy on the outside and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a fun and tasty twist on the classic buffalo wings, but totally vegetarian and just as spicy! These little bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, drenched in that iconic tangy buffalo sauce that delivers a nice kick. They’re perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors without the meat.
I love making these when friends come over because everyone reaches for seconds without realizing they’re actually eating veggies. I usually serve them with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the heat. The best part is how simple they are to make—just coat the cauliflower, bake or air-fry until crisp, and toss in your favorite buffalo sauce.
These bites are great as an appetizer for game day or a cozy snack any night of the week. I find myself craving them whenever I want something spicy, crunchy, and satisfying that doesn’t feel heavy. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll quickly become your go-to when you want something with a little bold flavor and a lot of fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower gives a nice crunch and soaks up the sauce well. If you can’t find a large head, baby cauliflower florets work too, and they cook a bit faster.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps create a light coating. For gluten-free options, try chickpea or rice flour—they add a nice texture too.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can swap with any hot sauce you prefer, like sriracha or a milder wing sauce if you want less heat.
Butter: Butter smooths out the hot sauce and adds richness. To make this vegan, use a plant-based butter or olive oil instead.
How Do You Get Crispy Cauliflower Bites Without Frying?
Baking cauliflower until it’s crispy can be tricky, but here’s what I’ve learned:
- Coat florets well in a batter that’s not too thin or thick.
- Place them spaced apart on a lined baking sheet to avoid steaming.
- Bake at a high temperature (around 450°F) so the outside crisps quickly.
- Flip halfway through baking to get even crunch.
- After coating in sauce, bake again so they crisp back up and the sauce sticks.
This method gives you a nice crunch, especially if you don’t have an air fryer. If you do, air frying at 375°F for about 15 minutes works great, too!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – essential for roasting the cauliflower evenly and getting it crispy.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for coating the cauliflower in batter without making a mess.
- Whisk – keeps your batter smooth and lump-free for an even coating.
- Tongs or a large spoon – great for tossing cauliflower in buffalo sauce without breaking the pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky twist that pairs well with celery sticks.
- Add grated Parmesan to the batter for a cheesy crust and extra flavor.
- Mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for extra heat if you like it spicy.
- Try swapping cauliflower with broccoli florets for a slightly different texture and taste.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cauliflower:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
For The Batter:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For The Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
For Serving and Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 35 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Oven And Cauliflower:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep things from sticking. Cut your cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set aside.
2. Make The Batter And Coat The Cauliflower:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s well coated, then shake off any extra batter. Place the coated florets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake The Cauliflower:
Bake the battered cauliflower for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pieces start to turn golden and get a bit crispy.
4. Prepare The Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower bakes, mix together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl until combined.
5. Coat With Buffalo Sauce And Bake Again:
Take the cauliflower out of the oven and gently toss the florets in the buffalo sauce mixture until every bite is covered. Return them to the baking sheet and bake for another 15 minutes, so they get crispy, caramelized, and full of flavor.
6. Garnish And Serve:
Once done, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a touch of freshness. Serve your buffalo cauliflower bites right away with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better and ensures a crispier result when baking.
How Do I Make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Vegan?
Simply substitute the butter with a vegan butter or olive oil, and use a dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Most buffalo sauces are naturally vegan, but double-check the label to be sure.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and bake the battered cauliflower in advance, then toss them in the buffalo sauce just before serving to keep them crisp. Store baked cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat buffalo cauliflower bites in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Microwaving can make them soggy, so oven reheating is best!