Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – Crispy, Spicy & Vegetarian 🌶️🌿
These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the ultimate meatless appetizer—crispy, spicy, and absolutely addictive! Perfect for game day, parties, or a light vegetarian snack, they’re oven-baked to golden perfection and coated in zesty buffalo sauce. 🥦🔥
Why You’ll Love These Bites 💚
- ✅ Crispy without frying: All the crunch, none of the deep fryer.
- ✅ Spicy & Tangy: Coated in bold buffalo sauce for a kick!
- ✅ Vegetarian crowd-pleaser: Great for everyone, not just veggie lovers.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ⅔ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or vegan butter
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Coat the cauliflower: Toss florets in the batter until fully coated. Shake off excess and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Buffalo coating: In a small bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter. Brush or toss cauliflower in the sauce.
- Final bake: Return to the oven for 10 more minutes until caramelized and crisp on the edges.
- Serve: Garnish and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dip. 🌿
💡 Tips & Variations
- ✨ Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter and serve with dairy-free ranch.
- ✨ Extra crispy: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- ✨ Gluten-free: Sub almond or chickpea flour for an easy swap.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- 🥕 With veggie sticks: Pair with celery, carrots & your favorite dip.
- 🌮 In tacos: Load into a soft shell with slaw & crema for a spicy twist.
- 🥗 On a salad: Top over greens with avocado and lime vinaigrette.
🥡 Make-Ahead & Storage
- 🧊 Prep ahead: Batter and roast the cauliflower up to 1 day before. Add sauce & rebake when ready.
- ❄️ Storage: Keep leftovers in a sealed container for 2–3 days.
- 🔥 Reheat: Best in the oven or air fryer to bring back crispness.
❓ FAQ
- Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. - Are these very spicy?
They’re medium spicy. Use mild sauce or add honey for balance. - What’s the best dipping sauce?
Ranch, blue cheese, or vegan cashew ranch are all great options.
Ready to Crunch & Munch? 🥦🔥
Try these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites and let your taste buds dance! Drop a comment below or tag your spicy creations on Pinterest! 💚
