Description
Crispy and spicy buffalo cauliflower bites that serve as a perfect vegetarian appetizer or game-day snack, offering a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
Ingredients
Cauliflower and Batter
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup flour (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- ½ cup water or milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the cauliflower bites.
- Make Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, paprika, and salt until you have a smooth batter.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated, then place them on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Initial Bake: Bake the coated cauliflower florets in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to cook through and start crisping.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While baking, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter if using; this adds richness and helps the sauce stick to the cauliflower.
- Toss and Bake Again: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss the florets in the buffalo sauce mixture until fully coated. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to enhance flavor and crispiness.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower bites for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites hot with a side of ranch or blue cheese dip for dipping, perfect for snacking or parties.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower bites for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- To make the recipe low carb, substitute regular flour with almond flour.
- Use milk instead of water in the batter for a richer coating.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing as a traditional buffalo wing accompaniment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American