Try these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites—oven-baked, spicy, and guilt-free! Perfect for game day or snacks, these vegetarian bites are crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make vegan.
These Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are your new go-to!
If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors but want a lighter alternative to traditional buffalo wings, these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are your new go-to!
These bites are a healthier, vegetarian-friendly option
Oven-baked to golden perfection and smothered in tangy buffalo sauce, these bites are a healthier, vegetarian-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Plus, they’re so easy to make vegan!
These buffalo cauliflower bites are the exception.
I’ll be honest—I’m not usually one for cauliflower trying to replace other foods. Cauliflower rice? Not my thing. Cauliflower pizza crust? I’ll stick to the original. But these buffalo cauliflower bites are the exception.
They’re so flavorful, you won’t even think about chicken.
The crispy coating, the zesty sauce, and the satisfying texture make them a winner. They’re sturdy enough to hold up to the sauce without getting soggy, and they’re so flavorful, you won’t even think about chicken.
Why These Bites Are a Healthier Choice
Traditional buffalo wings are often deep-fried and drenched in buttery sauce, making them a calorie-heavy treat. These cauliflower bites, however, are baked, cutting down on fat while still delivering that crave-worthy crunch. The buffalo sauce is lighter too, with just a hint of honey to balance the spice and add a touch of sweetness.
And let’s talk nutrition! While chicken wings are protein-packed, cauliflower brings fiber, vitamins, and nutrients to the table. It’s a delicious way to sneak more veggies into your meals.
Tips for Perfect Cauliflower Bites
- Dry Your Cauliflower: Whether you’re using fresh or frozen florets, make sure they’re completely dry before coating them. This helps the batter stick and ensures a crispier result.
- Let the Batter Rest: Allow the florets to sit in the batter for at least 30 seconds to ensure an even, thick coating.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup—no sticking, no fuss!
How to Make It Vegan
This recipe is incredibly easy to adapt for a vegan diet. Simply swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and use olive oil instead of butter in the buffalo sauce. You’ll still get all the flavor and crunch without any animal products.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into large florets
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- Dipping sauces of choice (ranch, blue cheese, or vegan alternatives)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, milk, and water until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all the florets.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is lightly golden.
- Toss in Sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss it with the buffalo sauce. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the edges are crispy and golden.
- Serve: Enjoy your crispy buffalo cauliflower bites with your favorite dipping sauces!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the ultimate snack for any occasion. They’re crunchy, spicy, and full of flavor, making them perfect for game day, parties, or even a cozy night in. Plus, they’re a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make a snack that’s sure to impress. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: A Flavor-Packed, Guilt-Free Snack
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 medium cauliflower head, broken into large florets
¾ c. all-purpose flour
½ t. paprika
1 t. garlic powder
¼ c. milk
¼ c. water
½ c. buffalo sauce
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Dipping sauces of choice such as ranch, blue cheese or sour cream
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, milk, and water until a smooth batter forms. Generously season the batter with salt and pepper.
Dunk each cauliflower floret into the batter, allow the excess batter to drip, then transfer onto the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat with all of the florets and then transfer to the preheated oven to bake until lightly golden, approximately 20 minutes.
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss with the buffalo sauce. Return into the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower wings are nicely golden and crispy around the edges.
Serve with dipping sauces of your choice.
Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
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