Description
Deliciously spicy and crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites made by coating cauliflower florets in a seasoned batter, baking them until perfectly browned, and tossing them in a flavorful buffalo sauce. Served with crunchy carrots and celery sticks alongside creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, this vegetarian appetizer is ideal for game day or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Bites
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Carrots and celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets into the batter bowl and toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the batter.
- Bake First Stage: Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are lightly browned and starting to crisp.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, mix the hot sauce, melted butter, and lemon juice in a small bowl until fully blended to create the buffalo sauce.
- Brush and Bake Again: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush each piece generously with the buffalo sauce. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cauliflower bites are browned and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Serve the spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, accompanied by fresh carrot and celery sticks for a classic and tasty pairing.
Notes
- This recipe is vegetarian and a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, making it perfect for game day or casual snacking.
- You can adjust the heat level by modifying the amount or type of hot sauce used to suit your spice preference.
- Ensure the cauliflower pieces are spaced adequately on the baking sheet for even crisping.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 127 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 864 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
