Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable View)
Oven-baked cauliflower florets coated in spicy buffalo sauce for a tasty vegetarian snack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cauliflower
01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
→ Batter
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - ½ cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Buffalo Sauce
09 - ¼ cup hot sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
→ Serving
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
13 - Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
14 - Celery and carrot sticks
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until a smooth batter forms.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat evenly.
04 - Arrange battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not touch.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly golden and crisp.
06 - Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup if using.
07 - Remove cauliflower from the oven. Using tongs, gently toss the hot cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until coated.
08 - Return coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until edges are crispy and sauce is set.
09 - Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately with dipping sauce and vegetable sticks.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The batter creates an actual crunch that survives the sauce bake, unlike soggy baked cauliflower disasters
- These disappear faster than wings at parties, even with dedicated meat eaters
02 -
- Overcrowding the pan creates steam instead of crispiness, so use two baking sheets if needed
- The cauliflower must be hot when tossed in sauce or the coating will turn gummy immediately
03 -
- Air fryer instructions work beautifully if you want to bake in batches without heating the whole oven
- Let the battered florets sit for 5 minutes before baking to help the coating adhere better