Description

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a spicy, oven-baked appetizer with tender cauliflower centers, golden edges, and bold buffalo sauce in every bite. This easy recipe is perfect for game day snacks, party food ideas, healthy snack options, vegetarian appetizers, quick dinner sides, and simple food ideas when you want something flavorful without frying.

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into medium florets

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

3/4 cup milk or unsweetened plant-based milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2/3 cup buffalo sauce

2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter

1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

1/2 cup ranch, blue cheese dip, or yogurt herb dip for serving

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat it with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Pat the cauliflower florets dry so the batter sticks well.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

4. Pour in the milk and whisk until a smooth batter forms.

5. Add the cauliflower florets and toss until evenly coated, letting excess batter drip off.

6. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet with space between each piece.

7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly golden and crisp around the edges.

8. In a clean bowl, stir together the buffalo sauce and melted butter.

9. Toss the baked cauliflower gently in the buffalo sauce mixture until coated.

10. Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 more minutes.

11. Serve hot with ranch, blue cheese dip, or yogurt herb dip, and garnish with parsley or dill.

Notes

Dry the cauliflower well before coating so the batter sticks and bakes up crisp.

Do not crowd the baking sheet because space helps the cauliflower roast instead of steam.

For extra crisp edges, serve the bites right after the second bake while they are still hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 176
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 785mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower bites, easy appetizer, healthy snack, vegetarian appetizer, game day food, party food ideas, baked cauliflower, easy recipe