Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a fun and tasty twist on the classic buffalo wing, but made with crispy, roasted cauliflower instead. They have the perfect amount of heat from the buffalo sauce and a nice crunch from the coating, making them a great snack or appetizer. The cauliflower keeps things light, but you still get all that bold, spicy flavor everyone loves.
I love making these bites when I want something a little different but still crave that spicy buffalo kick. They’re super easy to throw together, and I like to toss the cauliflower in a simple batter before baking it so they get nice and crispy without frying. It’s one of those recipes where you can really feel good about snacking.
My favorite way to enjoy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites is with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dip and some crunchy celery sticks on the side. They’re perfect for game day or when friends come over because everyone always asks for more. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your snack time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this recipe! Choose a firm, fresh head with tight florets for the best texture. If you want a different veggie, broccoli works well too.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps create a crispy coating. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour or a gluten-free blend, which also adds a nice flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: The heat and tang come from classic buffalo sauce. You can adjust spice level by adding more or less hot sauce or swap for a milder wing sauce if you prefer less heat.
Butter: It softens the heat and adds richness. For a vegan version, use melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These cooling dips balance the spicy bites. You can use dairy-free dressings or yogurt-based dips for a lighter touch.
How Do I Get Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Without Frying?
The trick to crispy buffalo cauliflower is the batter and baking technique.
- Make a smooth batter that coats each floret thinly—this helps the cauliflower get crunchy.
- Arrange florets in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between them to avoid sogginess.
- Use a hot oven (around 450°F) so the outside crisps up quickly while keeping the inside tender.
- Bake first to set the crust, then toss in sauce and bake again to caramelize the buffalo flavors.
- For an extra crunch, you can broil for a minute or two at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
I find that patience and not overcrowding the pan make a big difference in getting that perfect crispy bite every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I prefer lining it with parchment paper so cleanup is easy and the cauliflower doesn’t stick.
- Mixing bowls – one for the batter and one for tossing the cauliflower in sauce; medium size works well.
- Whisk – keeps your batter smooth without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements, especially for sauce and seasoning.
- Spatula or tongs – for tossing the cauliflower in the sauce without breaking it apart.
- Oven – a standard oven set to 450°F heats up quickly for crispy results.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use buffalo chicken sauce or a mix of hot sauce and honey for a sweet-spicy flavor twist.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast before baking for extra umami.
- Mix in chopped green onions or cilantro after baking for fresh flavor.
- Try a different dip like a tangy avocado crema or smoky chipotle sauce to match your taste.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cauliflower and Batter:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For The Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Serving and Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling and dipping)
- Celery sticks (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake the cauliflower in two stages. In total, you’ll need roughly 45 minutes to have these spicy, crispy bites ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Making the Batter and Coating the Cauliflower:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated.
3. Baking the Cauliflower (First Round):
Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, until the cauliflower starts to brown and gets slightly crispy around the edges.
4. Preparing the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower bakes, mix together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl. This will be your spicy, flavorful coating.
5. Tossing in Sauce and Baking Again:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully toss the baked cauliflower in the buffalo sauce mixture until each piece is well coated. Spread the coated cauliflower evenly back on the baking sheet. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the bites are crispy and slightly caramelized.
6. Serving Your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites:
Once out of the oven, arrange the cauliflower bites on a serving platter. Drizzle them with ranch or blue cheese dressing and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with celery sticks and extra dressing on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your spicy, crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites as an appetizer, snack, or party treat!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating. Excess moisture can prevent the batter from sticking and make the bites less crispy.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make vegan buffalo cauliflower bites, substitute the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Also, use a vegan buffalo sauce and serve with dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Can I Make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Ahead of Time?
You can prep and bake the cauliflower ahead, then toss in the buffalo sauce right before serving to keep them crispy. Store baked cauliflower in the fridge up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to help regain their crispiness instead of using the microwave, which can make them soggy.
