Best Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/?p=92714

Cauliflower buffalo bites are served alongside celery sticks and ranch.

4.67 from 12 votes

Best Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Kinda' spicy, ultra crispy, and oh-so-delicious, these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are always a hit at any Super Bowl or game day party! Florets are tossed in a simple batter of flour, water and seasonings, baked in the oven until crispy, and then coated in a homemade buffalo sauce.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: London Brazil

Ingredients

Battered Cauliflower

¾ cup water
¾ cup flour all purpose or gluten-free
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt to taste
1 large head cauliflower cut into florets, about 6 cups

Buffalo Sauce

½ cup Frank’s hot sauce
2 Tbsp. butter melted
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Batter Cauliflower: In a large bowl whisk together water, flour, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add cauliflower florets and toss until well coated.
¾ cup water, ¾ cup flour, ½ tsp. garlic powder, ½ tsp. onion powder, ½ tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. salt, 1 large head cauliflower
Bake in Oven: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread cauliflower out in a single layer. (Make sure none of them are touching or else they won't crisp up!) Bake in preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until batter becomes crispy.
Mix Buffalo Sauce: While cauliflower is baking combine hot sauce, melted butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon salt in another large bowl. Whisk until well combined.
½ cup Frank’s hot sauce, 2 Tbsp. butter, ½ tsp. garlic powder, ½ tsp. salt
Toss and Bake: Add baked cauliflower to the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss to combine. Return cauliflower back to the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. (If cauliflower is on the soggier side, keep baking and checking in 5 minute intervals.)
Serve buffalo cauliflower bites immediately with homemade ranch dressing, vegan if needed, and celery sticks. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Frank’s hot sauce, Crystal hot sauce, and Sriracha sauce all work in this recipe.
Can use vegan “butter” sticks if vegan or dairy-free.

Prep-Ahead Instructions

Chop the cauliflower into florets, mix the flour and dry seasonings, and make up the sauce in advance.

Storage Directions

Arrange leftovers in a single layer in a large plastic, airtight container. Place pieces of wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.

To freeze, seal in an airtight freezer-safe container with parchment paper separating any layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. But do note, the texture will change drastically once thawed! For the crispiest results, return the bites to a baking sheet and bake, uncovered, at 350°F or until heated through. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

Recipe Tips

Cut big. Shoot for slightly larger florets to get the perfect cauliflower-to-coating ratio.
Mix well. Using a whisk to mix both the batter and the sauce ensures all of the ingredients are evenly dispersed.
Pick a favorite. Choose a spicy sauce you love the flavor of since it makes up the majority of the taste.
Elevate the florets. Bake the cauliflower on a wire rack so the hot air can completely surround all sides for the crispiest results.
Save time. Prepare the cauliflower, mix the dry batter ingredients, and make the sauce in advance.

Nutrition