Appetizers & Snacks
Free
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Baked cauliflower florets in a crunchy batter, tossed in tangy buffalo sauce and finished under the broiler for extra crisp edges. A satisfying vegetarian take on classic buffalo wings.
15 minPrep
30 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
EasyDifficulty
⭐ 4.3Rating
about 4 cups
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 6 cups)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- 2 celery stalks, cut into sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt until you have a smooth, pancake-batter-like consistency.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Working one at a time, lift each battered floret and let excess batter drip off, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to coat, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.
- Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces so they crisp instead of steam.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each piece with tongs and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter in a large bowl.
- Once the cauliflower is golden and crisp, transfer it to the bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss gently until every piece is coated.
- Spread the sauced cauliflower back onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the edges are slightly charred and extra crispy.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.
Highlights
- Crispy without deep frying
- Classic buffalo flavor, vegetarian friendly
- Broiler finish adds real char and crunch
Tip: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; florets touching each other will steam and turn soft instead of crisping up.
Tip: Toss with sauce only right before broiling and serving so the coating stays crunchy instead of turning soggy.
Nutrition
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 6.0 g |
| Fat | 8.0 g |
| Carbs | 30.0 g |
| Fiber | 4.0 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate per serving and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
More From Appetizers & Snacks
Related Recipes
Members
Appetizers & Snacks
Korean-Style Double-Fried Chicken Wings
Appetizers & Snacks
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Appetizers & Snacks
Classic Hummus with Warm Pita
Appetizers & Snacks