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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

These oven-baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor. Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned batter, baked until golden, then tossed in a buttery buffalo sauce for the perfect vegetarian appetizer or snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted (or vegan butter)
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat evenly. Shake off excess batter and arrange florets in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  5. Meanwhile, whisk together melted butter, buffalo sauce, and honey or maple syrup if using.
  6. Remove cauliflower from oven and brush or gently toss with buffalo sauce. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until edges are crispy.
  7. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan and serve immediately after baking. These bites can be made vegan with plant-based milk and vegan butter, or gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

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