Description
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites bring a zesty kick to plant-based snacking, offering crispy textures and bold flavors that rival traditional wing appetizers. Crunchy cauliflower florets coated in tangy buffalo sauce make this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll want to devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
Batter Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Accompaniments:
- Celery sticks
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a blazing 450F (230C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal crispiness.
- Create a smooth, seasoned batter by whisking flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until fully integrated.
- Carefully submerge each cauliflower floret into the prepared batter, ensuring complete and even coverage, allowing excess batter to drip off before arranging on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the battered cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet midway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning and a satisfyingly crisp exterior.
- Extract the golden cauliflower from the oven and generously coat the bites with buffalo sauce, thoroughly tossing to ensure complete and even sauce distribution.
- Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and intensify the crispy texture.
- Plate the spicy buffalo cauliflower bites immediately, accompanied by fresh celery sticks and cooling ranch dressing for a perfect flavor contrast and dipping experience.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Chop cauliflower into evenly sized florets to ensure uniform cooking and crispy texture.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Sauce Control: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on spice preference, from mild drizzle to fiery coating.
- Extra Crispiness Hack: Pat cauliflower completely dry before battering to prevent soggy results and achieve maximum crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg