In my kitchen, you'll always find an abundance of vegetables. I love finding new ways to make them exciting and flavorful for my family and friends. When I first tasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites at a gathering, I was immediately drawn to their bold flavor and the fun, crunchy texture. They were a refreshing change from the usual veggie dishes, and I knew I had to try making them at home. Cauliflower is trending for good reason—it's versatile, healthy, and takes on flavors beautifully. Now, these bites are a favorite in my home, especially when I want to serve something that’s both a conversation piece and a delicious, meat-free alternative. Whether I’m hosting a casual get-together or simply looking to spice up a weeknight meal, these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites always hit the spot.
Did You Know?
Buffalo sauce was created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. The sauce is a simple mixture of hot sauce and melted butter, which perfectly complements the crispy texture of these cauliflower bites. Cauliflower is an excellent low-calorie substitute for traditional buffalo wings, making this dish a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Buffalo sauce can be found pre-made in jars at most supermarkets, but it is also easy to make at home by combining hot sauce and melted butter.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Personal Tip: A hot oven is key to getting that perfect crispiness on the cauliflower.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Batter:
Personal Tip: Make sure to whisk the batter well so it's smooth with no lumps, ensuring even coating on the cauliflower.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Coat the Cauliflower:
Personal Tip: Let any excess batter drip off to avoid a soggy texture; this helps the cauliflower crisp up nicely.
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess drip off, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Personal Tip: For extra crispiness, you can flip the cauliflower halfway through baking to ensure all sides are evenly golden.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown.
Prepare the Sauce:
Personal Tip: Adjust the spice level of the buffalo sauce to your preference—add more hot sauce for a spicier kick or a bit of honey for a milder taste.
In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter.
Coat with Sauce:
Personal Tip: Toss the cauliflower gently in the sauce to keep the coating intact.
Toss the baked cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until well coated. Return to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Serve:
Personal Tip: Serve these bites immediately for the best texture, with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 150, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrates: 22g, Sugars: 2g, Total Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 700mg, Fiber: 3g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Cauliflower: Buy cauliflower when it's in season or on sale. You can also use frozen cauliflower, which is often cheaper and available year-round.
- Batter Variations: For a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy coating, toss the cauliflower in a mixture of breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast before baking.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with celery sticks and vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo wing experience.
- Batch Cooking: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick snack or appetizer. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Oil-Free: For an oil-free version, skip the butter in the buffalo sauce and use a splash of vinegar for added tanginess.
- Marinating: Marinate the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce for a few hours before baking to infuse more flavor.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Eco-Friendly: Use reusable silicone baking mats instead of parchment paper for a more sustainable option.
Let’s Learn About Cauliflower
Cauliflower thrives in cool climates, growing best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It's harvested when the heads are tight and compact, typically done by hand to ensure quality. Blanching, or covering the heads with leaves, keeps them white by preventing sun exposure.
Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh cauliflower should be firm, white, and free of brown spots, while frozen cauliflower is flash-frozen at peak freshness, retaining most nutrients but potentially losing some texture.
What to Watch For: Look for organic options if concerned about pesticides, though cauliflower is generally not heavily sprayed.
Cleaning Tip: Soak cauliflower in a 3:1 water-to-vinegar mixture for 10 minutes to remove dirt and pesticides.