Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe is one of those spicy to-die-for yet surprisingly healthier recipes, an excellent combination of cauliflower coated in a deliciously crispy batter, then baked and tossed in a homemade Buffalo Sauce to create a simple and delicious appetizer that would be perfect for vegetarian friends, impromptu get-together, or even game night.
You are seriously going to love this recipe for Buffalo Cauliflower Bites because it cuts the calories from traditional Buffalo Wings in a few ways by swapping cauliflower for the usual chicken wings and baking the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites in the oven instead of frying them in oil.
I’m not even going to kid Y’all. I am one of the many folks who’ve jumped on the cauliflower bandwagon over the years. My love affair with cauliflower all started with Mock Mashed potatoes several years ago. I still, to this day, don’t know how this vegetable became so darn delicious in mock recipes over the years, but it’s a favorite go-to faux ingredient these days for several methods.
My family members are not huge fans of blue cheese dressing, so we opted for a Homemade Ranch that’s super easy to make and pairs well with the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. However, if you love blue cheese, feel free to enjoy your blue cheese. Don’t forget to add some veggies on the side, like crisp carrots and crunchy celery, for everyone to munch on with the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.
This recipe for Buffalo Cauliflower Bites is a great vegetarian alternative to greasy Buffalo wings cooked in oil. Breaded cauliflower stands in for the standard chicken wings, all baked to perfection for a crispy mock Buffalo wings sensation at your next gathering. Serve with Homemade Ranch Dressing if desired.
Pro tips for Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe
- Look for a head of cauliflower with a creamy white color and densely packed florets free of blemishes or brown spots.
- The cauliflower head should feel heavy in your hand for its size.
- Take a good whiff. If the cauliflower has a strong or foul smell, it’s past its date and will probably taste unpleasant.
- To cut a head of cauliflower into florets, quarter the cauliflower head through the stem and then cut away the small piece of core from each quarter. Then, cut the cored cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Rinse the cut-up cauliflower pieces in a colander to remove any residual dirt. Use a clean kitchen towel to pat the cauliflower dry before cooking.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup water
- 1 large cauliflower cut into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup hot sauce your brand
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced chives
- Homemade Ranch Dressing see the blog post for link
- chopped parsley to garnish
- celery sticks
- carrot sticks
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Prepare a metal baking sheet with cooking spray
- In a glass large bowl, whisk together self-rising flour, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the buttermilk and water until smooth. Toss the bite-sized cauliflower in the batter until evenly coated.
- Spray the metal baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the battered cauliflower bites onto a pan. Try not to overcrowd the pan or the cauliflower will steam become as crispy as it should. You use two metal baking sheets.
- Bake cauliflower for 20 minutes.
- In the meantime, combine the hot sauce and butter in a small metal saucepan on low heat until the butter melts.
- Remove the cauliflower bites from the oven and toss with the hot sauce mixture.
- Return the cauliflower bites to the oven for another 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with Ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrots on the side.
Notes
Although themccallumsshamrockpatch.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and how ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Under no circumstances will themccallumsshamrockpatch.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your reliance on nutritional information.
Nutrition
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These were quite delicious!!! I served them for a couple of girl friends the other night and we couldn’t get enough! They both asked for the recipe 🙂
I’m so happy to have come across this recipe. I’ve attempted to make buffalo cauliflower bites many times and they never turned out. The texture of these, however, was perfect and the flavor was spot on. Will definitely be making again!
So happy I found your recipe. I love cauliflower, and this is a great way to prepare it. Even my kids ate them! That is a plus, they love spicy foods, and these bits fit the bill.
I’ve been looking for a good recipe for these since I had them in a restaurant, and I’ve found it! The entire family enjoyed them. Thank you for the great recipe!
I always see this Buffalo Cauliflower Bites at restaurants. It was easier to make than I thought it would be and so good.
This is such a great appetizer any time of the day, and with cauliflower, it’s a winner here in our home!
I love buffalo cauliflower Bites! These were absolutely delicious and so flavorful with the perfect amount of heat.
These buffalo cauliflower bites were terrific! I love ordering them at restaurants but never thought to try them at home until making your recipe. Thanks for the recipe!
You are so welcome, Maryanne! I am glad you enjoyed the recipe.
I LOVED that I could dip away the other night and not feel guilty about it with this Buffalo Cauliflower Bites recipe!
Thank you, Jess. I appreciate the feedback!
I love using cauliflower for these kind of dishes. So tasty and so much healthier. Perfect for adding more veggies to your diet, and not scrimping on the flavour. The dipping sauce looks like the perfect side.
Thank you, Helen, the great news is fewer calories too!