Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Bites (Vegetarian, Easy Crowd-Pleaser)

Introduction

These crispy, spicy cauliflower buffalo bites deliver all the flavors of classic buffalo wings in a vegetarian-friendly package. Perfect for game day or as a healthier appetizer option!

Cauliflower head being cut into uniform florets on a wooden board with a chef's knife resting nearby under natural kitchen lighting

Key Info

– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 35 minutes
– Total Time: 45 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Difficulty: Easy
– Dietary: Vegetarian (Vegan/GF options available)

Equipment Needed

– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Large mixing bowl
– Measuring cups/spoons
– Cutting board & knife

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

– 1 large cauliflower head (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized florets
– 120g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
– 120ml (1/2 cup) milk
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Buffalo Sauce:

– 180ml (3/4 cup) Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce
– 30g (2 tbsp) melted butter

Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut cauliflower into even-sized florets (about 1.5 inches each).

Raw battered cauliflower florets arranged with spacing on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for baking

3. In large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Toss cauliflower in batter until evenly coated. Shake off excess.
5. Arrange on baking sheet in single layer. Don’t overcrowd!

Close-up image of a partially baked cauliflower with golden brown edges indicating crispy texture development

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges start browning.
7. Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.

Melted butter being whisked into bright red buffalo sauce in a clear glass bowl, resulting in a slightly creamy and glossy texture

8. Remove cauliflower, brush with buffalo sauce mixture.
9. Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy and sauce is slightly caramelized.

Buffalo cauliflower bites fresh from second bake with caramelized edges, crispy exterior, sticky sauce and visible charred spots

Crucial Tips

– Pat cauliflower dry before battering
– Space florets apart on baking sheet
– Don’t skip the double bake
– Look for golden brown edges as doneness indicator

Storage & Variations

Storage:

– Refrigerate up to 3 days
– Reheat in oven at 350°F/175°C for 5-10 minutes

Common Mistakes:

– Overcrowding the pan
– Too much batter coating
– Not baking long enough initially

Variations:

– Use GF flour for gluten-free version
– Substitute plant-based milk/butter for vegan option
– Adjust spice level by mixing hot sauce with BBQ sauce

Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks on the side!