Description
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are my favorite way to get all the spicy, tangy flavor of classic wings in a lighter, veggie packed appetizer. Tender roasted cauliflower is coated in a crisp batter and tossed in buttery buffalo sauce for a game day snack or easy dinner side that just happens to be vegetarian, baked, and perfect for quick party food or healthy snack cravings. These bites fit right in with easy dinner ideas, fun snack boards, and quick appetizer recipes when you need simple food ideas fast.
Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite size florets
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2/3 cup milk or buttermilk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup buffalo style hot sauce
1 tablespoon honey, optional
Oil spray for the pan and tops
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or chives
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly mist it with oil spray.
2. Cut the cauliflower into small, even bite size florets. Rinse if needed, then pat very dry with a clean towel so the batter sticks well.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour in the milk or buttermilk and whisk until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter that coats the back of a spoon.
5. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated in the seasoned batter, shaking off any heavy excess.
6. Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Mist the tops lightly with oil spray.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the coating is set, lightly crisp, and the cauliflower is just tender when pierced with a fork.
8. While the cauliflower bakes, stir together the melted butter, buffalo style hot sauce, and honey in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking.
9. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill or chives, salt, and pepper to make a quick creamy dipping sauce. Chill until serving.
10. When the cauliflower is done, transfer the hot florets to a clean large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the top and toss gently until every piece is coated.
11. Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and spread out again. Broil on high for 3 to 5 minutes, just until a few edges darken and the sauce looks slightly caramelized.
12. Serve the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites immediately with the chilled herb dip on the side and extra fresh herbs or cracked black pepper on top if you like.
Notes
For extra crispy bites, keep the florets on the smaller side and be sure the cauliflower is very dry before dipping it into the batter.
You can bake the battered cauliflower in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, then toss in buffalo sauce and air fry a few more minutes to re crisp.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 15
Keywords: buffalo cauliflower bites, vegetarian appetizer, game day snacks, healthy snack, party food, baked cauliflower, easy recipe, dinner ideas, snack ideas