Description
Crispy and flavorful Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a delicious vegetarian alternative to traditional buffalo wings, featuring baked cauliflower florets coated in a spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these bites offer a satisfying crunch with a bold kick of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Bites
- 1 medium cauliflower (about 1 lb), cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup water
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and water until you have a smooth batter with no lumps.
- Coat the Cauliflower Florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter thoroughly, ensuring they are fully coated. Place them evenly spaced in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Bake the florets for 20 minutes until they turn golden brown, flipping them halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping on all sides.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Remove the baked florets from the oven and toss them in buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Return them to the baking sheet.
- Final Bake: Put the sauce-coated florets back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to let the sauce set and the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve the bites hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the buffalo sauce amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For extra crispiness, use gluten-free flour if needed and ensure the florets are well coated but not dripping batter.
- Allow the cauliflower bites to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing as a dip for added flavor.
- These bites can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to retain their crisp texture.
