Description
These Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Crispy baked cauliflower florets are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and served with cool ranch dressing and crunchy veggies, making them perfect for game day or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Batter
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Carrots and celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth batter without lumps, ensuring even coating for the cauliflower.
- Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss them thoroughly to make sure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoned batter mixture.
- Bake Initial Layer: Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart, and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they become lightly browned. Flip them halfway through the baking time for even cooking.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, and lemon juice in a small bowl, whisking until the sauce is well blended and smooth.
- Coat with Buffalo Sauce and Bake: Remove the cauliflower from the oven, brush each piece generously with the buffalo sauce mixture, then return them to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes until they start to brown and crisp up.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites hot, accompanied by ranch or blue cheese dressing and fresh carrots and celery sticks for a perfect spicy and cooling contrast.
Notes
- These buffalo cauliflower bites are a vegetarian and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
- Using parchment paper or cooking spray prevents the cauliflower from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
- For extra crispiness, ensure the cauliflower pieces are spaced apart on the baking sheet.
- Shrink the spice level by reducing hot sauce or serve with more ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance heat.
- Perfect appetizer for game day or casual parties.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 127 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 864 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
