Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a bold and flavourful plant-based alternative to traditional wings. Coated in a crispy batter and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, these bites offer the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Whether served as a game-day snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to satisfy any craving for something spicy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup water or plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off any excess, and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss the florets in the buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
These Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites deliver all the bold, spicy flavours of classic buffalo wings without the meat. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun addition to any meal. Enjoy the heat with your favourite dipping sauce for the ultimate snack experience!
Optional Additions:
- Extra crunch: Toss the battered cauliflower in panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Vegan option: Use vegan butter and serve with dairy-free ranch or cashew cream dip.
- Mild version: Mix buffalo sauce with a bit of honey or maple syrup to tone down the heat.