Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a fun and tasty twist on classic buffalo wings, but with a crunchy, spicy kick from roasted cauliflower. These little bites are coated in a zesty buffalo sauce that’s just the right amount of tangy and spicy, making them perfect for snacking or sharing at a get-together.
I love making these because they’re so easy to put together and feel a little bit healthier than traditional wings. I usually serve them with cool ranch or blue cheese dip on the side to balance out the heat. It’s always a hit when friends come over, and even people who don’t normally go for veggies tend to ask for seconds!
If you want a simple way to liven up your game day or just need a quick snack, these bites are my go-to. Plus, they’re great for pretending you’re being good while still enjoying something packed with flavor. I find they crisp up best in the oven, but you can also try air frying for an extra crunch. Either way, these buffalo cauliflower bites never fail to bring a little excitement to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh, firm cauliflower works best here. I like to choose florets that are uniform in size for even cooking. If cauliflower isn’t your favorite, broccoli makes a good substitute with a similar texture.
Flour: The flour helps make a crispy coating for the bites. I usually use all-purpose flour, but for a gluten-free option, a blend made for baking works just as well. You can even try chickpea flour for a nuttier flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: Buffalo sauce gives these bites their signature zing. If you want to control the spice level, choose a mild or medium sauce and add hot sauce separately to taste.
Butter: Melted butter mixed with the buffalo sauce adds richness. For a vegan version, use vegan butter or coconut oil. This also helps the sauce stick to the cauliflower better.
Ranch or Blue Cheese: These creamy dressings balance the heat nicely when drizzled on top or served for dipping. You could swap with vegan ranch or a simple yogurt dip for a lighter touch.
How Do I Get Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Every Time?
Crispiness can be tricky because cauliflower releases water while baking. Here are a few tips I follow:
- Coat the florets well in the batter, but don’t overload—excess batter can stay soggy.
- Arrange florets spaced apart to let hot air circulate, which helps them crisp up, rather than steam.
- Bake first without the sauce to get a firm crust, then toss in buffalo sauce and bake again. This double bake locks in crispiness while letting sauce flavor soak in.
- If you have an air fryer, try cooking at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.
- Let the wings cool only slightly before serving—they crisp up a little more once out of the oven.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – Makes cleanup easy and helps the cauliflower crisp without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – For whisking the batter and tossing the cauliflower in sauce.
- Whisk or spoon – To blend the batter smoothly and coat the cauliflower evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To keep your ingredients accurate and consistent.
- Small bowl – For mixing buffalo sauce and melted butter.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use buffalo sauce with a milder flavor or switch to BBQ sauce for a smoky twist. Great for less heat or different flavor profiles.
- Add grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top after baking for extra savory flavor.
- Mix in chopped scallions or fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh, herby kick.
- Include a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes in the batter for an extra spicy bite.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp melted vegan butter or regular butter
For Serving and Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling or dipping)
- Celery sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 40-45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Cauliflower:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Wash your cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Make the Batter and Coat the Cauliflower:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently to coat every piece well.
3. Bake the Cauliflower:
Arrange the batter-coated cauliflower evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Leave some space between florets for crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Toss in Buffalo Sauce and Bake Again:
While the cauliflower bakes, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl. When the cauliflower is done, carefully toss it in the buffalo sauce until all the pieces are coated. Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the edges crisp up and the sauce caramelizes slightly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately with fresh celery sticks for a crunchy, refreshing side.
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating to avoid extra moisture that can make the bites soggy.
How Can I Make These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Crispy?
For maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so hot air can circulate. Baking twice—once before and once after coating with sauce—helps create a crunchy crust.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
You can coat and bake the cauliflower ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven to refresh the crispiness before tossing in buffalo sauce and serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy, as microwaving may make them soft.