Hi, I’m Hannah! I absolutely love the spicy, tangy flavor of anything “buffalo-style,” but I don’t always love the heavy, fried foods that usually come with it. I was on a mission to create a version that delivered all that crave-worthy flavor in a way that left me feeling energized, not weighed down. These Easy Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the incredible result. They are baked to crispy perfection, tossed in that signature fiery sauce, and are so addictively delicious you won’t even miss the wings. It’s my favorite ‘good habit’ for enjoying game day snacks in a nourishing, vibrant way.
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Crispy, Not Soggy: We use a simple two-step coating and baking method that ensures these bites are wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Baked, Not Fried: You get all the satisfaction of a classic appetizer with a fraction of the oil and none of the mess of deep-frying.
- Healthy & Low-Carb: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, low-carb, and packed with all the nutritional benefits of cauliflower. It’s a snack you can feel great about.
- The Perfect Party Food: These are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or just a fun weeknight snack. They disappear fast!
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a few simple ingredients to create that authentic buffalo flavor.
- Cauliflower: The star of the show! One head of fresh cauliflower, cut into uniform, bite-sized florets.
- Flour: A little all-purpose flour helps create a light batter that gives the buffalo sauce something to cling to. A 1-to-1 gluten-free blend works perfectly, too.
- Spices: We add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the batter for a savory flavor base.
- Milk: A splash of any milk (dairy or non-dairy) thins the batter to the perfect consistency.
- Buffalo Sauce: This is key! Use your favorite brand of buffalo-style hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot). It’s different from regular hot sauce, as it typically has a vinegar base and a specific flavor profile perfect for wings.
- Butter or Ghee: A little melted butter or ghee mixed into the buffalo sauce helps it emulsify and coat the cauliflower beautifully, giving it that classic, silky finish.
- For Serving: Your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing and some fresh chives or celery sticks.
How to Make Crispy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower
This process is so much easier than you think! The full, detailed recipe is in the recipe card below.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and spices. Slowly whisk in the milk until you have a smooth, thin batter, about the consistency of pancake batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Add your cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is lightly coated in the batter.
- Bake – First Round: Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a hot oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is dry and lightly golden.
- Sauce and Bake – Second Round: While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Remove the cauliflower from the oven, place it in a large bowl, and toss it with the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Crisp It Up: Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and the edges are crispy. Serve your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites immediately!
Tips for the Best Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- The “Single Layer” Habit: This is the most important ‘good habit’ for crispy results. Make sure the cauliflower florets are in a single layer on the baking sheet with space between them. If they are crowded, they will steam instead of getting crispy. Use two pans if you need to!
- The Double Bake: Don’t skip the two-step baking process! The first bake cooks the cauliflower and sets the batter. The second bake after saucing is what makes them crispy and caramelizes the sauce for the best flavor.
- The Right Sauce: Be sure to use a “Buffalo-style” sauce, not just a regular hot sauce like Tabasco. Buffalo sauce has a distinct tangy, buttery flavor that is essential for this recipe. Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice.
- Serve Immediately: Like any “crispy” food, these are at their absolute best when served hot and fresh from the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer is fantastic for this. Follow the same coating steps. Air fry the battered cauliflower at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Toss with the sauce, then return to the air fryer for another 5 minutes until crispy. - How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the batter. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free (but always double-check your buffalo sauce). - How do I make these vegan?
To make vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) in the batter and use melted vegan butter or coconut oil in the buffalo sauce. Serve with a vegan ranch dressing. - How do I control the spice level?
Most standard buffalo sauces are medium-hot. If you are sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of sauce you toss the cauliflower in, or you can add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to the sauce to temper the heat.
More Healthy Appetizers & Game Day Snacks
- Easy Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans
- The Best Creamy Hummus
- Easy & Healthy Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
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Easy Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Easy Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites! They're baked, not fried, but are so crispy and packed with that classic spicy buffalo flavor.
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or 1-to-1 GF blend
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk any kind
- 1/2 cup buffalo-style hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
- Fresh chives chopped
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk until a smooth, thin batter forms.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- First Bake: Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between them. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until the coating is dry and lightly golden.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, whisk together the buffalo sauce and the melted butter in a large, clean bowl.
- Sauce the Cauliflower: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and carefully add it to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Toss gently until every piece is fully coated.
- Second Bake: Pour the sauced cauliflower back onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the edges of the cauliflower are crispy and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
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