Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable)

Oven-baked cauliflower florets with spicy buffalo sauce for a tasty, vegetarian appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - ½ cup water
04 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
06 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ¼ teaspoon salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Buffalo Sauce

09 - ¼ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot)
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

→ For Serving

12 - Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
13 - Celery sticks
14 - Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
02 - Whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - Place the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, shaking off any excess batter.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, turning the florets halfway through to ensure even browning.
06 - Whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup (if using) in a small bowl.
07 - Transfer the baked cauliflower to a clean bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over, and toss to coat evenly.
08 - Return the sauced florets to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
09 - Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley or chives, alongside celery sticks and your preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • That crispy coating holds all the spicy flavor without feeling heavy, like a secret treat only friends know about
  • The balance of heat and a touch of sweetness makes every bite irresistible, turning cauliflower into a star appetizer
02 -
  • Coating the florets evenly but not too thick keeps them crispy, so shake off excess batter before baking
  • Adding the buffalo sauce after the first bake ensures the bites stay crunchy while soaking up flavor
03 -
  • Use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking without extra oil
  • Customize heat by mixing different hot sauces or adding a pinch of cayenne to the batter

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