Description
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings, featuring crispy battered cauliflower florets coated in a spicy buffalo sauce. This easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious snack, combining the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with a satisfying baked crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Batter
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Buffalo Sauce Coating
- 3/4 cup Buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss thoroughly to ensure each floret is evenly coated with the batter mixture.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to promote even cooking and browning.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce and Apply: While the cauliflower bakes, combine the Buffalo sauce and melted unsalted butter in a small bowl. After the initial baking, brush this sauce mixture evenly over the baked cauliflower bites.
- Final Bake: Return the sauce-coated cauliflower bites to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the sauce set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the cauliflower bites for an additional 1-2 minutes after the final bake. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the buffalo sauce with a milder wing sauce or BBQ sauce.
- These bites are best served fresh and hot for optimal texture.
