What the heck is this?
So, I was craving something crispy and spicy, but without the usual chicken wings. Enter these crispy baked buffalo cauliflower bites! Imagine perfectly roasted cauliflower, tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, and baked to crispy, golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s not only vegetarian but also totally addictive. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a healthier snack, or hosting a game day, these are your new go-to. Even my buffalo-sauce-obsessed friends were all like, “Wait, that’s cauliflower?!” Yup, it’s cauliflower—just a whole lot tastier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Crunchy: No deep frying here. These cauliflower bites bake up crispy without all the extra fat.
- Buffalo Sauce Magic: That perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and buttery—what else could you ask for?
- Quick & Easy: In under 40 minutes, you’ll have a plate of these beauties ready to devour.
- Keto-Friendly: You get all the flavor, none of the carbs. You can still indulge without wrecking your diet.
- Flavor Packed: Not only are they crispy, but they’re also full of bold flavors that’ll make you want to eat the whole batch (trust me, it’s happened).
- Perfect for Parties: Serve these as a side, a snack, or an appetizer. Your guests won’t know they’re eating veggies!
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Cauliflower Bites:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup almond flour (for that crispy coating)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (for a little extra flavor)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/3 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (adds that tang)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for depth)
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (because, duh)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional but gives it a pop)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower
In a large bowl, toss your cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss well to coat.
Then, sprinkle the almond flour over the cauliflower florets and toss again to create a light coating. This will help give the cauliflower its crispy texture when baked.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is baking, whisk together all the buffalo sauce ingredients in a small bowl—hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust if needed (add more hot sauce if you want it spicier, or more butter if you like it milder).
Step 5: Toss in the Sauce
Once the cauliflower is crispy and perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the cauliflower bites hot, garnished with chopped parsley (if you’re feeling fancy), and alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair them with a fresh green salad or some homemade coleslaw for a complete meal.
- These buffalo cauliflower bites also make an amazing side for a veggie burger or grilled chicken.
- Serve them at your next game day party alongside some sweet potato fries or crispy roasted potatoes.
Switch It Up
- Cauliflower Wings: Want to go full wing-style? Stick toothpicks in your cauliflower bites before baking for a fun, party-ready presentation.
- Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free butter and vegan ranch dressing to make this a fully plant-based option.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey to your buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can prep the cauliflower and coat it in the almond flour mixture a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready to go.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore that crispy texture.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not following a low-carb or keto diet, feel free to use regular all-purpose flour for a more traditional coating.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook the cauliflower for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. It’ll turn out just as crispy!
Q: Is this recipe really spicy?
A: The level of spice is adjustable. If you’re worried about it being too spicy, start with a milder hot sauce or use less of it. The butter and vinegar help balance the heat, too.
Q: How do I make the cauliflower extra crispy?
A: Make sure to coat the florets evenly and give them space on the baking sheet so they roast rather than steam. The almond flour is key to achieving that crispiness.
Crispy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: A Game-Changing Snack
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
So, I was craving something crispy and spicy, but without the usual chicken wings. Enter these crispy baked buffalo cauliflower bites! Imagine perfectly roasted cauliflower, tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, and baked to crispy, golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s not only vegetarian but also totally addictive. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a healthier snack, or hosting a game day, these are your new go-to. Even my buffalo-sauce-obsessed friends were all like, “Wait, that’s cauliflower?!” Yup, it’s cauliflower—just a whole lot tastier.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Bites:
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup almond flour (for that crispy coating)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (for a little extra flavor)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
1/3 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp white vinegar (adds that tang)
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for depth)
For Serving:
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (because, duh)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional but gives it a pop)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, toss your cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss well to coat.
Then, sprinkle the almond flour over the cauliflower florets and toss again to create a light coating. This will help give the cauliflower its crispy texture when baked.
Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.
While the cauliflower is baking, whisk together all the buffalo sauce ingredients in a small bowl—hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust if needed (add more hot sauce if you want it spicier, or more butter if you like it milder).
Once the cauliflower is crispy and perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
Serve the cauliflower bites hot, garnished with chopped parsley (if you’re feeling fancy), and alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
Cauliflower Wings: Want to go full wing-style? Stick toothpicks in your cauliflower bites before baking for a fun, party-ready presentation.
Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free butter and vegan ranch dressing to make this a fully plant-based option.
Sweet & Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey to your buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~120 calories
- Protein: ~3g