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