Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¾ cup water; ¾ cup buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe

It gives you that bold, classic buffalo‑wing flavor without the meat.
The cauliflower stays tender inside while getting crisp on the outside, delivering a great texture contrast.
The recipe is simple and quick, with common pantry ingredients and minimal prep time.
It’s perfect for game day, casual dinners, or a fun snack — and pairs beautifully with ranch (or blue cheese) dressing and veggie sticks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
½ cup all‑purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
½ cup water
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray (or parchment paper)
½ cup hot sauce (your favorite buffalo-style sauce)
2 tablespoons melted butter (or plant‑based butter if vegan)
½ tablespoon lemon juice
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
Carrots and celery sticks, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (≈ 230 °C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper until you get a smooth batter.
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat evenly.
Spread the battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer with space between each piece — this helps them crisp up properly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is lightly browned.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, and lemon juice to make the buffalo sauce.
Brush or spoon the buffalo sauce mixture over the baked cauliflower, coating each floret.
Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the sauce is set and the bites are crisp and golden.
Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and carrot and celery sticks if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~40 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes

Variations

Air‑fryer version: Instead of baking, you can air fry the battered cauliflower. Air fry at 375°F for ~10 minutes, then add the sauce and return for another ~5 minutes. This often results in even crispier bites.
Vegan variation: Use a plant‑based butter for the buffalo sauce and choose a vegan-friendly hot sauce. Serve with a dairy‑free ranch or dip of your choice.
Gluten‑free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten‑free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
Extra spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for an added kick.
Lighter version: Skip the butter and toss the baked cauliflower in hot sauce + a splash of lemon juice for a lower-fat, tangier version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To re-crisp, reheat in an oven or toaster oven — avoid the microwave if you want to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

How can I make these bites extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, spread the battered cauliflower in a single layer with space between florets before baking — avoid overcrowding. Also, flip halfway through baking so both sides crisp evenly. If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F and avoid overcrowding for a crunchy exterior.

Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?

Yes — some people use broccoli florets or even cauliflower-and-broccoli mixes. Keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary, especially for softer vegetables.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The batter will coat the cauliflower similarly, though texture might differ slightly.

Can I prepare the cauliflower ahead of time?

You can cut the cauliflower into florets and refrigerate them a few hours ahead. However, it’s best to coat and bake them right before serving — leftover coated cauliflower may get soggy.

Can I freeze these bites?

Yes. Once you’ve coated the cauliflower and spread them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake following the regular instructions, but add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.

What sauces or dips go well with these bites?

Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly. You can also use a vegan ranch or yogurt-based dip for a lighter option. Celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even cucumber slices complement the spicy flavor well.

Can I make them less spicy for kids or mild palates?

Absolutely. Reduce the amount of hot sauce, and increase the lemon juice slightly to keep flavor without too much heat. You can also mix the hot sauce with a little melted butter to mellow the spice.

Do I need to parboil the cauliflower before battering?

No. This recipe uses raw cauliflower florets coated in batter and baked directly — parboiling is not necessary.

Can I bake all at once instead of flipping halfway?

While you could, flipping halfway through ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides. Skipping the flip may result in uneven texture.

Are these ok for a vegan diet?

Yes — by using plant-based butter (or margarine) and a vegan-friendly hot sauce, these bites become fully vegan while retaining their spicy, crispy appeal.

Conclusion

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-make snack that delivers the bold flavor of buffalo wings — without meat or deep frying. With a light batter, spicy sauce, and simple ingredients, they’re a crowd‑pleasing appetizer or snack ideal for game days, parties, or casual weeknights. Whether baked or air-fried, vegan or gluten-free, this versatile recipe can easily adapt to your dietary needs and flavor preferences. Enjoy them hot, crispy, and served with your favorite dip and veggies.