Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Featured in: Crispy & Crunchy Recipes

These buffalo cauliflower bites feature tender cauliflower coated in a flavorful seasoned batter, baked until crisp, then tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce. The combination of smoky spices and tangy sauce creates a perfect balance of heat and flavor. Ideal as a vegetarian snack or appetizer, they offer a satisfying crunch and vibrant taste. Serve warm with crisp celery and carrots for a delightful contrast in texture and freshness.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:59:00 GMT
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites drizzled with tangy hot sauce, perfect game day snack.  Save to Pinterest
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites drizzled with tangy hot sauce, perfect game day snack. | chomzo.com

Crispy, spicy cauliflower florets baked to perfection and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce — an irresistible vegetarian alternative to traditional wings.

I love serving these buffalo cauliflower bites at gatherings because they satisfy even the most devoted wing lovers in my family.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • Batter: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Buffalo Sauce: 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness)
  • For Serving (optional): Celery sticks, Carrot sticks, Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to form a smooth batter.
Step 3:
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4:
Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, shaking off excess batter.
Step 5:
Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is set and the florets start to turn golden.
Step 6:
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup (if using).
Step 7:
Remove cauliflower from the oven and gently toss with the buffalo sauce to coat. Return to the baking sheet.
Step 8:
Bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy and caramelized around the edges.
Step 9:
Serve hot, garnished with celery and carrot sticks and your favorite dipping sauce.
Golden-brown Buffalo Cauliflower Bites served with creamy ranch dressing and fresh veggies.  Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Buffalo Cauliflower Bites served with creamy ranch dressing and fresh veggies. | chomzo.com

These bites always bring my family together for a fun and tasty snack time.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, Whisk, Baking sheet, Parchment paper or nonstick spray, Small bowl, Tongs

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter optional dressing). For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free dressing. Always check labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 150 per serving. Total Fat: 6 g. Carbohydrates: 22 g. Protein: 4 g.

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, a zesty vegetarian treat ideal for your next gathering. Save to Pinterest
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, a zesty vegetarian treat ideal for your next gathering. | chomzo.com

Enjoy these buffalo cauliflower bites as a flavorful and guilt-free snack any time.

Common Questions

What type of cauliflower is best to use?

Choose a fresh, firm head of cauliflower with tight, white florets for the best texture and flavor.

How can I make the batter crispier?

Adding panko breadcrumbs before baking or ensuring the batter coats the florets evenly helps achieve a crunchier texture.

Can I adjust the heat level of the buffalo sauce?

Yes, use less hot sauce for milder bites or add more for extra spiciness to suit your heat preference.

Is it possible to make a vegan version?

Substitute dairy butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure dipping sauces are vegan-friendly for a fully plant-based option.

What are good accompaniments for serving?

Fresh celery sticks, carrot sticks, and tangy dressings like blue cheese or ranch complement the crispy cauliflower well.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy cauliflower florets coated in spicy buffalo sauce, baked to a golden finish for a tasty snack.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Time Needed
45 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-free

Required Ingredients

Cauliflower

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

Batter

01 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup water
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Buffalo Sauce

01 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

For Serving

01 Celery sticks
02 Carrot sticks
03 Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 02

Prepare Batter: Whisk together all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.

Step 03

Coat Cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until evenly coated.

Step 04

Arrange Cauliflower: Place battered florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, shaking off any excess batter.

Step 05

Bake Initial Coat: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating sets and the florets begin to brown.

Step 06

Prepare Buffalo Sauce: Whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup (if using) in a small bowl.

Step 07

Coat with Buffalo Sauce: Remove cauliflower from the oven and gently toss with the buffalo sauce to coat evenly. Return the florets to the baking sheet.

Step 08

Final Bake: Bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy and caramelized along the edges.

Step 09

Serve: Serve warm with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your preferred dipping sauce.

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray
  • Small bowl
  • Tongs

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter, optional dressing).
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option.
  • Use vegan butter and dairy-free dressing for dairy-free option.

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 150
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 4 g