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Crispy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Easy, Best Recipe

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These crispy baked buffalo cauliflower bites deliver a shatteringly crunchy exterior and tender interior, coated in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for game day or a healthy snack, this oven-baked recipe uses a double-coating technique for maximum crunch without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water (or buttermilk)
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving (optional)
  • Celery and carrot sticks for serving (optional)
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the water (or buttermilk) and whisk until smooth.
  4. Add the florets to the bowl and gently toss until every floret is evenly coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
  5. Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes. Do not open the oven during this time.
  7. After 20 minutes, remove the sheet from the oven and carefully flip each floret. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
  8. While the cauliflower bakes, make the buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and warmed through.
  9. Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the top and gently toss with tongs until every floret is coated.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped chives or green onions, with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-coat the florets by dipping them in batter, letting them rest on a rack for 10 minutes, then dipping again before baking. Do not oversauce to keep the coating crispy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in an air fryer or oven to revive crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, baked cauliflower bites, crispy cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, game day snack, healthy wings

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/crispy-baked-buffalo-cauliflower-bites-easy-best-recipe/